That sorrowful character is coming back to the snack corner of Japanese convenience stores (Konbini). “Hizatsuki Seika”, a Japanese rice cracker manufacturer, has collaborated with “Opanchu Usagi”, a character boasting cult popularity in Japan. Three new snack products will be released in advance at 7-Eleven stores nationwide in Japan starting Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
This lineup is not just a simple package collaboration. From flavor development to the backstory on the package, there is a very strong commitment to detail. Of particular note is the “Shimiwataru Ebisen (Shrimp Crackers)”, where an unexpected situation occurred. Here are the details on what exactly happened, as well as the triple collaboration realized with Japan’s famous pickle brand, “Iwashita’s New Ginger”.
Opanchu Usagi Potato Chips Cheese Pizza Flavor
First up is the king of snacks: potato chips. The world of “Opanchu Usagi” has a unique atmosphere that is somewhat American and pop, yet always unlucky and pitiful (Pity-cute). In line with this image, this product was developed with the theme of “American cheese-filled pizza”.
What deserves special mention is the obsession with the seasoning. Cheese powder and pizza powder are deliberately mixed separately and applied to the chips at a level that feels like a “Guilty Pleasure”. Hizatsuki Seika is a manufacturer with a reputation for intense flavors and seasoning technology. You can expect a rich taste that packs a punch this time as well. Looking at the expression of Opanchu Usagi covered in cheese on the package, you’ll want to enjoy it without worrying about calories.
- Product Name: Opanchu Usagi Potato Chips Cheese Pizza Flavor
- Release Date: Sequentially from Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (Pre-release at 7-Eleven)
- General Release: Scheduled for Monday, March 16, 2026
- Sales Area: Nationwide in Japan (Limited Quantity)
- Price: 213.84 JPY (Tax included)
- Content: 40g (Approx. 1.4 oz)
Opanchu Usagi Shimiwataru Ebisen
Next is a collaboration with one of Hizatsuki Seika’s flagship products, “Shimiwataru Ebisen (Rice crackers soaked with shrimp flavor)”. This product has the most “Opanchu Usagi-esque” pitiful episode in this lineup.
This product was developed with the theme of “Cherry Blossom (Sakura)” and “Pink”, symbols of Japanese spring. The package bears the sad catchphrase “Cherry blossoms fall…”. This was originally intended to be a self-deprecating story about “not making it in time for the cherry blossom season”, assuming an April release. However, due to the sudden decision to pre-release at 7-Eleven, a situation occurred where it was released in mid-February, “ironically making it in time for the season”.
This development, which fundamentally overturns the concept of the package, is exactly like the character of “Opanchu Usagi”, whose efforts are never rewarded. As for the contents, it is an authentic product containing 50% Sakura Shrimp, enhancing the umami and sweetness of the shrimp. It is finished to a high level of quality not just as a joke product but also in taste.
- Product Name: Opanchu Usagi Shimiwataru Ebisen
- Release Date: Sequentially from Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (Pre-release at 7-Eleven)
- General Release: Scheduled for Wednesday, April 1, 2026
- Sales Area: Nationwide in Japan (Limited Quantity)
- Price: 159.84 JPY (Tax included)
- Content: 30g (Approx. 1.0 oz)
Opanchu Usagi Iwashita’s New Ginger Twisted Fried Crackers
Finally, a triple collaboration realized through the connection of “hometowns” in Tochigi City, Tochigi Prefecture. Hizatsuki Seika and Iwashita Foods have been collaborating partners continuously since 2014, and this time Opanchu Usagi has joined the fray.
The base is the “Tsuna Uma Age (Twisted fried rice crackers)”, popular for its crispy and light texture. It is generously seasoned with “Iwashita’s New Ginger Powder”, characterized by a unique refreshing acidity. “Iwashita’s New Ginger” is a very famous pink pickled ginger in Japan. The pungency and acidity of the ginger refresh the oiliness of the snack, creating an addictive taste that makes it hard to stop eating.
The package design is also not to be missed. In addition to Opanchu Usagi dyed in pink, the theme color of Iwashita’s New Ginger, Iwashita Foods’ official character “Iwashika” also appears. Moreover, this is an original design for this product. It can be said to be a flawless product where a popular character has joined the powerful tag team of Tochigi companies.
- Product Name: Opanchu Usagi Iwashita’s New Ginger Tsuna Uma Age
- Release Date: Sequentially from Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (Pre-release at 7-Eleven)
- General Release: Scheduled for Wednesday, April 1, 2026
- Sales Area: Nationwide in Japan (Limited Quantity)
- Price: 170.64 JPY (Tax included)
- Content: 30g (Approx. 1.0 oz)
Hizatsuki Seika’s Planning Ability: Coexistence of “Pity” and “Deliciousness”
What stands out in this collaboration is not just putting a character picture on it, but the context building of the product. Hizatsuki Seika has sent various collaborations and unique original products into the world, but the compatibility with “Opanchu Usagi” this time is outstanding.
In particular, the development of the “Shimiwataru Ebisen” turning the happening of “supposed to be late but ended up being on time” into an advantage contains enough elements to become a hot topic on social media. Regarding the taste of the products, they firmly grasp the points that impress snack lovers, such as the richness of cheese and pizza, the luxurious blend of Sakura shrimp, and the use of the killer content that is Iwashita’s New Ginger.
This balance of playfulness and quality is something only a talented manufacturer who also handles private brand (PB) products for major retailers can do. A series where you can enjoy looking at the package and be surprised by the quality when you eat it.
Grab it immediately if you find it at 7-Eleven!
The pre-release starting Tuesday, February 17, 2026, will begin sequentially at 7-Eleven stores nationwide in Japan. Since it will be a limited quantity deployment, there is a possibility that it will sell out early depending on the store. The fan base of “Opanchu Usagi” is particularly passionate, and movements to collect all types of packages are expected.
General sales are scheduled sequentially from March to April, but if you want to get your hands on them as soon as possible, please visit your local 7-Eleven on the release date. Pity and cute, but delicious when eaten. Why not enjoy Japanese pop culture and food culture with these snacks packed with such mysterious charm?
Post a Comment