Kurayama Rice Snack Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture; President & CEO: Daigo Kurayama), manufacturer and distributor of popular rice crackers such as 'Baka Uke,' 'Seto Shio,' and 'Star Tabyo,' announces a collaboration with Hirugami Onsen Tourism Bureau, Inc. (President & CEO: Yuji Shiraishi) of Achi Village, Nagano Prefecture—famous for having 'Japan's best night sky.' The 'Star Tabyo × Star Village ACHI' collaboration will run from Friday, July 3, 2026, to Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
This special project unites 'Star Tabyo,' celebrating its 40th anniversary, and Achi Village, ranked No. 1 in the Ministry of the Environment's nationwide continuous star observation survey (2006) for optimal stargazing conditions, under the shared theme of 'stars.' Throughout the event period, visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including the sale of Achi Village-exclusive original packaging of 'Star Tabyo,' limited-edition merchandise, themed café menus, and complimentary snacks in local accommodations.
Star Tabyo × Star Village ACHI Collaboration Official Website
https://hirugamionsen.jp/befco-collaboration-2026/
Limited-Time 'Star Tabyo' Collaboration Shop Opening
Period: July 3 (Fri), 2026 – September 30 (Wed), 2026
The shop will sell the Achi Village-exclusive original packaging of 'Star Tabyo,' newly redesigned 40th-anniversary packaging for the long-selling 'Star Tabyo,' and other Befco products such as 'Baka Uke' and 'Seto Shio.' Exclusive 'Star Tabyo × Star Village ACHI' merchandise, available only at this location, will also be offered. The attached café will serve original menu items featuring 'Star Tabyo,' allowing guests to immerse themselves in the collaboration's theme.
Achi Village Exclusive 'Star Tabyo' Mild Salt Flavor – 14 Pieces ▶
※ Image is for illustration purposes only
Venue
SHOP&CAFÉ&about HIRUGAMI Hirugami Kiwosk
347-1 Chiri, Achi Village, Shimoina District, Nagano Prefecture 395-0304
Opening Hours: 9:30 – 17:00
(Café Last Order: 16:30)
Closed: Every Thursday
Official Website: https://hirugami-kiwosk.com
Inquiries: Hirugami Kiwosk – 0265-49-0705
Star Tabyo × Star Village ACHI Original Merchandise
Star Tabyo Postcard – ¥150 (tax included) Star Tabyo Sticker – ¥350 (tax included) Star Tabyo Can Badge – ¥400 (tax included) Star Tabyo Acrylic Keychain – ¥500 (tax included)
Star Tabyo × Star Village ACHI Original Café Menu
Star Tabyo An-Butter Sandwich – ¥380 (tax included) Achi Village Specialty Star-Shaped Canapés – ¥450 (tax included) Hoshihoshi Ice Cream – ¥550 (tax included) Hoshihoshi Cold Corn Soup – ¥550 (tax included) Let’s Share! Starry Sky Dip – ¥650 (tax included)
Limited-Time Collaboration: Star Tabyo in Achi Village Accommodations
During the event period, 'Star Tabyo' will be provided as a complimentary snack in guest rooms at participating inns and hotels in Achi Village.
Period: July 3 (Fri), 2026 – September 30 (Wed), 2026
※ Offer ends once supplies run out, even within the period.
※ Some facilities are excluded.
Win Star-Themed Prizes! 'Star Tabyo 40th Thank You Campaign' Now Live
To commemorate the 40th anniversary of 'Star Tabyo,' Kurayama Rice Snack has launched the 'Star Tabyo 40th Thank You Campaign' starting April 1, 2026. By purchasing eligible products and submitting proof of purchase (receipt) via the campaign website or postcard, participants enter a lottery to win star-themed luxury prizes.
For details, visit the campaign website.
Campaign Period
April 1 (Wed), 2026, 10:00 – July 31 (Fri), 2026, 23:59
Eligible Products: 20-Piece Star Tabyo (Salt Flavor), N-Star Tabyo 3-Variety Assortment
Prizes
• Course A: Purchase ¥2,500 or more (tax included)
Pair Stay Voucher at Enzan no Yurui Yado, Hirugami Onsen, Achi Village, Nagano (Japan’s Best Stargazing Spot) + Pair Tickets to Sky Paradise Night Tour – 5 pairs (10 people)
• Course B: Purchase ¥1,000 or more (tax included)
Pair Tickets to Sky Paradise Night Tour, Achi Village, Nagano – 10 pairs (20 people)
• Course C: Purchase ¥500 or more (tax included)
Character Goods Set – 300 winners
• W Chance: Web Entry Only
QUO Card Pay (¥500 worth) – 50 winners
For more details, please visit the campaign website.
URL: https://www.befco.jp/campaign/cp_hoshi_40th/
About 'Star Tabyo'
Launched in 1986, 'Star Tabyo' is a soft, star-shaped salad cracker. Free from preservatives, artificial colors, and flavorings, it features a light, crispy texture enjoyed by both children and adults.
In 2026, to mark its 40th anniversary, the packaging is being gradually renewed starting April. Alongside this, a new symbolic character, 'Hoshihoshi,' has been introduced. Designed by Takae Shimizu, art director of TV Tokyo’s popular children’s program 'Shinapushu,' Hoshihoshi embodies the brand’s desire to be a gentle, approachable snack for everyone.
Additionally, the 'Star Tabyo 40th Thank You Campaign' offering star-themed prizes began on April 1, 2026.
Hoshihoshi Character Profile
A star-shaped creature that appeared from who knows where.
Fluffy and soft. Makes a crispy sound when walking.
Dislikes being alone, so it’s always walking around looking for someone to talk to. Can only say 'ho' and 'shi,' but loves to chat.
Hoshihoshi
Achi Village, Nagano Prefecture
About Achi Village, Nagano Prefecture
Located at the southern tip of Nagano Prefecture, Achi Village is a quiet mountain village known for 'Hirugami Onsen' and the 'Hana Momotaro Village.' The hot spring, discovered in 1973 (Showa 48), is an 'alkaline simple sulfur spring' with a pH of 9.7. Its smooth, viscous water feels like warm lotion, earning it the nickname 'Beauty Skin Bath' for its silky, smooth skin effect. Additionally, Achi Village was ranked No. 1 in the Ministry of the Environment’s nationwide continuous star observation survey (2006) for 'most suitable location for stargazing.' In 2012, the Star Village Achi Promotion Council was established to leverage this 'best night sky in Japan' for regional revitalization and tourism promotion.
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: Event