Lawson, a major Japanese “Konbini” (convenience store), is releasing a bento box with a visually stunning impact. Starting March 31, 2026, the “Takaoka Daibutsu Croquette & Karaage Bento”—featuring a croquette so massive it completely hides the rice—will be available exclusively in Japan’s Hokuriku and Tokai regions.
A 14cm (5.5-inch) Impact that Covers the Rice! Details on the New “Takaoka Daibutsu Croquette & Karaage Bento”
This new release is a high-volume bento that surprises you the moment you see its sheer size. It will be sold under the “Machikado Chubo” brand, which features meals prepared in dedicated kitchens right inside the store.
- Product Name: Takaoka Daibutsu Croquette & Karaage Bento
- Price: 646 yen (including tax) (Approx. $4.30 USD)
- Release Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
- Sales Regions: Hokuriku District (Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui prefectures) and Tokai District (Aichi, Gifu, Mie, Shizuoka prefectures) in Japan
- Availability: 1,311 stores (as of the end of February 2026, among stores with “Machikado Chubo” facilities)
The highlight of this bento is undoubtedly the size of the croquette. With a diameter of approximately 14 cm (approx. 5.5 inches), it far exceeds the standard size of a typical Japanese croquette. It covers such a large area that the rice, which is supposed to be the main part of the bento, is almost entirely hidden. Furthermore, it comes with three pieces of juicy “Karaage” (Japanese-style fried chicken), making it an irresistible combination for fans of fried foods.
What is the “Takaoka Daibutsu Croquette,” the Soul Food of Takaoka City, Toyama?
The base of this bento is the “Takaoka Croquette,” a local specialty from Takaoka City in Toyama Prefecture.
Takaoka City is famous for having one of the highest levels of croquette consumption in Japan. With many dual-income households in the region, croquettes have become deeply rooted in local life as a convenient and easy side dish.
Among them, the “Takaoka Daibutsu Croquette” is particularly known for its giant size. Its name comes from the “Takaoka Daibutsu” (Great Buddha of Takaoka), a symbol of the city and one of the three great Buddha statues in Japan. The croquette is loved for its extra-large size, drawing inspiration from the Buddha’s grand presence.
Lawson recognized this local food culture early on, offering croquettes as standalone items or in burger form since before 2010. This new bento is the latest manifestation of the company’s commitment to community-based product development.
Inheriting the Appeal of the Past Hit Burger! Overwhelming Cost Performance
The background of this bento release lies in the massive success of the “Takaoka Daibutsu Croquette Burger” released in 2025. This burger set an extraordinary record, selling over 43,000 units within just one month of its launch.
It received enthusiastic support, particularly from men in their 30s to 50s, due to the high sense of satisfaction from being “cheap and filling.” As people place more importance on lunch value amidst rising prices, the sheer volume of this single bento is its greatest weapon.
The quality unique to “Machikado Chubo,” where items are finished in the store’s kitchen, is also vital. The warmth of the rice and the crispy texture of the fried items provide a “handmade” feel that sets it apart from factory-produced bentos, further enhancing the deliciousness of the giant croquette.
A Mountain of Fried Goodness! A Luxurious Duo of Croquette and 3 Pieces of Karaage
While the 14 cm (5.5-inch) “Takaoka Daibutsu Croquette” alone provides plenty of satisfaction, Lawson’s decision to add three pieces of “Karaage” is a bold and daring choice.
The croquette features the natural sweetness of fluffy potatoes, while the chicken Karaage offers a savory, soy-sauce-based aroma that whets the appetite. This combination of “Brown Justice” (a Japanese expression for the deliciousness of golden-brown fried foods) is sure to satisfy the hunger of everyone from students to business professionals. Experiencing such volume for only 646 yen (Approx. $4.30 USD) represents exceptional cost performance.
Lawson’s Efforts Toward Regional Revitalization
Lawson actively develops products that incorporate local specialties and regional cuisines from across Japan. The “Takaoka Daibutsu Croquette” aims to spread local flavors throughout the Hokuriku and Tokai areas and boost the local economy.
For those who love their hometown flavors, it will feel nostalgic; for first-timers, its giant impact will surely be fresh. This bento demonstrates how Japanese convenience stores serve as hubs for supporting and promoting regional food culture.
If you find this “bento so giant you can’t see the rice” on the shelves of a Lawson during your lunch break, be sure to experience its overwhelming presence for yourself. It is a volume-packed new release filled with the love of a Japanese region.
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