Limited Muffins Made from Kyoto's 'Chestnut Tannin Skin' Created by Students to Launch on Kuradashi Starting June 16

Kuradashi Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Kohei Kawamura; hereinafter 'Kuradashi'), operator of the social good marketplace 'Kuradashi,' has jointly planned and developed the 'Kyotanba Oyatsu Madeleine' in collaboration with Kyoto Prefecture's Kyotanba Town, HYK Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Sapporo, Hokkaido; Representative Director: Satoshi Ueyagi; hereinafter 'HYK'), and participants of the social contribution internship program 'Kuradashi Challenge.' Sales of this product will begin on Tuesday, June 16, via Kuradashi.

■ Background of the Initiative

Kuradashi operates under the mission 'Harvesting a better future through good business' and the vision 'Becoming Japan's leading impact enterprise group,' transforming pressing social issues into value and creating tangible impacts on society, the environment, and the economy. As part of this mission, Kuradashi has utilized its self-established 'Kuradashi Fund (Note 1)' to advance regional revitalization through the social contribution internship program 'Kuradashi Challenge' (hereinafter 'Kurachare').

This project originated from the 'Kurachare Alumni Association,' a community of former Kurachare participants, marking the first co-developed product initiative launched through its program.

For product development, with full cooperation from Kyotanba Town in Kyoto Prefecture—a partner since 2021—students focused on the town's specialty product, 'Kyotanba Chestnuts.' During their research, they discovered that the 'tannin skin,' typically discarded during chestnut processing, presented an opportunity to transform underutilized resources into value and contribute to food waste reduction. With technical support from HYK, a partner with prior collaboration experience and a mission centered on 'food meets welfare,' they successfully commercialized a specialty madeleine incorporating the tannin skin.

※ About the Kuradashi Fund:

A fund established by Kuradashi to conduct social contribution activities, one of the supported initiatives on 'Kuradashi.' Allocated to regional revitalization, food bank support, education, and food sustainability research.

About Kuradashi Challenge: https://kuradashi.jp/pages/kurachall

■ Features of 'Kyotanba Oyatsu Madeleine'

Utilizing discarded 'chestnut tannin skin'

In addition to chestnut paste made from Kyotanba-grown chestnuts, the typically discarded tannin skin is incorporated. Based on feedback from tasting sessions, the strong bitterness of the tannin skin has been mellowed, resulting in a refined, light sweetness suitable even for those who dislike overly sweet treats.

An exquisite madeleine blending Hokkaido's bounty with Kyoto's gifts

All ingredients—wheat flour, eggs, butter, sugar, and milk—are 100% Hokkaido-produced, ensuring safety and quality. Into this premium batter, richly flavored chestnut paste and luxurious tannin-skinned chestnuts from Kyotanba Town, Kyoto Prefecture, are blended. This meticulously crafted madeleine delivers a deep, satisfying richness and the authentic, nuanced flavor of chestnuts.

Original packaging design created by participating students

The warm, original design conveys the charm of Kyotanba Town's rich nature and its specialty Kyotanba chestnuts, while also reflecting Kuradashi's identity and its collaboration with HYK.

■ Sales Overview of 'Kyotanba Oyatsu Madeleine'

To commemorate the launch, a limited 300-yen discount coupon (valid for 100 sets) is available for the 4-piece set.

4-piece set

3-piece set

Contents

4 pieces

3 pieces

Price (tax included)

Regular price: 1,499 yen

With coupon: 1,199 yen

1,200 yen

Notes

※ After 100 coupons are redeemed, sales will revert to regular pricing

※ Shipping fees apply for non-premium members

※ Shipping fees apply for non-premium members

Product page

https://kuradashi.jp/products/9231664906389

https://kuradashi.jp/products/9231664808085

• Launch date: Tuesday, June 16, 2026

• Sales location: Social Good Marketplace 'Kuradashi' (https://www.kuradashi.jp/)

▼ Recommended way to enjoy
Warm it up in the microwave for enhanced flavor!

While delicious as-is, we highly recommend warming the madeleine slightly in a microwave (about 35 seconds at 500W, or 15 seconds at 1000W). Warming reduces dryness in the batter and creates a delightful, crispy texture on the bottom.

■ Comments from Stakeholders

Kuradashi Challenge Alumni Association Participants, Kuradashi Co., Ltd.

'We are thrilled that our idea—transforming underutilized resources that would otherwise be discarded into value and contributing to food waste reduction—has taken shape as a delicious madeleine, thanks to the connections made through Kurachare. We sincerely thank Kyotanba Town and HYK for supporting and accompanying us on this journey. We hope this treat brings the natural charm and gentle sweetness of Kyotanba into your daily lives.'

Satoshi Ueyagi, Representative Director, HYK Co., Ltd.

'The students' passion for solving regional challenges inspired even us, located far away in Hokkaido. We are truly delighted to have co-developed this product and reached its launch day. Launch is not the finish line but the starting point. We will continue supporting and cheering as this product helps spread your heartfelt intentions further.'

Mr. Ken Katayama, Agricultural and Forestry Promotion Section Chief, Kyotanba Town, Kyoto Prefecture

'We are truly grateful and delighted that students, who visit our town annually through the Kuradashi Challenge and work hard harvesting chestnuts and agricultural products, have developed a local chestnut product. Our town aims to build a 'community connected by shared purpose' beyond municipal boundaries. Everyone who has engaged with passion is already a citizen of Kyotanba. We would be truly happy if this 'Kyotanba Oyatsu Madeleine' reaches many people and helps them learn about our town through your heartfelt support.'

Kuradashi will continue to actively promote youth development and industry-academia-government collaboration through initiatives like the 'Kuradashi Challenge,' aiming to create new value that reduces food waste with the power of youth. Furthermore, by widely promoting this initiative as a model case, Kuradashi will foster multi-faceted collaborations with other municipalities, companies, and educational institutions, further contributing to solving social issues.

■ About HYK Co., Ltd.

Operating under the philosophy 'Giving shape to “mottainai” (waste not),' HYK manages 'Sapporo Madeleine Shop Madomadore' and 'Vegetable,' a Type B Supported Employment Facility. It provides diverse employment opportunities in confectionery production, picking tasks, and paper bag manufacturing.

Representative: Satoshi Ueyagi

Founded: March 2011

Headquarters: 1F, Satoduka North Village, 2-6-1 Satoduka, Kiyota-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 004-0802

URL: https://madomadore.com/

■ About 'Kuradashi Challenge'

'Kuradashi Challenge' (nickname: Kurachare) is a social contribution internship program implemented by Kuradashi in collaboration with local governments and companies, targeting students. Participants support harvests at rural farms facing labor shortages and propose uses for off-grade agricultural products.