To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Tokyo television station TOKYO MX, Japan’s FamilyMart is launching a series of unique collaboration products. The theme is “The Show’s #1 Recommended Dishes! Niche Gourmet.” These are specialty gourmet items, recommended by TV programs—a bit unusual, but undeniably delicious—and they are now making their debut as convenience store products.
These items will be available starting Tuesday, December 2, 2025, exclusively at FamilyMart stores in the Kanto region of Japan.
A TV Station and Convenience Store Join Forces! The Story Behind This Landmark First Collaboration
This project is the first-ever joint venture between the Japanese convenience store chain FamilyMart and the television station TOKYO MX, which first went on air in 1995 and will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2025.
TOKYO MX is a television station that primarily broadcasts to the Tokyo area. It’s known for its “niche” programming that sets it apart from other major TV networks, particularly its focus on anime and unique variety shows. Its catchphrase is “Endlessly! Maniac 9.” This dedication to deeply exploring passionate interests is why it has garnered a loyal fanbase.
The idea of commercializing “Niche Gourmet” recommended by TOKYO MX is perfectly in line with their brand. This collaboration has resulted in a lineup of meticulously crafted products that both companies proudly endorse.
Hinami Tanaka, a newscaster for TOKYO MX, also sampled the products. “These are gourmet dishes Tokyo can be proud of, and they’ve been recreated so faithfully. They’re delicious,” she commented.
The “Monja Sauce Mixed Rice” left a particular impression on her. “I always thought of monjayaki as something you have to go to a restaurant to eat, so it’s wonderful that you can enjoy this taste so easily at a convenience store,” she said, praising its authenticity. “The aroma of the sauce is incredibly appetizing.”
Introducing the 3 Unique “Niche Gourmet” Items!
Now, let’s take a closer look at the intriguing product lineup. From a rice ball to a bento box and ramen, each item is as appealing as it is appetizing.
“Monja Sauce Mixed Rice”
Tokyo’s Downtown Soul Food, “Monjayaki,” Now in a Rice Ball!
“Monjayaki” is a local dish that originated in the Tsukishima area of Tokyo. It consists of a thin batter mixed with various ingredients, which are cooked on a hot griddle and eaten directly from it. This product recreates the unique, savory flavor of its signature sauce in the form of a convenient onigiri (rice ball).
The price is 141 yen (152 yen with tax). The rice is mixed with a special dashi-and-sauce blend infused with the umami of vegetables, tenkasu (crunchy tempura bits), and aosa seaweed. One bite will fill your mouth with the uniquely addictive flavor of monjayaki. Don’t miss this chance to experience a taste of Tokyo that was once only available in specialty restaurants. It will be sold in select stores in Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, and Kanagawa prefectures.
“Napolitan & Soy Sauce Butter Flavored Rice”
A Dream Collaboration of a Western Classic and a Japanese-Style Flavor!
This is a hearty bento box that combines “Napolitan,” a popular pasta dish in Japan’s kissaten (coffee shops) and yoshoku (Western-style) restaurants, with aromatic soy sauce and butter-flavored rice. Weighing in at a total of approximately 500g, it’s the perfect choice when you’re looking for a satisfying, filling meal.
The price is 554 yen (598 yen with tax). The rich Napolitan pasta, packed with the umami of garlic and tomato, has a wonderfully nostalgic flavor. This is paired with rice whose soy sauce and butter aroma stimulates the appetite, creating a perfect combination. Being able to enjoy two completely different tastes at once makes this a truly “niche” dish. You can embark on this culinary adventure at select stores in Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, and Kanagawa prefectures.
“The Soul of Hachioji: Hachioji Ramen”
A Recreation of the Beloved Local Ramen from Western Tokyo!
“Hachioji Ramen” is a local style of ramen popular in the area around Hachioji City, located in western Tokyo. Its key characteristics are the layer of lard (pork back fat) covering the soup’s surface and the use of chopped onions as a key topping. This unique combination has captivated countless ramen fans.
The price is 489 yen (528 yen with tax). This dish features a soy sauce-based soup with the savory aroma of lard, topped with pleasantly crunchy chopped onions. With the addition of chashu pork and menma (bamboo shoots), it offers an authentic ramen experience. It uses medium-thin straight noodles that pair perfectly with the soup. The flavor even comes with a seal of approval from the local “Hachioji Hachimenkai” (Hachioji Noodle Association). This product will be available in a slightly wider area, at select stores in Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Yamanashi, Nagano, and Shizuoka prefectures.
Don’t Miss Out on These Limited-Time Flavors
The products introduced in this article are part of a special project celebrating the 30th anniversary of TOKYO MX. If you’re planning to be in Japan’s Kanto region or its surrounding areas, why not take this chance to stop by a FamilyMart and experience a taste of Tokyo’s “niche” food culture? These meticulously crafted flavors, earnestly recommended by a TV station, are sure to create an unforgettable culinary memory.
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