Bringing Japan's Renowned Local Restaurants to Tokyo: First Pop-Up by Gunma's 'Tenpura Kuruma' Offers a 'Ultimate Tendon' in Minami-Aoyama (7/18–8/2)

JSTARs Co., Ltd. (Tokyo) will host a limited-time pop-up event titled 'Ultimate Tendon: Tenpura Kuruma in Tokyo' in collaboration with Tenpura Kuruma, a renowned tempura restaurant from Tatebayashi, Gunma. The event will run from July 18 (Sat) to August 2 (Sun), 2026, at Kappo Takashi in Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo.

JSTARs Co., Ltd. is dedicated to preserving and promoting Japan's diverse food culture to future generations and the world. Many exceptional local restaurants remain underappreciated simply because they are difficult to access. With this initiative, JSTARs aims to introduce the charm of these regional culinary gems to more people in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

This event marks the first installment of the 'Local Pop-Up' series. Future editions will feature pop-up events in Tokyo showcasing other renowned restaurants from across Japan. Event details will be released in advance via the official LINE account (https://lin.ee/wX4Egia).

Signature dish: 'Live-killed Anago Tempura'

'If people can't come to us, we'll bring it to them.' A celebrated local restaurant comes to Tokyo for a limited time.

Tatebayashi City, Gunma Prefecture.

Nestled in a region of rich natural beauty, this city is home to 'Tenpura Kuruma,' a celebrated tempura restaurant that draws food enthusiasts from across Japan.

Since opening in 2014, the restaurant has been consistently selected for the Tabelog Top 100 and received the Tabelog Award Bronze, establishing itself as one of Gunma's most iconic tempura destinations.

Chef Tomoya Kurumazaki trained for approximately 15 years at established tempura and Japanese cuisine restaurants before opening his own shop in his hometown of Tatebayashi.

His signature dishes—seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers and markets, lightly fried in 100% refined sesame oil—highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients and continue to captivate diners.

'Food doesn't leave a physical trace. That's why I want to deliver experiences that linger in memory.'

Guided by this philosophy, Chef Kurumazaki remains dedicated at his counter in Tatebayashi, where pastoral scenery unfolds, preparing each dish with sincerity and care.

For this 'Local Pop-Up,' the flavors and spirit of this deeply rooted local establishment will be brought to Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo, for a limited time.

A special tendon, fried before your eyes by the chef

The featured dish is a special bowl named the 'Ultimate Tendon.'

Enjoy live-killed kuruma ebi (prawns), seasonal fish, seasonal vegetables, and the restaurant's signature live-killed anago (conger eel), all served with a secret sauce that has been continuously refined for 12 years.

The rice is pesticide-free Koshihikari grown by a Niigata Prefecture Governor-certified farmer. Each serving is carefully cooked to order in a clay pot right before your eyes, timed perfectly with service.

This is a rare, limited-time experience to enjoy Kuruma's uniquely satisfying yet light tendon—neither a full course nor a permanent fixture—at a counter in Tokyo.

The venue offers only 8 counter seats. With a daily limit on servings, reservations are strictly limited in number.

For menu details and pricing, please visit the reservation page.

Event Overview

Event Name: Local Pop-Up #01 'Ultimate Tendon: Tenpura Kuruma in Tokyo'

Period: July 18 (Sat) – August 2 (Sun), 2026

Location: Kappo Takashi B1F, Bo-Arde Aoyama, 4-26-12 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Hours: 11:00–14:00 (40-minute sessions)

Reservation & Payment: Fully reserved and prepaid via OMAKASE platform

Reservation URL: https://yoyaku.at/kuruma_event

Live-killed kuruma ebi tempura

Expanding the Fan Base for Local Culinary Gems

The 'Local Pop-Up' series will continue with more renowned restaurants from across Japan. JSTARs will persist in its mission to discover valuable regional food cultures and deliver them to Japan and the world.

Information on future events will be shared via the official LINE account prior to public release.

Official LINE: https://lin.ee/wX4Egia

Tenpura Kuruma

Restaurant Overview

Tenpura Kuruma

Address: 703-2 Nojimachi, Tatebayashi City, Gunma Prefecture

Owner: Tomoya Kurumazaki

Company Overview

Company Name: JSTARs Co., Ltd.

Representative: CEO Enna Hattori

Business Activities: With a mission to preserve, nurture, and share Japan's 'shoku' (food) culture globally, the company provides investment, growth support, and comprehensive consulting for food and beverage brands. Services include restaurant operations, business revitalization, discovery and production of regional culinary gems, and support for domestic and international expansion.