Karuna Inc. Launches New 'Vegan Deli Series' with 'Vegan Deli Unagi Kabayaki-Style (with Sauce)' on July 1, 2026

Karuna Inc. announces the launch of its first product in the new 'Vegan Deli Series'—'Vegan Deli Unagi Kabayaki-Style (with Sauce)'—on July 1, 2026.

Karuna Inc. (headquartered in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture), a company specializing in the planning and sales of vegan and plant-based foods, will relaunch its existing product 'Aburi Kabayaki (with Sauce)' under the new brand 'Vegan Deli Series'.

The first product in this series, 'Vegan Deli Unagi Kabayaki-Style (with Sauce)', features improved quality through careful selection of ingredients and a refreshed, unified packaging design across the series.

The 'Vegan Deli Series' is a brand dedicated to creating delicious plant-based foods that people will want to enjoy again and again at their daily meals. We value the inherent appeal of ingredients and aim to deliver both the joy and satisfaction of eating.

Our goal is not to 'imitate eel'.

This product was not developed merely to replicate the appearance or texture of eel.

Instead, we aimed to fully highlight the deliciousness of tofu and yuba—traditional Japanese ingredients that have long been cherished in Japan.

Plant-based foods are often introduced as 'alternatives to meat or fish'. However, this product takes a different approach.

The main ingredients are domestically produced tofu and yuba made from 100% Japanese soybeans. We carefully draw out the unique flavors, textures, and umami of each ingredient.

By incorporating yuba, we achieve a pleasing elasticity and richness that cannot be achieved with tofu alone, allowing the deep, natural flavor of soybeans to unfold with every bite.

The name 'Unagi Kabayaki-Style' is intended to evoke the enjoyment of the charred aroma characteristic of kabayaki and the sweet-savory flavor of the special sauce.

What we pursued was not how closely we could resemble real eel, but rather the creation of a new kind of deliciousness that can only be achieved with tofu and yuba.

To realize this unique flavor profile, we have also implemented meticulous processes throughout manufacturing.

Our skilled production staff carefully build each step of the process with precision—like baking a cake—observing the condition of the ingredients to achieve the perfect finish.

This delicate production method results in a product with a soft, plump texture and natural flavor.

※ Cooking image of Vegan Deli Unagi Kabayaki-Style (with sauce)

Commitment to carefully selected ingredients

Tofu

Uses tofu from Otofu Kobo Ishikawa. Made from 100% Japanese soy milk coagulated only with natural nigari, without using defoaming agents.

Yuba (soy milk skin)

Uses 'Tokuyou Kanso Yuba' (bulk dried yuba) from Hiei Yuba Honpo Yubaya. Made from 100% Japanese soybeans, non-GMO.

Sugar

Uses 'Tensai no Oshio' (beet sugar), certified vegan. Known for its gentle sweetness that enhances the natural flavor of ingredients.

Soy sauce

Uses 'Marudaiseki Junsho Shoyu Usukuchi' from Marushima Shoyu—a traditionally brewed soy sauce made from whole soybeans and wheat, slowly aged using time-honored techniques.

※ Cooking example using Unagi Kabayaki-Style without sauce

※ Cooking example of Unagi Kabayaki-Style used in pressed sushi

※ Bowl dish featuring Unagi Kabayaki-Style

Karuna's vision for the future of plant-based foods

We believe the future of plant-based foods lies not in competing over how closely they resemble meat or fish, but in celebrating the unique deliciousness that only plants can offer.

Karuna Inc. will continue to honor the wisdom of traditional Japanese shojin (Buddhist vegetarian) cuisine while pursuing the unique value of plant-based foods, contributing to a sustainable and enriching food culture.

[Product Overview]

Product name: Vegan Deli Unagi Kabayaki-Style (with Sauce) Contents: 2 pieces, 1 sauce packet Units per case: 50 Suggested retail price: 722 yen (excluding tax) JAN code: 4580112932520 Release date: July 1, 2026

※ Product image of Unagi Kabayaki-Style (with sauce)

[Company Information]

Company name: Karuna Inc. Address: 2016 Horiga-cho, Meito-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture Business activities: Planning, development, manufacturing, and sales (wholesale and retail) of vegan and plant-based foods

[Inquiries]

Karuna Inc. TEL: 052-872-1333 URL: https://www.karuna.co.jp

Since its founding over 35 years ago, Karuna Inc. has been dedicated to developing and promoting 'body-friendly vegan foods'.

<Past product examples>

・'Karuna Plant-Based Salmon Flakes'

https://www.karuna.co.jp/SHOP/323790.html

・'Vegan Craft Nyanko Ice'

https://www.karuna.co.jp/SHOP/332790.html

・'Karuna Lunch Box'

https://www.karuna.co.jp/SHOP/205783/237515/list.html

・'Karuna Vegan Shrimp (Ebi-Style) – For Food Service'

https://www.karuna.co.jp/SHOP/323771.html

・'Vegan Sushi'

https://www.karuna.co.jp/SHOP/205829/233284/list.html

・'Vegan Deli Gourmet: Soy Meat Tuna'

https://www.karuna.co.jp/SHOP/205829/230651/list.html

・'Vegan Deli Gourmet: Soy Meat Corned Beef'

https://www.karuna.co.jp/SHOP/123060.html

・'Quick Soy'—Ready-to-use soy meat

https://www.karuna.co.jp/SHOP/205829/218634/list.html

・'Ultra Vegan Meat'—Solves common soy meat issues

https://www.karuna.co.jp/SHOP/300651.html

Contact for this announcement

Karuna Inc., Attn: Yogo TEL: 052-804-0036 FAX: 052-805-3302