【50th Anniversary】Osaka-Katano Gyoza Manufacturer Challenges Food Loss Reduction with Children's Idea Contest and New Products
Harada Shokuhin Co., Ltd., a gyoza manufacturer in Katano, Osaka, celebrating its 50th anniversary, announced the launch of a new product "Aeru Gyoza" to reduce food loss, a "Future Raw Gyoza Contest 2026" for children aged 18 and under, and a "Parent-Child Gyoza Festival." These initiatives aim to consider the future of food together with the next generation and the local community.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 23, 2026 at 19:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 23, 2026 at 10:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 24, 2026 at 03:30 (16h 58m after Collected)
Harada Shokuhin Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Katano City, Osaka Prefecture; Representative Director: Shuichi Nakamura), founded in 1976, celebrated its 50th anniversary in April 2026.
As commemorative projects, the company announced:
① The launch of a new product, "Aeru Gyoza," which utilizes leftover gyoza filling generated during the gyoza manufacturing process.
② The holding of the "Future Raw Gyoza Contest 2026" for individuals aged 18 and under.
③ The holding of the "Harada Shokuhin 50th Anniversary Parent-Child Gyoza Festival."
Through these initiatives, which involve thinking about the future of food together with the next generation of children, the company aims to take a step towards its next 50 years as a food manufacturer rooted in the community.
**The History of Harada Shokuhin**
Founder Yoshio Harada, Image Character Hana-chan (First Design)
Harada Shokuhin was founded in 1976.
The founder, Yoshio Harada, had been managing an ironworks since 1965, but its performance deteriorated due to the oil shock. At that time, inspired by his wife's homemade gyoza, he built his own gyoza manufacturing machine and established Harada Shokuhin.
This led to the birth of "Hana-chan Nama Gyoza," which focused on ensuring children could eat it safely. The management philosophy is "Properly, Deliciously, with Heart."
Hana-chan Nama Gyoza
Twenty years ago, the previous president passed away suddenly, and his wife temporarily took over the business. However, in 2008, Shuichi Nakamura, the current Representative Director, who managed liquor stores and restaurants mainly in Katano City, acquired the business through M&A. Immediately after the acquisition, sales plummeted due to the impact of the poisoned gyoza incident in China. All employees worked together, standing in front of supermarkets, directly informing customers that "domestic ingredients are used" and "manufactured in Katano City," thereby restoring trust and business performance.
Currently, the company manufactures all gyoza wrappers and fillings from scratch at its own factory, selling over 15 types of raw gyoza, including Naniwa Pork Nama Gyoza, Kujo Green Onion Nama Gyoza, and Daiginjo Nama Gyoza. In 2017, it launched a new brand, "Katano Haradaya," based on the principle of no added umami seasonings or preservatives, and also developed a series of raw gyoza utilizing local Kitakawachi ingredients.
"Katano Haradaya" Series Products Katano's tall reed, rich in natural minerals, used in gyoza
The company has 20 employees (aged 18-83), including part-timers. Three of them have been working since the early days of the company, driven by the desire to "feed their grandchildren proper food," and continue to support the factory.
The company also continues its community-oriented initiatives, such as donating gyoza to local children's cafeterias, utilizing food residues generated during the manufacturing process, and commissioning local facilities for people with disabilities to post PR flyers.
**① New Product "Aeru Gyoza" (to be released on May 5, 2026)**
The new product "Aeru Gyoza," launched to commemorate the 50th anniversary, is a jarred product that utilizes leftover gyoza filling generated during the gyoza manufacturing process. Until now, the company has been working to reduce food loss by providing food residues to children's cafeterias, but this time it is a challenge to transform the scraps themselves into a new product with added value.
Product Lineup (3 types in total)
Aeru Gyoza Citrus Miso Gyoza Flavor: The subtle acidity of citrus and the flavor of miso are addictive.
Aeru Gyoza Rich Spicy Gyoza Flavor: A powerful punch of umami and spiciness! Gyoza tsukudani evolved.
Aeru Gyoza Black Pepper Scented Spam-style Gyoza Flavor: Refreshing Western-style gyoza with black pepper, perfect with drinks.
It can be enjoyed in a wide range of arrangements, not just on white rice, but also with baguettes or mixed with pasta. A special page with arrangement recipes can be accessed via the QR code on the package.
Sales will begin on May 5, 2026, at the company's EC site, factory direct sales events, and the commemorative event venue on May 5.
**② Future Raw Gyoza Contest 2026**
We will hold the "Future Raw Gyoza Contest 2026," inviting gyoza ideas from children aged 18 and under.
The slogan is "Let's make gyoza that wraps the future."
With the simple question, "What do you want to wrap and eat?" we are looking for creative gyoza ideas regardless of genre, such as "hearty," "healthy," "unique," "evolved classic," or "soup style." No cooking experience or skills are required. Group applications from schools, after-school care, children's clubs, and children's cafeterias are also welcome.
The grand prize winner will receive 365 days' worth of raw gyoza. The winning idea may be commercialized by our manufacturing technology.
Eligibility: 18 years old and under
Application Period: May 5, 2026 (Tuesday/Holiday) - August 31, 2026 (Monday)
Judging Method: SNS popularity vote + in-house review
Hashtag: #みらいの生ぎょうざコンテスト
Application Bonus: The first 500 applicants will receive original "Gyoza Tsukudani Canned Food."
