Japanese convenience stores (Konbini) are known as places to find unique, region-specific products. On January 20, 2026, new regional limited-edition items will launch at Lawson stores in the Kinki area of western Japan (including Osaka and Kyoto). These products lavishly feature “Matsunami Cabbage,” a specialty of Izumisano City, Osaka Prefecture. Enjoy this exceptionally sweet and crisp cabbage, available only during the winter season, in a convenient format.
Two New Products to Savor Local Flavors
The new offerings are a sandwich and a side dish that maximize the cabbage’s deliciousness. They will be available exclusively at approximately 2,500 stores in the Kinki region.
Pork Cutlet & Coleslaw Sandwich
Priced at 397 yen (tax included). This sandwich is an adaptation of the “Katsu Sandwich (Pork Cutlet Sandwich)”, extremely popular at Japanese convenience stores. It features a pork cutlet drizzled with a sauce packed with the umami of vegetables and fruit, along with grilled cabbage. It also includes a layer of coleslaw (raw cabbage salad) seasoned with a refreshing French onion sauce and ham. This satisfying dish lets you enjoy two distinct textures at once: grilled cabbage and raw cabbage.
Cabbage Yaki
Priced at 473 yen (tax included). This unique menu item symbolizes Osaka’s food culture. “Cabbage Yaki” resembles Japanese savory pancake (Okonomiyaki), but it features cabbage itself as the star ingredient rather than the batter. It combines Matsunami cabbage, pork, and pickled ginger, carefully grilled on a hot plate. Finished with mayonnaise, rich okonomiyaki sauce, bonito flakes, and dried green seaweed as toppings. Simple yet exquisite, the sauce’s flavor perfectly complements the cabbage’s natural sweetness.
Why “Matsunami Cabbage” is Delicious
What kind of vegetable is “Matsunami Cabbage”? It’s a variety carefully cultivated in the Senshu region of Osaka. It’s a winter delicacy, with peak harvest season from mid-December to early February. During this period, exposure to the harsh winter cold increases the cabbage’s sugar content. The leaves become tender, while the core develops a pleasantly crisp texture.
This new product showcases ingenious techniques to highlight the ingredient’s excellence. The sandwich features both “grilled cabbage” and “raw cabbage,” allowing you to enjoy contrasting textures and sweetness. The cabbage grilled on a hot plate brings out a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the sauce. It’s lighter than okonomiyaki, making it an ideal light meal.
Must-Check When Traveling in Western Japan
Convenience store products made with local ingredients offer a unique experience found only in that region. “Seasonal flavors you can only enjoy now” are a major draw for travelers too. If you plan to visit the Kansai area, like Osaka or Kyoto, be sure to check the shelves at Lawson. You can easily enjoy the regional tastes of Japan.
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