Lawson, a Japanese convenience store chain, is launching a truly unique new product exclusively within Kochi Prefecture. The stars of this initiative are none other than local junior high school students. Their “Yuzu-Scented Onigiri Set,” developed with a passion for their hometown, will hit the shelves on December 16, 2025.
This heartwarming collaboration began with the pure enthusiasm of students from the Tosa-yama Gakusha school in Kochi City, who wanted to “share the charm of Tosa-yama with the world.”
From Student Ideas to a Commercial Product! A Hyper-Local Collaboration
This project was brought to life as part of a community contribution initiative, a team effort between Lawson Kochi, Lawson’s regional subsidiary, and 13 seventh-grade students (equivalent to the first year of junior high school in Japan) from Tosa-yama Gakusha, a school that provides integrated elementary and junior high education.
The students were involved from the earliest stages of product development. They brainstormed the target customers and concept themselves, proposing a product featuring their hometown’s specialty: “yuzu”. Yuzu is a Japanese citrus fruit with a refreshing aroma similar to lemon or grapefruit, and its flavor is highly acclaimed both in Japan and internationally.
Based on the students’ ideas, Lawson Kochi created multiple prototypes, ultimately leading to the decision for commercialization. The product’s name, “Yuzu-Scented Onigiri Set,” is also a name filled with the students’ passion.
This item is prepared in the in-store kitchens known as “Eru Chubo,” which are available at select Lawson stores. “Eru Chubo” kitchens are characterized by their offering of handmade bento boxes and onigiri, and they have gained popularity for allowing customers to enjoy fresh, hot meals. This set is also a truly premium, region-specific item, sold only at the 91 stores in Kochi Prefecture equipped with these special kitchens.
What’s in the Set: A Full Yuzu Experience
The “Yuzu-Scented Onigiri Set” (¥498, tax included) is a perfect lunch set that combines “onigiri” (rice balls), a staple of the Japanese diet, with popular side dishes.
Two Tawara-Shaped Onigiri
The onigiri are shaped like traditional Japanese rice bales (tawara). While simple, they pair perfectly with any side dish.
Main Dish: Tatsuta-age with Yuzu-Zukushi Jelly
The star of the set is “Tatsuta-age,” a type of Japanese fried chicken where the meat is marinated in a soy sauce-based sauce before being fried. This Tatsuta-age is topped with a “Tosa-yamamura no Yuzu-Zukushi Jelly,” made with an abundance of yuzu from Tosa-yama, creating a perfect harmony between the savory, juicy chicken and the refreshing acidity of the yuzu.
Specialty Side Dishes: Yuzu Namasu and Tamagoyaki
Yuzu is also featured in the side dishes. “Yuzu Namasu” is a twist on the traditional Japanese dish “Namasu” (vegetables like daikon radish pickled in sweet vinegar), with an added yuzu flavor. Its light and refreshing taste makes it a perfect palate cleanser.
The set also includes “Tamagoyaki,” a classic bento box item. This slightly sweet Japanese rolled omelet is a popular side dish with many fans overseas.
Release Information and Final Thoughts
This “Yuzu-Scented Onigiri Set” will be available starting Tuesday, December 16, 2025, exclusively at Lawson stores in Kochi Prefecture that feature an “Eru Chubo” kitchen.
This product, a fusion of the passion of local youth and a regional specialty, is more than just a convenience store meal. It promises to be a special experience packed with the beautiful nature and culture of Tosa-yama, as well as the students’ love for their hometown.
If you have the chance to visit Kochi Prefecture, be sure to pick up this limited-edition onigiri set. It will be a wonderful opportunity to experience the depth of Japanese convenience stores and the warmth of a local community.
Source: 高知県内の店舗で「ゆず香るおにぎりセット」発売
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