Responding to the first tax-free meal subsidy expansion in 42 years: OFFICE DE YASAI launches a new series of single-serving frozen bento meals

KOMPEITO, Inc. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Shun Watanabe), operator of the on-site healthy corporate cafeteria service 'OFFICE DE YASAI,' is adding a new series of single-serving frozen bento meals to its frozen food plan. This move comes in response to the upcoming tax reform scheduled for April 2026, which will raise the tax-free limit for meal subsidies from 3,500 yen to 7,500 yen per month.

Since the launch of 'OFFICE DE YASAI' in 2014, the service has been implemented in over 20,000 locations nationwide (as of February 2026), adapting to the changing needs of corporate meal subsidies. This reform creates an environment where companies can support an increase in employees' actual take-home pay while leveraging tax benefits.

In light of this, we are expanding our existing frozen meal plan to include hearty, single-serving bento meals to further enhance corporate meal support, thereby assisting companies in promoting employee benefits and human capital investment.

Background: The first tax reform in 42 years and rising lunch costs
Many business professionals are currently facing an increased burden on lunch expenses due to inflation. Our internal survey (n=4,055) revealed that 88.1% of respondents are conscious of saving on lunch costs, with 56.2% stating their awareness has 'increased significantly,' highlighting how daily meals are putting pressure on household budgets.

The upcoming tax reform, expected to take effect in April 2026, will significantly raise the tax-free limit for employer-provided meal subsidies from the current 3,500 yen to 7,500 yen per month—the first major revision in 42 years. By meeting certain requirements, companies can help increase employees' take-home pay without incurring income tax, marking a turning point for redesigning corporate welfare.

Designed to balance cravings and health for working adults
The new frozen bento series is designed to provide both the volume needed for afternoon energy and a focus on health. The lineup features popular set-meal items such as katsudon (pork cutlet bowl), hamburger steak, and curry, making them easy to incorporate into daily routines.