Exhibiting at the 35th Koto City Industry Festival on June 20–21 — Mainichi Shimbun Capital Area Center, part of the Tōnichi Printing Group

Mainichi Shimbun Capital Area Center, Ltd. (MSC), a group company of Tōnichi Printing Co., Ltd.—one of the world’s largest newspaper printing companies (Headquarters: Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture; President: Masaharu Watanabe)—will exhibit at the '35th Koto City Industry Festival,' held over two days on June 20 (Sat) and 21 (Sun), 2026, at the Koto City Cultural Center. MSC will sell 'Sai no Kikurage,' domestically cultivated wood ear mushrooms grown at its Kawaguchi factory.

While newspaper printing remains MSC’s core business, the company has leveraged its expertise in equipment and quality management from printing operations to launch shiitake mushroom cultivation as a new venture. 'Sai no Kikurage' are cultivated in state-of-the-art dedicated facilities with strict control over temperature, humidity, and hygiene. Known for their thick, plump, and crisp texture, these mushrooms have received strong customer support. Since the full-scale launch in February 2025, the unique initiative of a newspaper printing company cultivating mushrooms has attracted media attention, being featured in TV programs, newspapers, and online media.

The Koto City Industry Festival brings together local businesses and organizations to promote the charm of regional industries. At the event, MSC will offer sales and tastings of 'Sai no Kikurage.' This is a rare opportunity to purchase a product typically sold online directly at the venue. Visitors are encouraged to experience the quality and deliciousness unique to domestically grown wood ear mushrooms.

Event Overview: 35th Koto City Industry Festival

Dates: June 20 (Sat) – 21 (Sun), 2026, 10:00–16:00

Venue: Koto City Cultural Center (4-11-3 Toyo, Koto City, Tokyo) – adjacent to Koto City Hall

Access: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Exit 1 of Toyocho Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line

Discover the Many Delights of 'Sai no Kikurage'

At the event, MSC will sell fresh and dried mushrooms, introduce processed products, and offer tastings (if available). Experience the appeal of 'Sai no Kikurage,' renowned for their thick, crisp texture, right at the festival venue.

Fresh Mushrooms

Thick and crisp in texture, fresh 'Sai no Kikurage' offer a satisfying bite unique to live mushrooms. Their high quality has earned recognition, with adoption by renowned Tokyo hotels, premium supermarkets, and high-end Chinese restaurants.

Dried Mushrooms

One charm of 'Sai no Kikurage' is the variety of textures achievable through different rehydration methods. Rehydrate in lukewarm water for about 15 minutes for a firm, crunchy texture, or slowly rehydrate in cold water over approximately 7 hours for a plump, juicy bite.

White Kikurage

Even among rare domestic kikurage, white kikurage are exceptionally rare. When simmered with sugar, their delicate sweetness and jelly-like texture shine, making them a perfect topping for desserts like almond tofu or ice cream.

Processed Products

・Tsukudani Flavor

Perfectly pairs with white rice. Also recommended as a topping for tamago kake gohan (egg on rice) or grilled rice balls.

・Ume-Perilla Flavor

Refreshing and tangy. Pairs well with rice, ochazuke (tea over rice), hiyayakko (chilled tofu), or as a topping for udon.

・Spicy Miso Flavor

A savory miso base with a spicy kick—addictive and versatile. Enjoy as a snack with alcohol, or as a flavorful accent in salads and stir-fries.

・Mentaiko Flavor

A versatile product ideal not only for rice and onigiri but also for pasta dishes and bento box side dishes.

Press Release (PDF)

d119350-225-7c4eafc8476cd493ffe72176e5f1f1f5.pdf

Follow us on social media!

[Kawaguchi Factory Kikurage]

X: https://x.com/mainichi1992

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mainichi1992/