Portable Rice Meal 'Oinomochi Mini' Now Available at Trail Running Specialty Store Trippers and Running Station JAM Runtrip BASE KOMAZAWA

Vitom Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Mikiaki Hayashi) announces the launch of 'Oinomochi Mini,' a portable rice-based meal optimized for nutritional replenishment during physical activity, now available at Trippers, a trail running specialty store, and JAM Runtrip BASE KOMAZAWA, a running station.

'Oinomochi Mini' is a portable mixed rice meal made from white rice and mochi barley, using natural ingredients familiar to Japanese consumers such as bonito, kelp, umeboshi (pickled plum), and shirasu (whitebait).

In long-distance running, trail running, and mountain climbing, endurance athletes often report issues with relying solely on energy gels, including 'getting tired of the sweetness,' 'feeling nauseous,' and 'wanting something chewable.'

With this launch, 'Oinomochi Mini' is now available at Trippers and JAM Runtrip BASE KOMAZAWA—both frequented by runners and trail runners—expanding its presence in the sports nutrition space.

Why 'Oinomochi Mini' is chosen during exercise:

1. Provides calorie intake through a 'non-sweet' alternative to gels

While carbohydrate-based gels offer quick energy, prolonged use during long-duration activities can lead to sugar fatigue and digestive discomfort. 'Oinomochi Mini' serves as a 'non-sweet,' 'chewable rice meal' based on white rice and mochi barley, supporting sustained energy replenishment during extended physical exertion.

2. Simultaneously delivers energy sources and the nutrients needed to convert them into energy

Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins do not directly become energy. They require coenzymes such as B vitamins (B1, B2, B6, niacin, etc.) and are converted into ATP (energy) via the citric acid cycle (TCA cycle). 'Oinomochi Mini' is designed to deliver a balanced intake of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and the B vitamins that support this metabolic process—all in a single serving.

3. Portable despite being rice-based: Compact 85g pack with 230–310 kcal per pouch

Each 85g pouch is compact enough to fit in running vests or backpack pockets. Despite being made of rice, it can be eaten directly without heating, maintaining quality even in summer. The packaging is also compact after consumption, making it convenient for outdoor activities where carrying waste back is required. With 230–310 kcal per serving, it is ideal for calorie replenishment during outdoor activities.

Suitable for race-day fueling strategies

Alternating between gels and 'Oinomochi Mini' helps maintain a balance between sweet and savory flavors, making sustained fueling easier (e.g., using gels at 0–20km and 60km, and 'Oinomochi Mini' for rice-based fueling at 40km and 80km in a 100km race).

Retail locations:

Trippers

A trail running specialty store located in Tachikawa, Tokyo, offering shoes, packs, apparel, and other gear.

Address: 6F, Subaru Building, 3-1-1 Shibasaki-cho, Tachikawa-shi, Tokyo 190-0023

Phone: 042-808-9500

Access: - 1-minute walk from the south exit of JR Chuo Line Tachikawa Station - 2-minute walk from Tachikawa-Minami Station on the Tama Toshi Monorail

Website: https://trippers-wtrc.com/

JAM Runtrip BASE KOMAZAWA

A running station located in Komazawa Park, Tokyo, offering food and shower facilities. A space where runners gather and connect, hosting regular runner meetups and events.

Address: 2F, 4-13-10 Komazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 154-0012 (West Exit of Komazawa Park)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jam.komazawa

Comments from stakeholders:

Takuya Asanaga, Store Manager, Trippers

'Nutrition is crucial during long trail runs, but relying only on sweet snacks can make it hard to keep eating.

"Oinomochi" uses rice as its main ingredient, so it's not sweet, and one pack provides a solid 230–300 kcal. Each flavor has its own character, and they're all delicious.

Being transportable at room temperature makes it ideal for long activities. When I first tried it, I thought, "This is it!" and immediately added it to our lineup. Runners have been giving it great feedback.'

Opened Trippers in 2017. An active trail runner himself, having completed the Hasegawa 100km and the Saitama 100 Mile.

Takumi Okada, Owner, JAM Runtrip BASE KOMAZAWA

'JAM opened in May as a gathering place for runners.

When it comes to fueling:

"I get tired of gels"

"There’s nothing tasty I actually want to eat"

—these comments are truly common.

"Oinomochi Mini" is great in taste, nutrition, ingredients, and satiety!

It’s enjoyable to eat and compact enough to fit in a pocket.

I believe it’s excellent not only before and after races but also during trail and ultramarathon events. I’m happy we can offer it so runners can easily try it for themselves.'

Works as an MC and radio personality in sports (running, road cycling), entertainment events, and online/Youtube video content. Main MC of the podcast "Run Radio."

Kenjiro Mitsuishi, COO and Director, Vitom Co., Ltd.

"Oinomochi Mini" is an upgraded version developed based on user feedback from using our original portable rice meals in outdoor and mountain settings—specifically, requests for 'a smaller size for easier carrying' and 'a race-friendly portion size.'

Personally, during long-distance races, I've experienced moments where my stomach rejected energy gels, yet I still had to keep fueling to keep moving. At those times, "Oinomochi Mini" truly saved me. Though it may sound self-praising, I deeply felt this was a necessary product.

I’m deeply encouraged that Mr. Asanaga and Mr. Okada, both of whom have long observed athlete nutrition, resonated with our philosophy and product concept. Moving forward, we aim to bring this non-gel fueling option to even more athletes.

Completed a 100km trail race. Firmly convinced of the necessity of "Oinomochi Mini."

Tasting event held at running station

Alongside retail expansion, we are actively creating opportunities to hear directly from runners.

At "JAM Runtrip BASE KOMAZAWA," we hosted an "Oinomochi Morning Run," where about 20 runners participated in a 5–6km run followed by a tasting of "Oinomochi Mini." A post-run discussion session gathered direct, real-time feedback from runners.

Comments such as "I could feel the difference from gels" and "I’ve been looking for a non-sweet fuel" will be used to refine future product development and expansion strategies.

[Event Highlights]

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