【Tanabata Limited】Starlit Agar Jelly 'Hoshiai' Now Available for Pre-order Online Starting June 13 (Sat), Limited Quantity. Special Set with 'Amber Candy' Also Available.

Left: 'Hoshiai' / Right: 'IRODORI Amber Candy'

Tsuruya Yoshinobu Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Kamigyō-ku, Kyoto; President & CEO: Shinichiro Inada), a manufacturer and retailer of traditional Japanese confectionery, will offer the Tanabata-inspired wagashi 'Hoshiai (Hoshi-ai)' for a limited period from Wednesday, July 1, 2026, to Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Ahead of in-store sales, pre-orders will begin on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 12:00 PM via the official online shop, available in limited quantities.

A special limited set including 'IRODORI Amber Candy,' normally unavailable by mail order, is also available.

Official Online Shop

▼ Special Set Page for 'Hoshiai' & 'IRODORI Amber Candy'

https://shop.tsuruyayoshinobu.jp/products/90110072

▼ Other 'Hoshiai'-Related Products

https://shop.tsuruyayoshinobu.jp/collections/hoshiai

About the Artistic Confection 'Hoshiai'

'Hoshiai' is a decorative yōkan themed around 'Tanabata.' It expresses the meeting of the star-crossed lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi through the Milky Way depicted in yōkan and the translucent beauty of amber kōn (kōhaku-kan). Available in stores for only one week, this subtly sweet and refreshing wagashi evokes the fleeting summer reunion. We hope you will enjoy it.

'Hoshiai'

A smooth, jelly-like amber kōn made with agar is layered in two colors—pale blue and purple—to represent the night sky. Beneath it lies a layer of shio yōkan (salted yōkan) with a gentle sweetness enhanced by a hint of salt, creating a refined three-layered confection.

The shio yōkan uses salt produced from seawater collected near Kotohiki Beach on the Tango Peninsula in Kyoto Prefecture. The clean, refreshing flavor is perfect for summer.

Kyoto's Kotohiki Beach (Image)

● About Kotohiki Beach

Stretching approximately 1,800 meters along the coast of Kyōtango City, Kyoto Prefecture, Kotohiki Beach is designated as a nationally protected natural monument. Known for its white sand and pine groves, it is also famous as a 'singing sand' beach, where walking on the sand produces a distinctive squeaking sound.

About the 'Hoshiai' & 'IRODORI Amber Candy' Special Set

The annual sell-out Tanabata limited-edition set featuring 'Hoshiai' and 'Amber Candy' returns this year. Let your thoughts drift to the sparkling stars and summer sky...

● What is 'IRODORI Amber Candy'?

'IRODORI Amber Candy'

The flagship product of the 'IRODORI' brand, which introduces new charms of wagashi. This popular higashi (dry confection) is normally only available at stores carrying the 'IRODORI' line. This year, the special Tanabata limited set will again be available for pre-order via the official online shop.

'IRODORI Amber Candy' captures the delicate shimmer of light and subtle flavors, resembling star fragments or Tanabata tanzaku paper in the night sky. Entirely handcrafted by skilled artisans, it cannot be mass-produced and is available in limited quantities. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity.

● How 'IRODORI Amber Candy' is Made

'Amber Candy' is made by slowly boiling high-quality sugar and agar, then cooling, solidifying, and drying the mixture. Traditionally served in tea ceremonies as a type of higashi alongside matcha, it is a classic wagashi flavor. In recent years, it has gained attention among younger generations as 'edible jewelry.'

● Manufacturing Process Video Now Available on Official Instagram!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYo1P8ePiTt/

Starting from a firm jelly-like state, the candy is shaped by cutting with molds or tearing by hand. 'IRODORI Amber Candy' transforms this traditional higashi into smart rectangular pieces in colorful pastel shades. Each of the five vibrant colors features a distinct floral flavor—such as lavender and chamomile—creating a delightful and visually appealing treat.

Product Overview

● 'Hoshiai (Hoshi-ai)'

● Price: 1 piece, ¥1,728 including tax (¥1,600 before tax)

● Available at: Tsuruya Yoshinobu Main Store,直营 stores, department stores, official online shop

※ Some stores may not carry the product.

● Shelf Life: 20 days

● Allergens (29 designated items): Milk, Soy

● 'Hoshiai & IRODORI Amber Candy' Set

● Price: 1 set, ¥3,420 including tax (¥3,150 before tax)

● Available at: Official online shop only

● Shelf Life: 20 days

● Allergens (29 designated items): Milk, Soy ('Hoshiai')

● Contents: 1 piece 'Hoshiai,' 1 piece 'Amber Candy' (10 pieces included)

● Release Date

・Official Online Shop

Starting Saturday, June 13, 2026, 12:00 PM — until sold out

(Delivery: Friday, July 3 – Tuesday, July 7, 2026)

・In-Store Sales ('Hoshiai' only)

Wednesday, July 1, 2026 – Tuesday, July 7, 2026

※ Both are limited in time and quantity. Sales will end once products are sold out.

▼ Special Set Page for 'Hoshiai' & 'IRODORI Amber Candy'

https://shop.tsuruyayoshinobu.jp/products/90110072

▼ Other 'Hoshiai'-Related Products

https://shop.tsuruyayoshinobu.jp/collections/hoshiai

Tsuruya Yoshinobu Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1803 (Kōwa 3) in Nishijin, Kyoto, by the first-generation Tsuruya Ibē. With over 220 years of history, it is a long-established Kyoto wagashi confectioner. Upholding the motto 'Create Excellent Things,' the company preserves traditional techniques while developing new wagashi and cafes that reflect modern sensibilities. Through various collaboration projects, it continues to expand the appeal of Kyoto confectionery and pursue new values in wagashi.

Company Overview Company Name: Tsuruya Yoshinobu Co., Ltd. Representative: President & CEO Shinichiro Inada Head Office: 340-1 Nishifunabashicho, 2-chome, Omuro-higashi-iri, Imadegawa-dori, Kamigyō-ku, Kyoto, 602-8434 Founded: 1803 (Kōwa 3)

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4ynrW8MZYirtkoCp9 Official Website: https://www.tsuruyayoshinobu.jp/ Official X Account: https://twitter.com/tsuruya1803 Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tsuruya.yoshinobu_wagashi/ Keywords: