yuppa Co., Ltd. (Store: 5-9-21 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo; Headquarters: Ota-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Jinshi Watanabe), which operates "yuppa," a high-protein, healthy fast-food brand using Kyoto fresh tofu skin, will launch a collaboration flavor "SUMMER SPICY MAZESOBA" with Sea Vegetable LLC (Joint Representatives: Jun Hachiya, Yuichi Tomohiro; Headquarters: Aki City, Kochi Prefecture), a company dedicated to seaweed cultivation and research, to deliver the new charm of seaweed. This special menu will be available for two months from July 6 (Mon) to September 6 (Sun) at the yuppa Omotesando store.
In recent years, rising global temperatures have exacerbated the severity of summer heat in Japan. This product is a collaboration menu between yuppa and Sea Vegetable, sharing the vision of "creating new value for traditional Japanese ingredients and connecting society to the next generation," while offering a flavor perfect for the intense summer heat.
Development Background 1: Intensifying Summer Heat in Japan Due to Global Warming
In recent years, Japan has seen a significant rise in summer temperatures, with extreme heat posing health risks and impacting living environments, becoming a major social issue. By 2025, days with temperatures exceeding 35°C are expected to be observed nationwide, with prolonged periods of high temperatures. Furthermore, starting April 2026, a new indicator, "Extreme Heat Day," will be introduced to signify days with a high risk of heatstroke, further increasing the importance of heat countermeasures.
Moreover, recent years have seen a trend of lingering intense heat even after September, meaning summer heat is lasting longer than before. These environmental changes are increasing the demand for products and services that can easily help manage heat and maintain physical condition on a daily basis.
Development Background 2: Changes in Marine Ecosystems Due to Global Warming
Rising sea temperatures due to global warming are also having a significant impact on marine ecosystems.
As sea temperatures rise, the activity of seaweed-eating organisms such as surgeonfish, parrotfish, and sea urchins increases even during winter, when seaweed would normally sprout. As a result, seaweed is consumed before it can grow sufficiently, leading to a year-on-year decrease in seaweed beds and raising concerns about the impact on marine biodiversity and fishery resources.
In response to these challenges, Sea Vegetable is working to restore diminishing seaweed beds by utilizing its expertise in seaweed seedling production and cultivation techniques. By focusing on seaweed cultivation, they are not only producing and selling seaweed but also creating regional employment and fostering sustainable industries, thereby generating a positive cycle for the ocean and local economies.
This collaboration was born from the desire to create opportunities to learn about marine environmental issues through delicious food and to make choices that lead to a sustainable future more accessible.
Development Background 3: The Challenge of Two Companies Connecting Traditional Japanese Ingredients to the Future
yuppa and Sea Vegetable share a common vision: "to create new value for traditional Japanese ingredients and connect them to the next generation." While yuba and seaweed have supported Japanese food culture for centuries, their consumption in daily life has decreased due to changes in lifestyles and diversification of eating habits. Furthermore, the production sites face challenges such as a shortage of successors and an aging workforce.
yuppa is working to create new demand by reinterpreting Kyoto's traditional ingredient, fresh tofu skin, into a healthy fast food that can be easily enjoyed. Meanwhile, Sea Vegetable aims to realize a sustainable seaweed industry by promoting the new appeal of seaweed through its cultivation and research.
This collaboration is a challenge undertaken by two companies that seek to connect the value of traditional ingredients to the future, not just by preserving them, but by updating them to suit modern lifestyles.
Product Description: "SUMMER SPICY MAZESOBA" - A chilled spicy mixed soba noodle dish wrapped in Kyoto fresh tofu skin, perfect for the summer when appetite tends to decrease.
"SUMMER SPICY MAZESOBA" is a chilled spicy mixed soba noodle dish wrapped in Kyoto fresh tofu skin, which can be easily enjoyed even in summer when appetite tends to decrease due to the heat. Inside the moist fresh tofu skin, a special spicy seaweed salad made with Sea Vegetable's "Tosakanori*" and "Wakahijiki*" is mixed with brown rice noodles. The firm and chewy texture of "Tosakanori," characterized by its vibrant red color, and the crisp texture of "Wakahijiki," made from precious young shoots of domestic hijiki seaweed, combine with the moderate spiciness of the mala sauce, creating a flavor that evolves with each bite. Cream cheese is added as an accent for a mellow finish, resulting in a dish that balances refreshing summer flavors with satisfying richness. Through this product, we aim to provide a new way to enjoy seaweed and fresh tofu skin, and to make the appeal of traditional Japanese ingredients more accessible.
* "Tosakanori" and "Wakahijiki" used in this product are seaweeds produced and distributed by Sea Vegetable. They were chosen for this product because of their distinct textures and flavors.
[Product Name] SUMMER SPICY MAZESOBA [Sales Period] July 6, 2026 (Mon) - September 6, 2026 (Sun) [Price] 1,400 yen [Ingredients Used] Fresh Tofu Skin / Brown Rice Noodle Mixed Soba / Tofu Soboro / Cucumber / Yam / Mizuna / Cherry Tomatoes / Spicy Seaweed Salad / Cream Cheese / Braised Wheat Gluten Cubes
About Sea Vegetable LLC
Sea Vegetable LLC brings together specialists from various fields, including researchers and chefs, to conduct integrated operations from basic seaweed research, seedling production, land and sea cultivation, to culinary development across the country. They are working to enrich marine ecosystems where seaweed is rapidly declining, while also creating new seaweed food cultures with chefs inside and outside the company.
About yuppa Co., Ltd.
yuppa Co., Ltd. operates "yuppa," a high-protein, healthy fast-food brand with the brand philosophy of "Healthy, with a playful spirit." By proposing new ways to eat "yuba," a traditional Japanese ingredient, yuppa offers a dining experience that is both healthy and enjoyable for people working hard in their busy lives.
yuppa Omotesando Store Details
Address: Seinan Building 2F, 5-9-21 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 107-0062 Access: 1 minute walk from Exit B3 of Omotesando Station
Business Hours: 11:00 - 20:00 (scheduled) *Hours may vary.
Closed: None (excluding New Year holidays)
Website: https://yuppa.co.jp
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yuppa_official/
<Contact Information Regarding This Press Release>
Contact Person: Jinshi Watanabe
Email Address: jinshiwatanabe@gmail.com
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- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: 新商品発売