[New Project] "Product Story" Event Spotlighting Niigata Prefecture Companies' Commitment to Product Development and Manufacturing

The Niigata Industrial Creation Organization (NICO) is hosting a new project titled "Product Story." Utilizing the event space on the 3rd floor of "THE NIIGATA" in Ginza, which serves as the Niigata Information Center, this event will focus on products from Niigata Prefecture (such as food and daily necessities). Producers will share the background of their product development and their passions in their own words, shedding light on the stories hidden within their creations.

The first installment of Product Story will feature "Iwatsuka Seika Co., Ltd.," famous for "Iwatsuka no Kuromame Senbei" and "Inaka no Okaki," and "Zuika Co., Ltd.," a specialty rice cracker store known for its fluffy "Usuage" and other items that are staples as souvenirs and gifts for Niigata residents. Representatives from these companies will speak directly about the characteristics of their local Koshiji district in Nagaoka City, their commitment to using 100% domestic rice in their products, and the secrets behind manufacturing their popular items.

We invite general consumers to participate and kindly request media coverage of this event.

1. Date Friday, May 29, 2026 ① 13:00-14:30 ② 15:00-16:30 (Two sessions in total)

2. Venue 3rd Floor Event Space, THE NIIGATA, Ginza Niigata Information Center

3. Content Product Story vol.1 "Iwatsuka Seika x Zuika" The event will include an introduction to the local Koshiji district of Nagaoka City, discussions on the commitment to rice cracker manufacturing by Iwatsuka Seika and Zuika, and an "Adult Ajishirabe Seasoning Experience (first time held in Tokyo)" where participants can create original flavors of Iwatsuka Seika's popular product "Ajishirabe."

4. Participation Fee 2,000 JPY (tax included) *Cash only

5. Capacity 25 people per session *Pre-registration required, first-come, first-served basis

6. Application Method Please apply via the application form on the website of THE NIIGATA, Ginza Niigata Information Center.

[Attached Materials] Product Story Recruitment Flyer Niigata Industrial Creation Organization News Release Product Story Flyer