**③ Harada Shokuhin 50th Anniversary Parent-Child Gyoza Festival**
To commemorate its 50th anniversary, the "Parent-Child Gyoza Festival," an event for families to enjoy, will be held on May 5, 2026 (Tuesday/Holiday) at Friend Mart Katano.
As commemorative projects, the company announced:
① The launch of a new product, "Aeru Gyoza," which utilizes leftover gyoza filling generated during the gyoza manufacturing process.
② The holding of the "Future Raw Gyoza Contest 2026" for individuals aged 18 and under.
③ The holding of the "Harada Shokuhin 50th Anniversary Parent-Child Gyoza Festival."
Through these initiatives, which involve thinking about the future of food together with the next generation of children, the company aims to take a step towards its next 50 years as a food manufacturer rooted in the community.
**The History of Harada Shokuhin**
Founder Yoshio Harada, Image Character Hana-chan (First Design)
Harada Shokuhin was founded in 1976.
The founder, Yoshio Harada, had been managing an ironworks since 1965, but its performance deteriorated due to the oil shock. At that time, inspired by his wife's homemade gyoza, he built his own gyoza manufacturing machine and established Harada Shokuhin.
This led to the birth of "Hana-chan Nama Gyoza," which focused on ensuring children could eat it safely. The management philosophy is "Properly, Deliciously, with Heart."
Hana-chan Nama Gyoza
Twenty years ago, the previous president passed away suddenly, and his wife temporarily took over the business. However, in 2008, Shuichi Nakamura, the current Representative Director, who managed liquor stores and restaurants mainly in Katano City, acquired the business through M&A. Immediately after the acquisition, sales plummeted due to the impact of the poisoned gyoza incident in China. All employees worked together, standing in front of supermarkets, directly informing customers that "domestic ingredients are used" and "manufactured in Katano City," thereby restoring trust and business performance.
Currently, the company manufactures all gyoza wrappers and fillings from scratch at its own factory, selling over 15 types of raw gyoza, including Naniwa Pork Nama Gyoza, Kujo Green Onion Nama Gyoza, and Daiginjo Nama Gyoza. In 2017, it launched a new brand, "Katano Haradaya," based on the principle of no added umami seasonings or preservatives, and also developed a series of raw gyoza utilizing local Kitakawachi ingredients.
"Katano Haradaya" Series Products Katano's tall reed, rich in natural minerals, used in gyoza
The company has 20 employees (aged 18-83), including part-timers. Three of them have been working since the early days of the company, driven by the desire to "feed their grandchildren proper food," and continue to support the factory.
The company also continues its community-oriented initiatives, such as donating gyoza to local children's cafeterias, utilizing food residues generated during the manufacturing process, and commissioning local facilities for people with disabilities to post PR flyers.
**① New Product "Aeru Gyoza" (to be released on May 5, 2026)**
The new product "Aeru Gyoza," launched to commemorate the 50th anniversary, is a jarred product that utilizes leftover gyoza filling generated during the gyoza manufacturing process. Until now, the company has been working to reduce food loss by providing food residues to children's cafeterias, but this time it is a challenge to transform the scraps themselves into a new product with added value.
Product Lineup (3 types in total)
Aeru Gyoza Citrus Miso Gyoza Flavor: The subtle acidity of citrus and the flavor of miso are addictive.
Aeru Gyoza Rich Spicy Gyoza Flavor: A powerful punch of umami and spiciness! Gyoza tsukudani evolved.
Aeru Gyoza Black Pepper Scented Spam-style Gyoza Flavor: Refreshing Western-style gyoza with black pepper, perfect with drinks.
It can be enjoyed in a wide range of arrangements, not just on white rice, but also with baguettes or mixed with pasta. A special page with arrangement recipes can be accessed via the QR code on the package.
Sales will begin on May 5, 2026, at the company's EC site, factory direct sales events, and the commemorative event venue on May 5.
**② Future Raw Gyoza Contest 2026**
We will hold the "Future Raw Gyoza Contest 2026," inviting gyoza ideas from children aged 18 and under.
The slogan is "Let's make gyoza that wraps the future."
With the simple question, "What do you want to wrap and eat?" we are looking for creative gyoza ideas regardless of genre, such as "hearty," "healthy," "unique," "evolved classic," or "soup style." No cooking experience or skills are required. Group applications from schools, after-school care, children's clubs, and children's cafeterias are also welcome.
The grand prize winner will receive 365 days' worth of raw gyoza. The winning idea may be commercialized by our manufacturing technology.
Eligibility: 18 years old and under
Application Period: May 5, 2026 (Tuesday/Holiday) - August 31, 2026 (Monday)
Judging Method: SNS popularity vote + in-house review
Hashtag: #みらいの生ぎょうざコンテスト
Application Bonus: The first 500 applicants will receive original "Gyoza Tsukudani Canned Food."
**③ Harada Shokuhin 50th Anniversary Parent-Child Gyoza Festival**
To commemorate its 50th anniversary, the "Parent-Child Gyoza Festival," an event for families to enjoy, will be held on May 5, 2026 (Tuesday/Holiday) at Friend Mart Katano.