Saiundo's Summer Yokan 'Manten' Inspired by the Clear Night Sky of San'in Region Now Features Limited Edition Packaging for Tottori Prefecture, the 'Star County'

A Japanese confection inspired by the summer night sky: 'Manten'

Founded in 1874, Saiundo Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture; President and CEO: Shuhei Yamaguchi), a wagashi shop with its main store in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, is once again selling its limited summer yokan, 'Manten'.

'Manten' is a beautiful yokan that captures the night sky of Tanabata, a beloved summer seasonal treat offered annually by Saiundo.

This year, a special limited-edition packaging version is available exclusively in Tottori Prefecture, affectionately known as the 'Star County'.

■ About the Special 'Star County (Tottori)' Packaging

Saiundo will begin selling its products at major transportation hubs in Tottori Prefecture—including JR Tottori Station, Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport, and Yonago Kitaro Airport—starting spring 2026, expanding its sales presence in the region.
Building on this initiative, the company has launched a Tottori-exclusive packaging that combines the charm of 'Manten', a signature summer confection, with the appeal of Tottori Prefecture, renowned as the 'Star County'.

Packaging design featuring stars showering over Tottori's iconic sand dunes

The packaging features a design of the Tottori Sand Dunes under a starry night sky.

It is crafted to match the confection itself—a 'edible night sky'—meticulously handcrafted by artisans to depict a clear, starry night. With its refreshing appearance and delicate flavor, it gently enhances the summer experience.
This limited packaging will be available in Tottori Prefecture starting Friday, June 19, 2025.

🔸 Sales Locations for the Star County Limited Packaging

＜Sales Locations＞
・AEON Tottori Kita Store

・AEON Hiyoshi Store

・JR Tottori Station 'Omiyage Rakuichi Shamine Tottori'

・Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport 'Tottori Airport Marche Kinsaiya'

・Maruyu Department Store Saiundo, Tottori City

・JU Yonago Takashimaya

・JR Yonago Station 'Omiyage Rakuichi Shamine Yonago'

・Yonago Kitaro Airport 'ANA FESTA'

・Saiundo Yonago Higashiyama Store, Yonago City

■ Product Features

The yokan combines smooth Hokkaido red bean paste with blue-colored jelly made from agar, topped with gold and silver stars to represent the Milky Way.

The blue jelly (nishikigori) uses natural spring water 'Sahime no Izumi', filtered over centuries through the strata of Mount Sanbe in Shimane Prefecture. Drawn from 70 meters underground, this water provides a smooth mouthfeel and is rich in silica, enhancing its purity.

When chilled, the dessert offers a refreshing, cool sensation.

Cut it to your preferred size and enjoy a moment of summer.

We invite you to savor 'Manten', a summer wagashi that beautifully adorns your table during the Tanabata season.

With its translucent sweetness and the gentle touch of silica-rich natural water, 'Manten' is a confection that lets you taste beauty.

■ Background: 'Manten' Was Born from a Glimpse of the Night Sky

'Manten' was inspired when a craftsman returning from a business trip looked up at the night sky and was struck by its brilliance.
That sky, filled with stars shining brightly in air too clear to be found in the city, moved the craftsman to want to express this scenery through wagashi—marking the beginning of its development.

At the time, blue-colored food was uncommon, especially in traditional Japanese confectionery, where it was often avoided. After repeated trials, 'Manten' was launched in 2005 as a summer-limited yokan. Since then, it has been well-received by customers and has become a beloved summer staple.

Craftsmen individually depict the summer night sky

■ Craftsmanship: The Artisan's Dedication to Design

Initially, the white patterns meant to represent the sparkling galaxy gradually began to resemble clouds. Before long, the design evoked not a 'starry sky' but a 'cloudy sky'. Due to the handmade nature of the product, inconsistencies in the sky's appearance occurred.

Later, a collaboration with a railway company prompted the sales and manufacturing teams to reconnect with the original vision: 'expressing the beauty of the night sky through confectionery'. Since then, continuous improvements in design and taste have led to the current form of 'Manten' after 20 years of refinement.

Before cutting, it resembles a single piece of artwork (smartphone photo)

Lapis lazuli sky with sparkling stars: A three-dimensional technique

The design features a lapis lazuli night sky with stars of varying sizes. The artisans particularly focused on depicting the flowing clouds in the sky. Within the brief window before the jelly fully sets, they skillfully draw flowing white clouds, creating a three-dimensional effect—a testament to their deep dedication.

Manufacturing scene: Clouds are drawn from below to create a three-dimensional appearance

■ Product Information

＜Product Name＞ Summer Limited Yokan 'Manten'
＜Sales Period＞ Direct Stores: Advance Sales from Saturday, May 30, 2025 – Mid-August (estimated)

　　　　　　　Online Shop: Tuesday, June 3, 2025 – Mid-August (estimated)

＜Price＞ 1 box (regular size): 1,728 yen (tax included), Mini Sake (mini size): 972 yen (tax included)

＜Sales Locations＞ All Saiundo direct stores, online shop, department store events, etc.

Manten (regular size)　　　　Manten Mini Sake (mini size)

【About Saiundo】

Celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2024, Saiundo is a wagashi shop headquartered in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture.

Its signature confection, 'Wakakusa', was originally served as a tea ceremony sweet for Matsudaira Harusato, the 7th lord of Matsue Domain and a renowned tea master known as Fumai-ko. The company offers a wide range of premium confections, seasonal fresh sweets, and wagashi incorporating Western confectionery elements.

Saiundo also emphasizes the technical training of its artisans and has produced certified 'Selected Wagashi Craftsmen' and a 'Contemporary Master Craftsman' through the National Japanese Confectionery Association. (As of 2025: 7 Selected Wagashi Craftsmen, including 1 Contemporary Master Craftsman)

Manten Online Shop: https://netshop.saiundo.co.jp/view/category/ct58

Saiundo's 150-Year Journey: https://prtimes.jp/story/detail/bDz517TLJjx

Official Website: https://www.saiundo.co.jp/

Web Shop: https://netshop.saiundo.co.jp/

Email: info@siaundo.co.jp

X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/saiundo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saiundo1874/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saiundo1874

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saiundo/?locale=ja_JP

Enjoy with your favorite beverage

■ Recommended Gift: MANTEN

One-bite amber candy: Hishoku (Hi-iro)

Amber candy: Hishoku (Hi-iro)

Known as 'edible jewels,' these amber candies come in five colors and flavors.

Saiundo offers five flavor varieties: strawberry, ramune, lemon, grape, and plum.

Crispy on the outside, jelly-like and soft on the inside.

Made with natural colorings.

1 box: 994 yen (tax included)

Set of 'Manten' and 'Hishoku'

Summer Gift Set 'Galaxy'

A gift set combining 'Manten' and 'Hishoku'.

A practical set ideal for gifts and midsummer presents.

2,884 yen (tax included)