FamilyMart, a widely popular Japanese convenience store (known locally as “konbini”), is launching a massive project to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Kyushu Shinkansen’s full line opening. In 2026, as the major route connecting Hakata (Fukuoka Prefecture) to Kagoshima-Chuo (Kagoshima Prefecture) reaches this milestone, the legendary train name “Tsubame” (Swallow) will make a special appearance for the first time in 10 years. Centered around approximately 1,500 stores in Japan’s Kyushu region and parts of Yamaguchi Prefecture, a tie-up campaign a must-see for railway enthusiasts and fans of Japanese culture will begin on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
Local Flavors from 4 Major Stations! The Full Lineup of the “Delicious Selection! Kyushu Gourmet Great Adventure”
The highlight of this campaign is the original gourmet lineup focusing on four major stops of the Kyushu Shinkansen: Hakata, Shin-Tosu, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima-Chuo. This project recreates Japan’s “Ekiben” (station lunch box) culture in a convenient konbini style, allowing you to enjoy the feeling of a Kyushu trip from your home or office.
Hakata Station: A Collaboration of Soul Foods! “Grilled Mackerel and Spicy Cod Roe Rice (Barley Rice)”
This lunch box luxuriously uses ingredients symbolic of Hakata Station (Fukuoka Prefecture), the gateway to Kyushu. It features a classic Japanese combination: Fukuoka’s soul food “Mentaiko” (spicy cured pollock roe) paired with aromatically grilled mackerel.
- Price: 369 yen (tax included: 398 yen / approx. $2.65)
- Release Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
- Available Areas: Kyushu Region (Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, Kagoshima), Parts of Yamaguchi Prefecture
The base consists of “Mugimeshi” (rice mixed with barley), which offers a pleasant, slightly popping texture. Topped with a large, fatty piece of grilled mackerel and a spicy kick of mentaiko, this simple yet satisfying dish lets the quality of the ingredients shine.
Shin-Tosu & Kumamoto Stations: A Dream Collaboration of Local Specialties! “Kashiwameshi & Salad Chikuwa”
This hearty menu combines “Kashiwameshi” (chicken pilaf-style rice), a specialty of Shin-Tosu Station in Saga Prefecture, with “Salad Chikuwa,” a soul food symbolic of Kumamoto Prefecture. It’s a delightful way to enjoy the “delicious things” from two Kyushu prefectures at once.
- Price: 369 yen (tax included: 398 yen / approx. $2.65)
- Release Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
- Available Areas: Kyushu Region, Parts of Yamaguchi Prefecture
The “Kashiwameshi,” packed with savory chicken flavor, recreates the style of traditional Japanese Ekiben. The topping, “Salad Chikuwa,” is a beloved Kumamoto local food consisting of chikuwa (a tube-shaped fish cake) stuffed with potato salad and deep-fried. The combination of savory-sweet rice and mellow potato salad is surprisingly harmonious and very filling.
Kagoshima-Chuo Station: Packed with Regional Love! “Keihan-style Rice with Sweet Potato Ganeten Tempura”
This dish is filled with the pride of Kagoshima Prefecture, home to the Shinkansen’s terminal station, Kagoshima-Chuo. It features rice inspired by Kagoshima’s famous “Keihan” (chicken rice served with dashi broth) topped with a local home-style favorite, “Ganeten.”
- Price: 369 yen (tax included: 398 yen / approx. $2.65)
- Release Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
- Available Areas: Kyushu Region, Parts of Yamaguchi Prefecture
The rice is infused with the flavor of chicken bone broth and topped with tender shredded chicken. The star of the dish is “Ganeten,” shredded sweet potato tempura. Named for its resemblance to a crab (“gane” in the Kagoshima dialect), this tempura is characterized by the gentle sweetness of the sweet potato. It is a fusion of tradition and home-style flavor that captures the passion of southern Kagoshima.
Commemorative Sweet: Using Kyushu Specialties! “Roll-chan (Whipped Cream & Amaou Strawberry Sauce)”
“Roll-chan,” a long-selling sponge cake characterized by its long, slender shape popular at FamilyMart in Japan, also appears in a 15th-anniversary limited edition package.
- Price: 227 yen (tax included: 245 yen / approx. $1.63)
- Release Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
- Available Areas: Kyushu Region, Parts of Yamaguchi Prefecture
Inside is a generous amount of whipped cream and a sweet-and-sour strawberry sauce made with concentrated juice from “Amaou,” Fukuoka Prefecture’s premium strawberry brand. This limited-edition dessert offers a delightful mix of rich cream and fresh strawberry aroma.
