May 10th is 'Brown Sugar Day'. Funabashiya and Eitaro Sohonpo Collaborate to Promote Brown Sugar's Appeal. Brown Sugar Syrup Distribution Campaign at Each Main Store.

Funabashiya Co., Ltd. (Head office: Koto-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Kyoko Kamiyama) and Eitaro Sohonpo Co., Ltd. (Head office: Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku; Representative Director and President: Masami Hosoda; hereinafter "Eitaro Sohonpo") will hold a "Brown Sugar Syrup Distribution Campaign" at each company's main store as a joint project, aiming to raise awareness of brown sugar among more people, in conjunction with "Brown Sugar Day" established on May 10th.

This initiative was born from the idea of "what can we do together?"

The aim is to broadly convey the value and deliciousness of brown sugar, one of Japan's food cultures that each company has cherished, and to contribute to improving recognition of "Brown Sugar Day" itself.

Brown sugar is a natural sweetener that leverages the original flavor of sugarcane, possessing a rich taste that varies depending on the production area and manufacturing method.

Among them, brown sugar inherited in Okinawa is one of the symbols of food culture nurtured by a long history and climate.

On the other hand, in modern society where food culture is diversifying, opportunities to encounter brown sugar are gradually decreasing compared to before.

Against this background, Eitaro Sohonpo and Funabashiya aim to provide an opportunity to discover new charms of brown sugar and connect its value to the next generation.

We hope to create opportunities for many people to experience the profound taste of brown sugar, and that the circle of like-minded companies and individuals will expand, allowing "Brown Sugar Day" to grow into a more beloved commemorative day.

What is "Brown Sugar Day"?

May 10th is a commemorative day established in 2024 by the Okinawa Brown Sugar Cooperative Association, using the Japanese wordplay "ko (5) ku-tou (10)". With the aim of raising awareness and expanding consumption of "Okinawa Brown Sugar", events and PR activities are held mainly in Okinawa Prefecture around May 10th every year.

[Campaign Overview]

Period: May 9 (Sat) - May 10 (Sun), 2026

Locations:

・ Funabashiya Kamedo Tenjin-mae Honten (3-2-14 Kameido, Koto-ku, Tokyo)

・ Eitaro Sohonpo Nihonbashi Honten (1-2-8 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)

Distribution details:

At Funabashiya Kamedo Tenjin-mae Honten and Eitaro Sohonpo Nihonbashi Honten, customers who purchase 1,500 JPY or more (tax included) will receive a set of one bag of brown sugar syrup from Funabashiya and one from Eitaro, for a total of two bags.

*As quantities are limited each day on a first-come, first-served basis, the campaign will end once supplies run out.

[About Funabashiya]

Founded in 1805 during the Edo period, Funabashiya celebrates its 221st anniversary in 2026 as a Kanto-style kuzu mochi (arrowroot starch cake) shop.

Funabashiya's kuzu mochi is a rare fermented food in Japanese confectionery, made by lacto-fermenting wheat starch for 450 days before steaming. This long-term lacto-fermentation creates its unique chewiness and elasticity.

Furthermore, with the desire to deliver natural products to customers as they are, we have continued to adhere to natural manufacturing methods without using preservatives. This traditional Japanese confectionery, being a fermented food and free of preservatives, is now gaining attention from health-conscious individuals.

[About Eitaro Sohonpo]

Founded in 1818 (Bunsei 1). A Japanese confectionery manufacturing and sales company headquartered in Nihonbashi, Tokyo.

The company name originated from Eitaro (later Yasubei Hosoda III), who opened the Nihonbashi main store in 1857. It has the longest history in Japan as a candy manufacturer affiliated with the National Confectionery Industry Cooperative Association, and its products include fresh sweets, yokan (bean paste jelly), baked sweets, and anmitsu, in addition to candies.

Furthermore, it develops specialized brands based on concepts such as "Ameya Eitaro" (candy specialist), "Nihonbashi Eitaro" (casual packaging), "Tokyo Piesen" (Tokyo souvenir), and "Karada ni Eitaro" (health-oriented).

Its clients range widely from department stores, mass retailers, and transportation markets to shrines and temples.

With a corporate culture that values "Onkochishin" (revering the old, learning the new), not only the latest machinery but also traditional techniques and equipment are still actively operating in its manufacturing sites.