vitom Inc. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Kensei Hayashi) is pleased to announce that its portable meal "Onimochi Mini," ideal for nutritional replenishment during exercise, is now available at 14 stores nationwide operated by Yodobashi Group's sports specialty stores, "Art Sports" and "Ishii Sports."

"Onimochi Mini" is a portable mixed rice made with white rice and barley as a base, using familiar natural ingredients such as bonito, kelp, pickled plum, and shirasu (small dried sardines).

For long-distance running, trail running, and mountain climbing, users have expressed a need for something other than energy gels, citing reasons like "getting tired of the sweetness," "stomach rejection," and "wanting something to chew."

With its introduction at Art Sports and Ishii Sports, which are regularly visited by running, trail running, and mountain climbing users, the company aims to expand new touchpoints in the sports scene.

Reasons why "Onimochi Mini" is chosen for exercise:

1. For replenishment that cannot be sustained by gels alone, it provides calories as a "non-sweet replenishment."

While sugar-based gels are excellent for quick energy, prolonged exercise can lead to fatigue from sweetness and stomach discomfort. "Onimochi Mini," as a "non-sweet," "chewable rice" based on white rice and barley, supports energy replenishment even during long workouts.

2. Energy sources and nutrients that generate energy can be replenished together.

Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins do not directly convert into energy. They are converted into ATP (energy) via the citric acid cycle (TCA cycle) with the help of B vitamins (B1, B2, B6, niacin, etc.) as coenzymes. "Onimochi Mini" is designed to provide a balanced replenishment of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and the B vitamins that support this metabolism in a single serving.

3. Portable, despite being rice. Compact size of approximately 230-310 kcal and 85g per bag.

With a compact size of 85g per bag, it is easily portable and fits into running bags or pockets. As it can be eaten as is, it can be carried without quality degradation, even in summer. The packaging is also compact after consumption, making it easy to handle in outdoor settings where carrying out trash is expected. It provides 230-310 calories, making it ideal for calorie replenishment during outdoor activities.

Supports race-day fueling strategies

By alternating with gels, it becomes easier to continue fueling while maintaining a balance between sweet and savory tastes (e.g., in a 100km race, use gels from start to 20km and 60km, and "Onimochi Mini" for rice replenishment at 40km and 80km).

About Handling Stores:

Ishii Sports Akita Store

Ishii Sports Sapporo Store

Art Sports Main Store

Ishii Sports Yodobashi Shinjuku West Exit Store

Ishii Sports Kichijoji Store

Ishii Sports Yodobashi Yokohama Store

Ishii Sports Yodobashi Utsunomiya Store

Ishii Sports Takasaki Store

Ishii Sports Yodobashi Kofu Store

Ishii Sports Nagoya Store

Ishii Sports Yodobashi Hakata Store

Ishii Sports Toyama Store

Ishii Sports Yodobashi Saitama-Shintoshin Ekimae Store

Ishii Sports Yodobashi Chiba Store

*Photo of the Ishii Sports Yodobashi Yokohama store interior

*Product availability varies by store. The number of handling stores is expected to expand sequentially.

Comments from Stakeholders:

Shunta Uehara, Art Sports Main Store

Compared to the past, today's sports nutrition products have become tastier, but most of them are still "sweet."

Therefore, "rice-based nutrition," which has been less common until now, should bring new options to fueling strategies.

We highly recommend trying "Onimochi Mini" for ultra-marathons, trail running, and even as a convenient snack for busy daily life!

My personal favorite is "Fragrant Bonito"!

Kenshiro Mitsuishi, COO, vitom Inc.

"Onimochi Mini" was developed as an updated version in response to numerous requests for a smaller, more portable size and a size that is easier to eat during races, stemming from its use as a ready-to-eat meal for outdoor activities and mountain excursions.

I myself have experienced situations in long-distance races where my stomach rejected gels, yet I had to continue fueling to keep moving. At that time, "Onimochi Mini" was a great help, and I truly felt it was a necessary product, even if I say so myself.

I am deeply grateful for the support of many people, including Mr. Uehara of Art Sports, who worked hard to introduce it. We aim to deliver more fueling options beyond just gels to a wider range of athletes in the future.

Participated in a 100km trail running race. Confirmed the necessity of "Onimochi Mini."

[Product Overview]

Product Name: Onimochi Mini

Flavors: "Fragrant Bonito," "Soybean and Salted Kelp," "Chicken and Pork Soboro," "Plum and Shirasu" Release Date: March 13, 2026 (Friday) Contents: 85g/piece Yodobashi Camera In-Store Price: 500 yen (tax included) Sales Stores: Ishii Sports, Art Sports (select stores)

Also suitable for everyday "gap meals."

In addition to sports scenes, it is also suitable for situations where quick nutritional intake is needed, such as a light meal on a busy day or during work breaks. It is well-balanced not only in carbohydrates but also in protein, dietary fiber, B vitamins, and minerals, designed with a combination of natural ingredients. A key feature is that the nutrition is composed from the ingredients themselves, without relying on additives. The satisfaction derived from "a natural meal centered around rice" supports its use in a wide range of scenarios.

For days when "you don't know when you'll be able to eat"—we aim for it to be a product that can be kept within reach, in your bag, in your office drawer, or on your shelf at home. Because it can be stored at room temperature for a long time, it can be kept readily accessible.

About vitom Inc.

vitom Inc. is a FoodTech startup with the corporate philosophy of "Do the right thing - Do what is right as a human being." It addresses challenges in the sustainability and reliability of the food industry and aims to "realize a sustainable food industry" by utilizing its unique preservation technology.

In July 2024, after the launch of the fully-balanced meal "Onimochi," all plans (3,100 units) sold out in just 36 hours, achieving 967% of the target amount. Representative Hayashi leverages his knowledge as a visiting researcher at Ritsumeikan University to develop "products that make you feel truly healthy" through industry-academia collaboration.

Company Overview

Company Name: vitom Inc.

Representative Director: Kensei Hayashi

Headquarters: Higashi-Gotanda 1-6-3, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo

Establishment Date: September 2023

https://vitom.co.jp/page/corporate

Website (Purchase here):

・Onimochi: https://vitom.co.jp/

・Onimochi Mini: https://vitom.co.jp/cart/lp/onimochimini

Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onimochi_vitom

Official LINE: https://lin.ee/M83X4HQ

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: 販売開始