Did Osaka People Eat Duck Sukiyaki in Summer? Commemorating 'Osaka Summer Duck Sukiyaki Day,' Tsumura Honpo Hosts Local Food Culture Preservation Event at Hankyu Umeda Main Store on July 18 (Sat)

In celebration of 'Osaka Summer Duck Sukiyaki Day' on July 24, Tsumura Honpo Co., Ltd. (Matsubara City, Osaka Prefecture; President Yoshihiko Tsumura), Japan's oldest duck farming company established in 1870, will host a food education event on July 18 at Hankyu Umeda Main Store.

Historically, Osaka was known as Japan's top duck-producing region, thanks to Toyotomi Hideyoshi's encouragement of duck farming. Duck became a familiar and integral ingredient in local cuisine.

During the Edo period, it was customary to eat duck sukiyaki during the Tenjin Festival season for its nourishing properties, making it a beloved summer tradition. However, this custom gradually declined due to changing social conditions.

At this event, President Yoshihiko Tsumura will lead an educational session on 'Osaka's fading food culture,' inviting participants to learn about and savor this historic dish.

【Event: 'Osaka Summer Duck Sukiyaki Day' – Preserving Osaka's Summer Food Culture】

Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026, 11:00–12:00

Venue: 6th Floor Community Space, Hankyu Umeda Main Store

Address: 1-13-13 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka 530-8224

Program: Lecture on the history of duck in Osaka, Tsumura Honpo's farming philosophy, and the tradition of duck sukiyaki

Tasting: Kawachi duck sukiyaki served in Tsumura Honpo's signature style. A simple sukiyaki tasting will also be provided.

Speakers: Yoshihiko Tsumura (President, Tsumura Honpo Co., Ltd.), Yutaka Takebayashi (DM, Fresh & Deli Sales Dept., Hankyu Hanshin Department Stores Co., Ltd., Hankyu Umeda Main Store)

Note: General public registration for this event is fully booked. Attendance is now limited to media representatives only.

◆◆ On Friday, July 24, 2026, from 11:00, a duck sukiyaki tasting event will be held in front of the Pantry area on the B1 floor of Hankyu Umeda Main Store.

July 24: 'Osaka Summer Duck Sukiyaki Day' – Annual Commemorative Duck Sukiyaki Tasting

In the 1950s, Osaka had over 200 duck producers. Today, Tsumura Honpo stands as the only remaining duck farm in the city. The commemorative day was established to preserve the history, landscape, and culture of Osaka duck farming, which dates back to the time of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. This year, the message will be shared through a food education event at the 6th-floor community space of Hankyu Umeda Main Store.

Yoshihiko Tsumura, 5th-generation President, Tsumura Honpo Co., Ltd.

Japan's oldest duck farming company, operating integrated production from hatching to fattening, processing, and distribution. As the only duck farm in Osaka, it supplies premium Kawachi duck to Michelin-starred restaurants, traditional ryotei, and local eateries. Officially selected ingredient for the G20 Osaka Summit and holder of the Osaka Sustainable Certification.

◎ Registration: Please contact Miyatake at Tsumura Honpo Co., Ltd. via email at [email protected] or phone at 080-4399-0221. For email inquiries, please include 'Sukiyaki Event' in the subject line, along with your company name, media outlet, contact person, and phone number.

【Inquiries】

Tsumura Honpo Co., Ltd. 8-10-24 Bessho, Matsubara City, Osaka Prefecture

Public Relations Contact: Miyatake (Miyatake) Email: [email protected] Phone: 080-4399-0221

Tsumura Honpo Official Website: https://www.kawachigamo.com/