Today, January 29th, and the upcoming February 9th are known as “Niku no Hi” (Meat Day) in Japan. This anniversary comes from a play on words with the numbers 2 (Ni) and 9 (Ku). During this time of year, people in Japan get an irresistible craving for meat.
Just in time for this occasion, “FamilyMart,” a major Japanese Konbini (convenience store), has announced an interesting ranking titled the “Famimal Meat Gourmet Ranking.”
This ranking was chosen in earnest by “meat-loving employees” working at FamilyMart. What exactly are the products that the employees, who know their own products best, recommend eating specifically on “Meat Day”?
We will also introduce a spicy new “bone-in meat” product launching on February 3rd.
90% of FamilyMart Staff are “Meat Lovers”! Survey Reveals Japan’s Meat Trends
To accompany the announcement of this ranking, FamilyMart conducted a survey on meat consumption among 192 employees. When asked “Do you like meat?”, 89.1% answered “Yes.” Furthermore, more than half (53.1%) responded that they “eat meat 5 times or more a week,” revealing a significant gathering of carnivores.
Additionally, when asked “Does your desire to eat meat increase on Meat Day (the 29th or Feb 9th)?”, 31.8% answered “It increases.” It seems that about 1 in 3 people find their appetite stimulated by this date-based pun.
On the other hand, the survey also shed light on frustrations regarding cooking meat dishes at home. When asked “What is the most troublesome step in cooking meat?”, the majority of answers were:
- It takes time to prep and cook
- Cleaning up afterwards is a hassle
The honest truth is that people want to eat delicious meat, but they want to skip the trouble of cleaning up oil splatters and the effort of cooking.
FamilyMart’s private brand, “Famimal,” answers these needs with its meat products. The lineup includes items that can be eaten immediately after purchase or enjoyed with authentic flavors just by warming them up in the microwave.
Here are the best 5 “Meat Gourmets to eat on Meat Day” strictly selected by 34 meat-loving employees.
1st Place: Tastes Like a Western Restaurant “Soft Thick-Cut Beef: Ultra-Melty Beef Stew”
- Product Name: Soft Thick-Cut Beef: Ultra-Melty Beef Stew
- Release Date: Now on sale
- Price: 499 yen (538 yen incl. tax)
- Region: Nationwide Japan
- Note: Prices vary in Okinawa Prefecture.
The greatest feature, as the name suggests, is the thick-cut beef with a “melty” texture. The stew sauce, made with rich fond de veau (veal stock), permeates every single fiber of the meat. This is a style that uniquely arranges Western cuisine, known as “Yoshoku” in Japan.
[Comments from Meat-Loving FamilyMart Staff] “The meat is so soft it feels like it might melt, with a taste you’d expect from a high-end Western restaurant.” (Evaluation comment) “The rich flavor and the softness of the meat were good. I was impressed by how thoroughly the beef stew flavor had soaked into the meat.” (50s, Digital Business Division) “The meat is tender and feels luxurious, making it perfect for a reward meal for myself.” (40s, Product Division)
The high quality, which makes it hard to believe it’s a convenience store retort pouch food, seems to have captured the stomachs of many employees. It is a dish that serves well as a main course for a special day.
2nd Place: Overflowing Juices “Overflowing Gravy!!! Ultra-Juicy Hamburg Steak”
- Product Name: Overflowing Gravy!!! Ultra-Juicy Hamburg Steak
- Price: 425 yen (459 yen incl. tax)
- Release Date: Now on sale
- Region: Nationwide Japan
This Hamburg steak locks in the meat’s umami by grilling on an iron plate. The deciding factor here is also a rich sauce using fond de veau, resulting in a finish that pairs perfectly with white rice.
[Comments from Meat-Loving FamilyMart Staff] “It has a solid meaty feel and an authentic taste that is delicious.” (20s, Product Division) “The aftertaste isn’t too heavy, making it easy to eat. It’s full of umami that spreads in your mouth, and the compatibility between the sauce and the soft meat is outstanding.” (30s, Digital Business Division)
“Not too heavy and easy to eat” is an important point for repeat purchases. The balance between the sauce and meat is exquisitely calculated.
