Serita Construction and Long-Established Wagashi Shop Continue Heatstroke-Prevention Food “An MMu Salted Smooth Bean Paste” This Summer

Serita Construction Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Takeo City, Saga Prefecture; Representative: Akihiro Serita), which aims to solve social issues through construction DX, will again roll out “An MMu Salted Smooth Bean Paste,” a heatstroke-prevention food developed jointly with Kashin Maruichi, a 75-year-old traditional Japanese confectionery shop with three stores in Saga City, Saga Prefecture. The product was created for craftspeople working on construction sites. After being distributed at worksites last year, it received positive feedback from site staff, including comments such as “easy to eat even when I have no appetite,” “even better when chilled,” and “a convenient way to replenish energy.” As a result, Serita Construction decided to continue distributing it this year. In 2026, distribution will begin again at Serita Construction worksites, and the product will also be available to the general public for a limited time from Monday, June 1, at Kashin Maruichi’s three stores and official online shop. As extreme heat becomes increasingly common, heatstroke prevention at construction sites is no longer simply an employee benefit; it has become a core part of safety management. As part of its efforts to protect the lives and health of craftspeople, Serita Construction focused on heatstroke countermeasures that are both tasty and easy to continue. The answer it arrived at was anko, a sweet bean paste familiar to Japanese people. Heatstroke prevention often emphasizes hydration and salt intake, but those are not the only things lost through sweat. To maintain the body’s balance, it is also important to replenish carbohydrates and minerals such as potassium. Anko, made from azuki beans, contains a balanced mix of carbohydrates and minerals. Potassium in particular is known as a nutrient that supports muscle function and recovery from fatigue. One pouch of “An MMu Salted Smooth Bean Paste” contains carbohydrates equivalent to about two bananas. It also provides salt, making it a practical replenishment food for people working in harsh, hot environments. Azuki beans contain about 1,500 mg of potassium per 100 g, more than four times the amount found in bananas, which contain 360 mg per 100 g. Registered dietitian Tomoko Miyazaki commented that the key to replenishment is “small amounts frequently, not all at once.” For people working on construction sites, summer health management is directly tied to safety. In recent years of prolonged extreme heat, work in environments with a high WBGT heat stress index causes the body to lose not only water but also salt, energy, and minerals through sweat. Taking in small amounts during each break is important for reducing physical strain. From that perspective, Miyazaki noted the value of the idea of “drinkable anko.” Azuki beans, the raw ingredient of anko, are low in fat and efficient for energy replenishment. They are known as a quick energy source, to the point that some bodybuilders use ohagi rice sweets as a snack. Azuki beans also contain minerals such as potassium, making them a rational replenishment ingredient during hot summers with heavy sweating. In addition to these nutritional traits, “An MMu Salted Smooth Bean Paste” is designed with slightly higher salt content, reflecting the needs of worksites where sodium is easily lost through sweat. Its resealable pouch also makes it easy to consume little by little during breaks, a major advantage for on-site usability. The product uses carefully selected azuki beans from Tokachi, Hokkaido, and is made completely additive-free with no food additives. Kashin Maruichi’s long-cultivated wagashi-making techniques create a smooth texture and refined sweetness, while a clear salty note helps replenish salt lost through perspiration. The product also adopts a stand-up aluminum pouch designed for construction-site use. It can be consumed directly even when hands are dirty, comes in a slim pocket-sized format, and can be frozen for a cool, refreshing taste. Combining portability and practicality, it turns wagashi into on-site energy and will continue supporting craftspeople at work this summer. Product details: An MMu official website https://anmmu.kashinmaruichi.co.jp/ Company overview: Serita Construction Co., Ltd.; Representative Director: Akihiro Serita; Headquarters: 10153-4 Nakano, Asahi-cho, Takeo City, Saga Prefecture; Founded: November 1969; Business: general civil engineering works and ground improvement work using the Mud Mixer method. Website: https://www.serita.jp/