FamilyMart, a leading Japanese convenience store (commonly known as “konbini”), is refreshing its popular “Hot Snack” menu—the warm, savory items sold right next to the checkout counter. A new creation has arrived, combining the perennially popular “Chicken Meatball Skewer” (Tsukune) with Japan’s famous pink pickled ginger, “Iwashita Shin-shoga” (Iwashita New Ginger).
Starting Tuesday, April 21, 2026, the “Chicken Meatball Skewer with Iwashita Shin-shoga” will be available in limited quantities at approximately 16,400 FamilyMart stores across Japan.
The Popular “Chicken Meatball Skewer” Evolves with Refreshing Pink Ginger
As FamilyMart approaches its 45th anniversary in September 2026, the company is pushing forward with its “Ichiban Challenge” (Number One Challenge) project, aimed at providing the “most delicious” products possible. This latest release is a proud result of that initiative.
The base is the classic “Chicken Meatball Skewer,” a long-time favorite among Japanese convenience store enthusiasts. This has been mixed with diced pieces of “Iwashita Shin-shoga,” which boasts a massive fan base thanks to its unique flavor and crisp texture.
While FamilyMart has previously collaborated with Iwashita Shin-shoga on items like “Inari Sushi” (vinegared rice tucked into sweet-and-salty fried tofu) and “Chicken Nanban” (chicken with tartar sauce), this marks the very first time they have teamed up with one of their top-selling skewer menu items.
A New Sensation: The Contrast Between “Fluffy” and “Crunchy”
The most significant feature of this new release is the carefully calculated contrast in textures. Inside the soft, savory chicken meatball, the small pieces of Iwashita Shin-shoga add a delightful “shaki-shaki” (crunchy) accent.
Beyond just adding a ginger aroma, the characteristic refreshing acidity and mild spice of the “New Ginger” harmonize perfectly with the juicy fats of the chicken. With every bite, the refreshing scent of ginger spreads, followed by the fluffy texture of the meatball, creating an addictive flavor. It is an exquisite finish designed to stimulate the appetite as temperatures begin to rise in the coming season.
【Product Information】
- Product Name: Chicken Meatball Skewer with Iwashita Shin-shoga (岩下の新生姜入り 鶏つくね串)
- Price: 175 yen (189 yen including tax) (approx. $1.26 USD)
- Release Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
- Sales Region: Nationwide (Japan)
- Available At: Approximately 16,400 FamilyMart stores nationwide (limited quantities)
The History of Innovation and Dedication Behind “Iwashita Shin-shoga” (Founded 1987)
The collaboration partner, “Iwashita Shin-shoga,” is a long-selling Japanese product that debuted in 1987. Its history dates back to 1978, when the then-president of Iwashita Foods visited Taiwan and was deeply impressed by the deliciousness of the local ginger.
Driven by the desire to “bring this delicious flavor to Japanese dining tables,” development began, leading to its commercial release in 1987. The key to its success was the establishment of a “cold chain” (refrigerated logistics), which was revolutionary at the time.
A cold chain is a logistics system that keeps perishable food at a constant low temperature throughout the entire process, from production to the consumer’s hand, to maintain freshness. This system allowed the ginger to be finished as a low-salt, low-temperature “asazuke” (light pickle) without losing its natural flavor.
The name “Iwashita Shin-shoga” reflects both the raw material—”young-harvested ginger” (Shin-shoga)—and the company’s pride in creating a “completely new type of pickled ginger” that had never existed in Japan before. Since it is a limited-time release, we recommend checking your local store soon.
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