Hitachi-Fugetsudo Co.,LTD.

First time in the US: $300 Japanese Dessert Fugetsudo’s Manyokan Hitachi Debuts at U.S. Trade Show

Fugetsudo K.K. introduces the Exquisite Manyokan Hitachi, Japan’s Premier Wagashi, to the American Market.

For the rst time in the United States, the revered Japanese confectionery company, Hitachi Fugetsudo K.K., will present its luxurious Manyokan Hitachi, a chestnut yokan crafted with rare Iinuma chestnuts, at the upcoming 2024 Summer Fancy Food Show on June 23 – 25, 2024 at Booth 528 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Priced at $300, this high-end wagashi exemplies Japan’s celebrated kasho-fugetsu, a respect for natural beauty and seasonal emotions.

Manyokan Hitachi is renowned for its exclusivity and exceptional quality. The chestnuts used are sourced from Ibaraki Prefecture, known for its deep-rooted history in chestnut cultivation dating back to the 800 AD Manyoshu period. These Iinuma chestnuts, cultivated under stringent conditions allowing only one chestnut per burr, represent only 0.2% of the annual national harvest. This rarity has earned them GI (Geographical Indication) certication, recognizing their unique regional quality.

Each piece of Manyokan is meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans of Hitachi Fugetsudo K.K., a company with a 76-year legacy in Japanese confectionery. The artisans preserve a hint of the chestnut’s astringent skin during the peeling process, enhancing the yokan’s avor prole, a testament to their dedication to craftsmanship.

Fugetsudo’s participation in this U.S. trade show marks a signicant milestone. “Bringing Manyokan Hitachi to the American market is a proud moment for us,” said Koichi Fujita, CEO of Hitachi Fugetsudo K.K. and a third-generation confectioner. “It embodies our philosophy of creating a chain and cycle of smiles, connecting producers, consumers, and all stakeholders through the joy of Japanese Confectionery.”

The trade show will offer attendees the unique opportunity to sample Manyokan Hitachi and engage with Fujita and his team. Journalists are invited to taste this exquisite confection and schedule interviews before and after the event, which runs from June 21 to June 27.

As Fugetsudo K.K. continues to innovate and expand internationally, Manyokan Hitachi stands as a symbol of Japanese tradition and global aspiration, promising to delight connoisseurs and elevate cultural appreciation across borders.

About Fugetsudo K.K.:

With a 76-year-old legacy in Japanese confectionery, Fugetsudo K.K. has become synonymous with the artistry and tradition of Japanese confectionery. With a legacy deeply rooted in craftsmanship and quality, the company has honed its expertise over generations, maintaining an unwavering commitment to preserving the essence of Japanese culture through its delectable creations.

Fugetsudo K.K. prides itself on fostering connections and spreading joy through its confections, forging meaningful relationships between producers, consumers, and stakeholders alike. As it

ventures into the global market, the company remains steadfast in its dedication to upholding the rich heritage of Japanese sweets while embracing the excitement of sharing its creations with the world.

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interview

interview
Business succession and overseas expansion of Hitachi Fugetsudo Co.,Ltd
This is the story of a small Japanese confectionery shop’s challenge.

https://www.blackboxjp.com/stories/koichi-fujita-fugetsudo

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Won the Audience Award at ICC Kyoto 2023.

Food & Drink Award and Audience Award at ICC, a gathering of Japan’s top runners-up.

For more details, please see this link.

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000004.000090457.html

I had the opportunity to speak at the Small and Medium Enterprise Leaders Summit.

Small and Medium Enterprise Leaders Summit

I had the honor of speaking at the Small and Medium Enterprise Leaders Summit on July 20th, and the content of my presentation has been turned into an article.

While it doesn’t include any photos, it provides a clear explanation of the production process and the significance of the “Manyo Yokan.”

Please take a look, and I hope you will gain an understanding of the passion behind Manyo Yokan.

https://logmi.jp/business/articles/329147

I was interviewed by NewsPicks.

https://newspicks.com/news/8448977

It was a great honor to be interviewed by NewsPicks about Iinuma chestnuts, Manyo Yokan, and our past challenges.

I am grateful for the three-part series they published, which detailed our story in beautifully written articles.

I would also like to thank the photographer, Mr. Ochi, for capturing such stunning photographs.

A big thank you to NewsPicks, the writer Mr. Nishioka, and the photographer Mr. Ochi for featuring us.

Writer Mr. Nishioka

https://frontlinepress.jp/author/senri-nishioka

Photographer Mr. Ochi

http://www.ochitakao.com/about/

JA常陸さんが発行するだいすき常陸「常陸人ファイル」に掲載して頂きました。

JA常陸さんが発行する

だいすき常陸「常陸人ファイル」に掲載して頂けました。

JA常陸さんが隔月発行されているだいすき常陸の「常陸人ファイル」にて取材していただきました。

冊子はJA常陸管轄エリ（北茨城市、高萩市、日立市、東海村、大子町、常陸太田市、常陸大宮市、笠間市、城里町、那珂市、ひたちなか市）の他、水戸、つくば、県内イオン、公共施設、商店、コンビニにて無料配布されております。

お見かけの際にはぜひ御覧ください。

Recruit Study Sapuri

I was featured in the “Future Encyclopedia” article about careers on Recruit’s Study Sapuri platform.

The article not only focuses on studies but also provides aptitude assessments that help students understand their personalities and which subjects and careers suit them. It offers valuable knowledge for future careers and helps expand the students’ vision of their potential jobs.

As this is the first time the Japanese confectionery industry has been featured, I am quite humbled. There are many more distinguished seniors in this field, and I wondered if I was the right person for this. However, I am very pleased to have participated, hoping that my words might help guide students in their career paths.

I hope that the children who will create the future can live true to themselves and perhaps develop an interest in Japanese confections.

Thank you very much for choosing our confectionery shop among many others for this interview.

Re:IBARAKI

I was interviewed for the “People, Events, and Things of Ibaraki” page on the Re:IBARAKI portal site.

My humble life and turning points have been beautifully transformed into an article by Ms. Misumi Hasuda.

Thank you for conducting the interview.

I would like to express my gratitude to everyone involved in the interview process.

An article was written about our award at the Pentawards and our journey so far.

In September 2022, we received the Silver Award in the Gourmet & Food category at the Pentawards, a global packaging award. The article details our journey and the context of this achievement.

https://note.com/kagyo_ideathon/n/n9fc1f8072b22?fbclid=IwAR1blNvEccwk1PP1fdyEEEMQ9dVCe-OLJHDdZfz6eyozN9otkW7zFhBfYRM

Thank you very much for creating such a wonderful article.