Japanese convenience stores, especially Lawson, are more than just shops. They are a food wonderland where seasonal gourmet items and unique collaboration products appear almost weekly. Particularly in the Japanese winter, the “Steamed Buns (Nikuman)” in the hot display case next to the register are a national soul food for beating the cold.
On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, two exceptionally unique steamed buns launched exclusively at Lawson stores in the Hokkaido area. These are collaboration products with Hokkaido TV station HTB’s popular food travel program “Would You Like to Heat Your Rice Ball?”
Two of Japan’s leading actors, Yo Oizumi and Shigeyuki Totsugi, who appear on the show, split into teams and each developed their ideal flavor.
Team Oizumi: Dessert-Style “Fruit Anman”
First up is the “Fruit Anman (Apple & Strawberry)” developed by Yo Oizumi’s team.
- Price: 329 yen (tax included)
- Release Date: January 14, 2026
Typically, Japanese Chinese buns (chūka manju) contain pork or red bean paste (anko).However, this product overturns that convention. Inside is a filling of apple and strawberry, offering a sweet-and-sour flavor and the texture of fruit pulp.
This product, reminiscent of a warm dessert, is perfect for relaxing with something sweet during the cold winter. It promises to be a new experience, changing the image of traditional Chinese buns.
Team Totsugi: Spicy Kick “Beef Tongue Sansho Bun”
In contrast, Team Totsugi Shigeyuki developed a hearty, savory option: the “Beef Tongue Sansho Bun (with Peanuts)”.
- Price: 399 yen (tax included)
- Release Date: January 14, 2026
The star ingredient is “Beef Tongue (Gyutan)”. Beef tongue is an extremely popular cut at Japanese yakiniku restaurants. This is paired with “Japanese Pepper (Sansho)”, a traditional Japanese spice. The unique, refreshingly numbing spiciness of sansho combines with the heat of chili bean sauce (Doubanjiang) to stimulate the appetite.
Furthermore, peanuts are included among the ingredients, adding a textural accent. This can be considered a gourmet bun for adults who enjoy spicy and complex flavors.
A Limited Item Only Available in Hokkaido
These products can only be purchased at Lawson stores in the “Hokkaido Area” within Japan. Moreover, they are available in limited quantities.
The true charm of Japan’s convenience store culture lies in discovering such “Regional Exclusive” and “Limited Time” items. If you’re traveling through Hokkaido this winter, be sure to stop by a Lawson. Hot, steaming Chinese buns, meticulously crafted with the passion of popular Japanese actors, await you.
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