Chiba's Long-Established Ekiben 'Nanohana Bento' Wins Grand Prix at 98th 'Japan Food Selection'! Golden Week Commemorative Sale to be Held

Riei Life Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Urayasu City, Chiba Prefecture, President and CEO: Hiroki Kabasawa), part of the Riei Group, announces that its long-selling ekiben 'Nanohana Bento' from the Chiba-based venerable ekiben brand 'Manyoken' has won the Grand Prix, the highest evaluation, at the 98th 'Japan Food Selection' held in April 2026. To commemorate this achievement, a special sale will be held for six days during the Golden Week period, from May 1st (Friday) to May 6th (Wednesday, holiday), 2026, offering the bento at a special price of 888 yen (tax included). 'Nanohana Bento' Grand Prix at 'Japan Food Selection' The 'Nanohana Bento,' first created in 1966 (Showa 41), is a long-selling ekiben cherished for many years at Chiba Station, characterized by its vibrant colors inspired by the rape blossom fields, Chiba Prefecture's official flower. The fluffy, sweet scrambled eggs, reminiscent of rape blossoms, offer a gentle flavor. The chicken soboro, evoking the earth, is seasoned with a moderate meatiness and subtly sweet ginger, pairing perfectly with rice. For a palate cleanser, clams from 'Ikadayaki Honpo Shojo,' a long-established tsukudani shop founded in the Edo period in Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, are used. You can enjoy the traditional flavor where umami spreads with every bite. About 'Japan Food Selection' The 'Japan Food Selection' is a food and ingredient evaluation and certification system organized by the Japan Food Analyst Association. Approximately 23,000 'food analysts' serve as judges, strictly evaluating products from a consumer perspective across about 100 criteria, including taste, package design, naming, storytelling, and safety. Its neutrality and fairness, due to being operated by a third-party organization, are highly regarded, and it is gaining attention as a highly reliable system. The 'Grand Prix' award, which was received this time, is an honorable award given only to products that score 90 points or more out of a perfect 100 in this rigorous judging process. ■ 'Nanohana Bento' Judging Report "A masterpiece whose simple taste appeals to people of all ages and genders, and whose visual representation evokes the idyllic rural scenery of Chiba, thereby enhancing the joy of travel as an ekiben." The 'Nanohana Bento' is a delightful meal characterized by its gentle colors reminiscent of spring scenery and its rustic, approachable flavor. Opening the lid reveals two colors of soboro spread over the rice, immediately catching the eye. The gentle yellow of the scrambled egg soboro and the calm brown of the chicken soboro create a beautiful contrast, bringing to mind the bright rape blossom fields of spring. The mildness of the egg and the richness of the chicken are felt alternately, showing ingenuity to keep the taste from becoming monotonous until the end. The clams tsukudani placed in the center play an important role in tightening the flavor. The aroma of the sea adds depth to the gentle flavor of the soboro, enhancing the overall experience. The accompanying nanohana pickles, with their subtle bitterness and refreshing saltiness, provide a sense of seasonality befitting the bento's name. The eating experience is light, and due to the low oil content, it can be enjoyed without difficulty until the last bite. It feels like a simple yet complete ekiben that accompanies a spring journey. Grand Prix Award Trophy Grand Prix Certification Commemorative Sale Overview Event Name Nanohana Bento "Japan Food Selection" Grand Prix Commemorative Sale Period May 1st (Friday) to May 6th (Wednesday, holiday), 2026 Target Product Nanohana Bento Price Special price 888 yen (tax included) Sales Location Manyoken (Manyoken) within JR Chiba Station Perie Chiba Ekinaka Store (3F) *Phone reservations are also accepted (during business hours). TEL: 043-306-2101 Business Hours: Mon-Fri 7:00-21:00 / Sat, Sun, Holidays 7:00-20:00 Additional Information On May 5th (Tuesday, holiday), Manyoken (Manyoken) will make its first appearance at "Matsudo Morihiro Festa ~Children's Kingdom~"! A variety of experiential workshops for parent-child bonding, food trucks, and merchandise sales will be available! The Grand Prix-winning 'Nanohana Bento' can also be purchased. Please come and make memories for Golden Week. Event Name Matsudo Morihiro Festa ~Children's Kingdom~ Date May 5th (Tuesday, holiday), 2026, 10:00-15:00 *Cancelled in case of rain Admission Fee Free Venue 21st Century Forest and Plaza (Light and Wind Plaza, Lakeside) 269 Sendahori, Matsudo City, 270-2252 TEL: 047-345-8900 Products for Sale Nanohana Bento, Tonkatsu Bento, Tonkatsu Nanohana Bento, Yakiniku Bento, Tonkatsu Shumai Bento, Pig-shaped Candy Official HP https://www.city.matsudo.chiba.jp/shisetsu-guide/kouen_ryokuka/top/yoteihyou/20260505.html Company Profile About Manyoken (Manyoken)