Save with the App! Point Redemption Campaign via FamiPay
In conjunction with this gourmet project, a campaign using FamilyMart’s dedicated smartphone payment app, “FamiPay,” will also be held. It’s a great chance to use Japanese konbini even more smartly.
- Campaign Period: Tuesday, April 7, 2026 – Monday, April 27, 2026
Purchase one of the target Kyushu gourmet items along with a health-oriented Suntory beverage (Black Oolong Tea or Sesame Barley Tea) and present “FamiPay” at the register to receive 50 points (worth 50 yen) back. It’s a great way to enjoy Japanese flavors while staying healthy and saving money.
HKT48 Takes Over the Store! Special Announcements Distributed
Inside FamilyMart stores in the Kyushu region, special videos will be broadcast on “FamilyMartVision” digital signage (large LCD screens). Members of “HKT48,” the popular Japanese idol group based in Fukuoka, will handle the narration.
- Broadcast Period: Tuesday, April 7, 2026 – Monday, April 20, 2026
- Participating Stores: Approximately 1,089 stores with signage in the Kyushu region (excluding Okinawa)
At a high frequency of six times per hour, members will introduce recommended products and provide information on special deals. This creates a vibrant atmosphere where you can enjoy shopping while experiencing Japanese pop culture.
A Must-See for Rail Fans! Limited Edition “Famima Print” Bromides Available Nationwide
For railway fans living outside Kyushu, there is also a service available at FamilyMart stores across Japan (approximately 16,400 stores). Commemorative bromides (photo prints) will be sold via “Famima Print,” a service that allows you to print photos using the multi-copy machines inside the stores.
- Sales Period: Tuesday, April 7, 2026 – Wednesday, March 10, 2027
- Sales Area: Nationwide across Japan
There are 10 designs in total, featuring carefully selected photographs reflecting 15 years of history, from the original “Tsubame” cars to the latest models. Since you can easily print your favorite one, they are perfect as souvenirs or for your collection.
Limited Pre-order Sales! Rare 15th Anniversary Merchandise
If you’re looking for even more special memorabilia, the limited-edition goods available for pre-order at the Famima Online Store 🇯🇵 are highly recommended. Many of these items are only available here, and purchasers will be entered into a lottery to win a non-sale keychain.
Kyushu Shinkansen Outing Set
- Price: 2,891 yen (tax included: 3,180 yen / approx. $21.20)
- Contents: A set featuring an eco-bag, towel handkerchief, and face towel with motifs of the Kyushu Shinkansen “800 Series.”
A practical set that allows you to use the stylish train design in your daily life.
Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen Outing Set
- Price: 7,700 yen (tax included: 8,470 yen / approx. $56.47)
- Contents: A set including a cap and sneakers (made by Moonstar) with the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen “Kamome” motif.
An authentic apparel set, ideal as a gift for children, featuring sneakers made in collaboration with the long-established Japanese shoe manufacturer “Moonstar.”
Kyushu Shinkansen 15th Anniversary Collection
- Price: 1,800 yen (tax included: 1,980 yen / approx. $13.20)
- Contents: A 3-piece set including clear folders featuring 800 Series and N700 Series trains, and an 800 Series mug.
A collection that fans will love, perfect for decorating your desk with Japanese Shinkansen designs.
Ultra Rare! “Driver’s Timetable Set”
- Price: 4,364 yen (tax included: 4,800 yen / approx. $32.00)
- Contents: A “Driver’s Timetable Set” recreating the style used during the last runs of the SL Hitoyoshi and the Limited Express Kamome.
A highly specialized and valuable item for collectors that faithfully reproduces the format actually used in train operations.
FamilyMart’s Challenge to Give Back to the Region
This campaign symbolizes FamilyMart’s new slogan, “Ichiban Challenge” (Number One Challenge). It is part of an initiative to become a convenience store that is closely integrated with and loved by local communities as the company heads toward its 45th anniversary in September 2026.
This project reflects the desire to celebrate the 15 years of walking alongside JR Kyushu together with the local people and fans. In coordination with the Kyushu Shinkansen project https://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/train/kyushushinkansen_15th/ 🇯🇵 , it provides an opportunity to rediscover the charm of Japanese food and culture through the medium of the Shinkansen.
Please experience the excitement of Kyushu and its special flavors at FamilyMart stores across Japan.
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