FamilyMart, a leading Japanese convenience store (konbini) chain, has announced the evolution of its private brand “Famimaru Bakery” with the launch of the “Super Mocchi-ri” (super chewy) bread series. Starting Tuesday, April 7, 2026, these products will be available simultaneously at approximately 16,400 FamilyMart stores across Japan.
The lineup features three varieties: the “Mocchi-ri Texture Caramel Donut,” the “Mocchi-ri Texture Whipped Cream Anpan” (a traditional Japanese sweet bun), and the “Mocchi-ri Texture Pizza Bread” (a popular savory bun).
Actor Kotaro Yoshida Plays the Bread? A Comical New TV Commercial Airs Nationwide in Japan
To coincide with the product launch, a new TV commercial titled “Super Mocchi-ri Bread” starring popular Japanese actors Kotaro Yoshida and Rika Yagi will begin airing. This commercial is characterized by its unique and surreal content.
In the ad, Yoshida speaks as if he is the bread on the table, manipulating it while “talking as the bread.” The temperature difference between his performance and the cold, deadpan stare from Yagi creates a hilarious contrast. However, once Yagi takes a bite, she is overwhelmed by the incredible “mocchi-ri” (elastic and chewy) deliciousness, her face lighting up with pure bliss.
The commercial concludes with a scene where Yoshida holds bread in both hands and delivers the line “Mochi-awase! ♡”—a clever pun combining the Japanese word for “meeting up” (machiawase) with the chewy texture (mochi-mochi). Reports from the set mention that the filming was filled with laughter, thanks to Yoshida’s frequent ad-libs.
Japanese “Konbini” Bread Evolves! 3 “Super Mocchi-ri” Lineup Details
In this new series, three of the most popular bread categories in Japan have been evolved. Here are the features of each:
1. Mocchi-ri Texture Caramel Donut
This satisfying treat maximizes the natural elasticity of the donut dough.
- Price: 165 yen (178 yen including tax / approx. $1.19)
- Release Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
- Available Region: Nationwide (Japan)
- Features: Thick dough filled with rich caramel cream, topped with caramel chocolate and fragrant almonds. It offers a multi-layered caramel flavor.
- Note: Specifications and prices differ in Okinawa Prefecture.
2. Mocchi-ri Texture Whipped Cream Anpan
“Anpan” is a traditional sweet bun that could be called the soul food of Japan. This new version achieves a balance of surprising softness and elasticity.
- Price: 147 yen (158 yen including tax / approx. $1.05)
- Release Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
- Available Region: Nationwide (Japan)
- Features: Filled with elegantly sweet smooth red bean paste (koshi-an) made from Hokkaido-grown adzuki beans and a generous amount of smooth milk whipped cream. It is incredibly soft and very filling.
- Note: Specifications differ slightly in Okinawa and Hokkaido.
3. Mocchi-ri Texture Pizza Bread
The pizza bread, a staple of Japanese “sozai-pan” (savory meal bread), has also been reborn with a new texture.
- Price: 184 yen (198 yen including tax / approx. $1.32)
- Release Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
- Available Region: Nationwide (Japan)
- Features: Chewy dough wraps pizza sauce and rich cheese sauce, topped with crushed cheese. It is a hybrid pizza bread that offers a brand-new texture.
- Note: Specifications and prices differ in Okinawa Prefecture.
Special Release of the Stars’ “Mocchi-ri” Childhood Photos
To celebrate the launch, rare childhood photos of Kotaro Yoshida and Rika Yagi were released to the public.
Kotaro Yoshida shared a black-and-white photo from when he was 3 or 4 years old. While it shows traces of his current powerful presence, it is an adorable shot featuring round, bright eyes. He also shared a funny anecdote involving his father.
Rika Yagi revealed a photo from her “Big Baby” days when she was less than a year old. Her healthy, chubby appearance perfectly captures the softness associated with the new “Whipped Cream Anpan.” Looking at each other’s photos, the two expressed surprise at the difference in eras and the lingering resemblances.
On Their “Soft Sides” and Future “Evolution”
In an interview inspired by the “mocchi-ri” (soft/chewy) nature of the products, the two spoke about each other’s personalities.
Yoshida described Yagi as a “gentle person with an overall soft atmosphere,” while Yagi revealed that Yoshida’s “fatherly face” when talking to his child on the phone was surprisingly soft and unexpected. Regarding what they want to “evolve” this year, Yoshida aims for “further evolution as a stage actor,” while Yagi has set a goal to “improve her English skills.”
Furthermore, regarding roles they want to challenge in the future, Yoshida mentioned the extremely difficult role of “a stone on the side of the road,” and Yagi mentioned “a role where I explode with anger,” showcasing their deep inquiry into the craft of acting.
Great Campaign Information at FamilyMart Japan
Special campaigns will be held at stores across Japan to mark the new release.
1. 20-Yen Discount Coupon on Your Receipt
When you purchase an eligible bread item, a discount coupon for your next purchase will be printed on the receipt.
- Campaign Period: April 7 (Tue) to April 20 (Mon), 2026
- Redemption Period: April 7 (Tue) to April 27 (Mon), 2026
- Target: All Famimaru Bakery bread products.
- Note: Not applicable in Okinawa Prefecture.
2. X (formerly Twitter) Free Coupon Lottery Campaign
Follow the official FamilyMart X account and repost the campaign post for a chance to be one of 10,000 winners to receive a free coupon.
- Campaign Period: April 7 (Tue) to April 13 (Mon), 2026
- Redemption Period: April 7 (Tue) to April 20 (Mon), 2026
- Note: Not applicable in Okinawa Prefecture.
Experience the new “mocchi-ri” texture pursued by Japan’s FamilyMart. Whether during a walk or a relaxing break, be sure to taste Japan’s latest trending breads.
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