Tsuboya Sōhonten Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Asahikawa City, Hokkaido; Representative: Akitsugu Muramoto), established in 1929 (Shōwa 4), announces the launch of a new brand 'Konna Ōkina Sora no Shita,' proposing a fresh souvenir culture rooted in Hokkaido.

What we aim to create is not just "edible Hokkaido," but "memorable Hokkaido." This brand was born from our desire to offer souvenirs that allow travelers to bring home the full sensory experience of Hokkaido—the atmosphere of the journey, the memory of the cold, the vastness of the sky above. The packaging features original illustrations drawn specifically for this project by Hiroshi Abe, a picture book artist based in Asahikawa.

"Ōyuki Ureshi"

Ōyuki Ureshi

"Ōyuki Ureshi" is a treat made by infusing smooth chocolate into a fragrant almond galette using a special machine. Its unique feature is the simultaneous enjoyment of the crisp texture of the galette and the moist, melt-in-the-mouth quality of the chocolate. The design showcases an original artwork depicting Ezo squirrels and Hokkaido red foxes playfully moving through a forest blanketed in fresh snow, capturing the beauty and excitement of a snowy day.

"Ōyuki Ureshi" Price: 1,380 yen (tax included) for 6 pieces

Fukafuka no Daichi

"Fukafuka no Daichi"

"Fukafuka no Daichi" is a cookie made by kneading house-made red bean paste into a fragrant almond galette. It uses "Erimo Azuki," a signature red bean variety from Hokkaido. Despite its rustic taste, the rich aroma and deep flavor of the beans stand out. The packaging features an illustration of pale purple trout lilies blooming vigorously across gentle hills, with a pair of black woodpeckers elegantly flying through the sky. This confection captures the vibrant energy and life force of spring finally arriving in the northern land after a long winter.

"Fukafuka no Daichi" Price: 1,000 yen (tax included) for 16 pieces (2 pieces per pack × 8 packs)

Sales Locations

Sales Locations: Asahikawa Airport, Michi-no-Eki Asahikawa, Ekina Asahikawa Tourist Products Information Center, Tsuboya Kihanomori, Tsuboya Nanahanamado *Sales outlets will be gradually expanded in the future.

Sales Start: July 21 (Tuesday) onwards

Illustrated Shopper Bag

The shopper bag features another original artwork by Abe, depicting the endless sky stretching over the majestic Daisetsuzan mountain range. It’s as if you can see the wind itself. This design allows customers to carry home the emotion of gazing up at Hokkaido’s vast sky.

About the Illustrator: Hiroshi Abe

Hiroshi Abe

Born in 1948 in Asahikawa City, Hokkaido. Picture book artist.

From 1972 to 1997, Abe worked as an animal keeper at Asahikawa City’s Asahiyama Zoo. During this time, he encountered many animals and learned from them—studying philosophy from gorillas and drawing techniques from elephants.

He illustrated the keepers’ shared dream of "behavioral exhibits," which became a key factor in the revival of Asahiyama Zoo.

After retirement, he dedicated himself to creative work. He now focuses on picture book creation and holds exhibitions, lectures, and workshops across Japan. He received the Kodansha Publishing Culture Award Picture Book Prize and the Sankei Children’s Publishing Culture Award JR Prize for 'Arashi no Yoru ni' (written by Yuichi Kimura, illustrated by Hiroshi Abe, Kodansha). He also won the Keidanren Children’s Publishing Culture Award Art Prize for 'Miyazawa Kenji: Asahikawa.' He has authored over 250 books, including 'Dōbutsuen Guide' (Fukyosha). He also runs Gallery Puripuri in Asahikawa (7-8-chōme), an art space enjoyable for both children and adults.

Inquiries

Tsuboya Sōhonten Co., Ltd.

Address: 5-3-5 Chūwa 5-jō, Asahikawa City, Hokkaido 070-8045

URL: https://tsuboya.net Founded: 1929 (Shōwa 4)

TEL: 0166-61-1234 (Main) Contact: Matsamura, Sales Department Email: [email protected]

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: New Product