When you think of a traditional Japanese winter snack that warms both body and soul, “yaki-imo” (baked sweet potato) comes to mind. This iconic Japanese winter treat is once again being sold at Lawson convenience stores in the Kyushu region. What makes it special is the use of “Kanta-kun,” a premium brand sweet potato from Oita Prefecture.
On Friday, November 21, 2025, coinciding with the official start of this season’s shipments by JA Oita, 272 Lawson stores in the Kyushu region will begin selling “Yaki-imo (Kanta-kun).”
A Sweetness Like Honey! What is “Kanta-kun”?
The unique name “Kanta-kun” naturally sparks curiosity about what kind of sweet potato it could be. This is no ordinary sweet potato. It’s a special brand made from “Beni Haruka,” a particularly popular variety grown in Oita Prefecture, which is carefully aged for over 40 days in a dedicated storage facility after harvesting.
This aging process is the secret to “Kanta-kun’s” incredible sweetness. Aging it slowly allows the starch in the sweet potato to convert into sugar, resulting in a remarkably high sugar content and a moist, tender texture. Its sweetness is often compared to that of honey.
What’s even more unique is that the “Kanta-kun” committee at JA Oita establishes an annual “release date” to guarantee quality. Until this date, “Kanta-kun” cannot be found on the market. Thanks to this system, consumers eagerly await the perfectly aged sweet potatoes each year, and their arrival has become a seasonal tradition that signals the beginning of winter.
An Authentic Taste of Japanese Winter, Available at a Convenience Store
In Japan, a common sight during the cold season used to be vendor trucks roaming the streets, selling stone-baked sweet potatoes while playing a distinctive melody of “Ishi-yaki-imo~.” Recently, however, authentic baked sweet potatoes have become much more accessible, available for easy purchase at convenience stores.
To serve these “Yaki-imo (Kanta-kun)” in the best possible condition, Lawson has been installing dedicated baked sweet potato warmers in its stores since 2011. By baking them slowly over an extended period, the full potential of “Kanta-kun” is unlocked, resulting in a fragrant skin and a surprisingly moist, golden interior. With just one bite, the deep sweetness and rich aroma will fill your mouth, and you’ll understand why so many people eagerly await this time of year.
Product Details and Sales Area
This special baked sweet potato will be sold exclusively at Lawson stores in the Kyushu region. Another feature is that the available sizes and prices vary slightly depending on the sales area.
In the 114 Lawson stores within Oita Prefecture, the home of “Kanta-kun,” the L size (¥248, tax included) will be available. This large, local-exclusive size allows you to fully savor its delicious flavor.
Meanwhile, in the other 158 stores, which include locations in Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Miyazaki, and Saga prefectures, as well as parts of Yamaguchi Prefecture, the M size (¥203, tax included) will be offered.
Some stores in the Kyushu region may also sell baked sweet potatoes made from varieties other than “Kanta-kun,” so be sure to check the in-store signs when making a purchase.
By developing and selling products that feature regional specialties, Lawson is also contributing to the revitalization of local economies. If you have the chance to visit the Kyushu region, why not stop by a local Lawson and try the honey-sweet “Kanta-kun” baked sweet potato, a treat you can only enjoy this time of year? You are sure to be amazed by the authentic, locally-rooted flavor that goes beyond typical fast food, all from a Japanese convenience store.
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