Red Horse Corporation Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Sumida-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and Chief Operating Officer: Kensuke Yamada; hereinafter "the Company"), a company whose core business is regional revitalization, announces that 'Nobishiro (Nobishiro),' a rice koji amazake developed in collaboration with Niki Town, Hokkaido (Town Mayor: Seiichiro Sato; hereinafter "Niki Town"), has been registered as a return gift for the town's hometown tax donation program.

This product uses 'Ginzan Rice (Nanatsuboshi)' grown in Niki Town and was developed to convey the message that 'Niki Town is more than just a fruit-producing region.' After a successful product unveiling and tasting event held in May, it has now been officially registered as a hometown tax return gift. The Company will deliver this new charm of Niki Town to donors nationwide throughout the year.

Creating New Value for Locally Grown Rice: Focusing on Ginzan Rice as the Next Regional Asset After Cherries

In Niki Town, 'cherries' have long been a highly popular hometown tax return gift. However, there has been a growing need to develop new specialty products that can showcase the town's appeal year-round. Recognizing that 'Ginzan Rice (Nanatsuboshi),' another locally produced agricultural product, has gained strong support among donors after cherries, the Company focused on this rice. Instead of simply delivering rice as a staple, the Company explored ways to create new value by developing a product with a unique story reflective of Niki Town, leading to the development of this new item.

The name 'Nobishiro (Nobishiro)' embodies the aspiration for expanding possibilities in the town, its people, and their way of life.

Positive Feedback from Tasting Event Sparks Local Interest

On May 19, a product unveiling and tasting event was held at Niki Town Hall, where the product was presented to the mayor, tourism association members, and other stakeholders. Attendees who sampled the drink gave positive feedback, including comments such as 'It has a natural sweetness and is easy to drink,' 'It seems appealing to women,' and 'It’s a product with a story that feels authentic to Niki Town.' Suggestions were also made for creative pairings, such as mixing it with grape juice or tomato juice. Following the event, the initiative was covered by local newspapers, further raising expectations for 'Nobishiro' as a new specialty product of Niki Town.

Registration as a Hometown Tax Return Gift and Nationwide Distribution

On Friday, June 5, 2026, 'Nobishiro' was officially registered as a hometown tax return gift for Niki Town. Made entirely from 'Ginzan Rice (Nanatsuboshi)' cultivated in the Ginzan district of Niki Town and finished without added sugar or alcohol, this rice koji amazake allows consumers to enjoy the natural sweetness inherent in rice. By delivering this product to donors across Japan through the hometown tax system, the Company aims to promote the message that 'Niki Town offers more than just fruit' and to nurture a product that keeps the town close to people’s hearts throughout the year.

Gift Overview

Gift Name: [Hokkaido Niki Town Product] Rice Koji Amazake Nobishiro 900ml

Minimum Donation Amount:

① 1 bottle (900ml): 6,000 yen

② 2 bottles (900ml each): 9,000 yen

③ 3 bottles (900ml each): 12,000 yen

Major Donation Platforms

Furusato Choice, Rakuten Furusato Tax, Furu-Navi, Satofull, and others

Expanding the Reach of 'Nobishiro' Through Local Events

In addition to its rollout as a hometown tax return gift, 'Nobishiro' is scheduled to be sold and served at local events such as the 'Cherry Festival' on June 28, 2026, and the 'Niki Fruit & Wine Marathom 2026' on September 12, 2026.

Moving forward, the Company will continue efforts to increase awareness of the product through regional events and expanded distribution channels, aiming to cultivate lasting fans of Niki Town.

【Red Horse Corporation Co., Ltd.】

Headquarters: 2nd Floor, KOKUGIKAN FRONT BUILDING, 1-10-5 Yokomichi, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0015

Established: March 1964

Representative: Kensuke Yamada, Representative Director and Chief Operating Officer

Business Activities: Regional industry support and revitalization, consumer business

URL: https://www.redhorse.co.jp/

【Inquiries Regarding This Press Release】

Contact: Mihara

Phone: 03-5637-7099

Email: service-info@redhorse.co.jp

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: New Product