Second installment of the "Nabe-tsuyu Series that Savors History"! New launch of Natsume Soseki's duck hot pot soup and a hot pot soup inspired by an anecdote of Ito Hirobumi and fugu.

Yamaki Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Iyoshi, Ehime Prefecture; President: Yoshihiro Kido; hereinafter "Yamaki") will launch "Soseki Nabe-tsuyu Kamo Shoyu 700g" and "Hirobumi Nabe-tsuyu Fugu Shio Sansho Shitate 700g" nationwide on August 20, 2026 (Thu) as new products in its hot pot soup series themed around food related to historical figures.

This series was launched in 2025 as a product that allows consumers to enjoy not only the deliciousness of the broth but also anecdotes and historical backgrounds related to great figures. It garnered attention and was featured in many media outlets. Now, Yamaki is expanding the series lineup by launching two new products themed around Natsume Soseki, a representative literary master of modern Japanese literature, and Ito Hirobumi, the first Prime Minister of Japan.

Soseki Nabe-tsuyu Kamo Shoyu 700g Hirobumi Nabe-tsuyu Fugu Shio Sansho Shitate 700g

Background of the Launch

The hot pot soup market in fiscal 2025 showed steady growth, with a 102% year-on-year increase, attributed to a trend of lower temperatures compared to the previous year and relatively stable prices for hot pot ingredients. It is also a market that constantly demands new themes and approaches, with a succession of products featuring unique flavors and concepts.

Amidst this, Yamaki launched "Ryoma Nabe-tsuyu Jidori Dashi Shio 700g," "Saigo Nabe-tsuyu Kurobuta Dashi Shoyu 700g," and "Takasugi Shinsaku Nabe-tsuyu Madai Dashi Shio 700g" in 2025. In addition to the flavor development that focused on broth unique to a katsuobushi and dashi maker, the unique product names and packaging themed around historical figures were well-received, with sales performance exceeding the target by over 130%.

Furthermore, consumers expressed comments such as, "I want to collect all three products because of their historical connections," and "I had to visit multiple stores to find them all as they weren't available in one place." The products were evaluated as items that enhance the enjoyment of comparing flavors and facilitate conversation at the dining table.

In response to this positive reception, two new products featuring different historical figures have been developed to propose further enjoyment of food.

About the Hot Pot Soup Series Themed Around Food Related to Historical Figures

1 Flavors that Bring Out the Umami of the Ingredients

The flavors are finished to enhance the deliciousness of the hot pot ingredients, utilizing the umami of ingredients associated with each historical figure. While satisfying, they can be enjoyed without becoming tiresome until the end.

2 Concepts that Offer the Joy of Choice and Spark Conversation at the Dining Table

Based on episodes and anecdotes related to the food of great figures, we propose a different kind of enjoyment than usual hot pot. The product names and package designs provide the joy of choosing at the store and serve as a catalyst for conversations at the dining table.

3 A Lineup That Makes You Want to Collect and Compare Flavors

We offer a diverse range of unique flavors, including chicken broth, pork broth, sea bream broth, duck, and fugu. You can enjoy comparing flavors by collecting multiple products.

From left: "Ryoma Nabe-tsuyu Jidori Dashi Shio 700g," "Saigo Nabe-tsuyu Kurobuta Dashi Shoyu 700g," "Takasugi Shinsaku Nabe-tsuyu Madai Dashi Shio 700g," "Soseki Nabe-tsuyu Kamo Shoyu 700g," and "Hirobumi Nabe-tsuyu Fugu Shio Sansho Shitate 700g."

Product Features

"Soseki Nabe-tsuyu Kamo Shoyu 700g"

Inspired by the duck hot pot that Natsume Soseki, who laid the foundation for modern Japanese literature, is said to have enjoyed with his students. It uses an extract with the rich umami of duck, finished in a mellow, rich soy sauce-based flavor. When combined with meat and vegetables, you can enjoy a hot pot where the umami of duck and the richness of soy sauce spread.

"Hirobumi Nabe-tsuyu Fugu Shio Sansho Shitate 700g"

Based on an anecdote related to Ito Hirobumi, the first Prime Minister of Japan, and fugu in Shimonoseki. This is a salt-based hot pot soup that highlights the umami of fugu extract, combined with the refreshing aroma of sansho (Japanese pepper). It pairs well with white fish and vegetables, and is finished with an elegant and deep flavor accented by the aroma of sansho.

1. Product Overview

2. Release Date: August 20, 2026 (Thu)

As "Yamaki, the Katsuobushi and Dashi Maker," Yamaki will contribute to "deliciousness" and "health," as well as "the inheritance of food culture and the assurance of food resource sustainability" through katsuobushi and dashi.

https://www.yamaki.co.jp