3rd Place: Perfect for Drinks “Grilled Yagen Soft Cartilage with Chicken”
- Product Name: Grilled Yagen Soft Cartilage with Chicken
- Price: 369 yen (398 yen incl. tax)
- Release Date: Now on sale
- Region: Nationwide Japan
- Note: Excluding Okinawa Prefecture
This isn’t just cartilage. The fact that it comes “with chicken” is a key point. The “Yagen cartilage” at the tip of the chicken breastbone is cut with the diaphragm meat still attached, and powerfully seasoned with garlic and black pepper. In Japan, there is a culture of enjoying the crunchy texture of cartilage at places like Yakitori bars.
[Comments from Meat-Loving FamilyMart Staff] “There is quite a bit of meat on the cartilage, so don’t imagine your usual cartilage! It’s filling and goes well with alcohol.” (40s, Marketing Division)
It is a hybrid dish where you can enjoy a unique crunch and juicy meat umami at the same time. You’ll want to keep this stocked in your freezer as a companion for your evening drink.
4th Place (Tie): Get Your Protein “Chicken Thigh Steak (Pepper & Garlic)”
- Product Name: 16.6g (0.58 oz) Protein Chicken Thigh Steak (Pepper & Garlic)
- Price: 276 yen (298 yen incl. tax)
- Release Date: Now on sale
- Region: Nationwide Japan
While using juicy chicken thigh meat, it also functions as a source of 16.6g (0.58 oz) of protein. The seasoning packs a punch with pepper and garlic, providing plenty of satisfaction. In Japan, “Salad Chicken,” which allows for easy protein replenishment, is a boom, but this product feels more like a substantial side dish.
[Comments from Meat-Loving FamilyMart Staff] “It’s seasoned well enough to be a side dish, unlike salad chicken.” (30s, Construction & Property Administration Division) “The balance is good with seasoning that isn’t too strong, making it excellent on its own or as a salad topping.” (30s, Regional Representative, Metropolitan Area)
It is delicious on its own, but if cut and placed on vegetables, it completes a respectable “Power Salad.” The wide range of arrangement possibilities is also part of its appeal.
4th Place (Tie): A Rare Flavor “Herb & Spice Flame-Grilled Lamb”
- Product Name: Herb & Spice Flame-Grilled Lamb
- Price: 462 yen (498 yen incl. tax)
- Release Date: Now on sale
- Region: Nationwide Japan
Seasoned with special spices fragrant with herbs, it is grilled aromatically over an open flame. It is a product for connoisseurs that utilizes the unique flavor of lamb while finishing it in a way that is easy to eat.
[Comments from Meat-Loving FamilyMart Staff] “I’m happy because lamb isn’t something you can easily eat at home.” (40s, Marketing Division)
On Sale Feb 3rd! New Product to Sink Your Teeth Into: “Chicken Back Ribs”
- Product Name: The Umami of Bone-in Meat! Chicken Back Ribs
- Release Date: February 3, 2026 (Tuesday)
- Price: 399 yen (430 yen incl. tax)
- Region: Nationwide Japan
- Note: Excluding Okinawa Prefecture
Spicy seasoning brings out the rich umami unique to bone-in meat. It was commercialized after receiving evaluations that “even with the bone, it doesn’t feel difficult to eat and can be enjoyed easily.” It is a new face suitable for the Meat Day season that makes you want to grab it by hand and take a big bite.
Win a Meat Set via Lottery! SNS Campaign
- Campaign Period: January 29, 2026 (Thursday) 8:00 – February 9 (Monday) 23:59
- How to Participate:
-
Follow the @famima_now 🇯🇵 .
- Reply to the target post with “#Famimal” or “Famimal”.
- Prize: “Famimal Meat Assortment Set” presented to 5 winners via lottery.
The competition looks fierce, but why not participate and try your luck?
Why not check out these intriguing products at FamilyMart on your way home today, or for Meat Day on February 9th? The happiness of easily enjoying authentic meat dishes awaits you there.
Post a Comment