There's a Reason Things Last: In-Depth Investigation into Japan's Anniversary Companies and Products

An infotainment variety show introducing and thoroughly investigating companies, stores, and products across Japan celebrating milestones!

In 2026, numerous companies and products are marking anniversaries! The program 'There's a Reason Things Last' uncovers their origin stories and histories, diving deep into factories, corporate offices, and development sites to reveal the secrets behind their longevity.

©TV Osaka

40th Anniversary with an 'Ironclad Defense' of Soup Flavor: 'Dotombori Kamukura'

Starting in 1986 as a tiny 4-tatami-mat, 9-seat shop, the Osaka-born ramen chain 'Dotombori Kamukura' now operates 127 stores nationwide, including in the Kanto region. Its 40th anniversary highlights a secret to enduring popularity and growth: its soup, famously called a 'taste beyond explanation'.

©TV Osaka

The founder, who trained at a French restaurant in a luxury hotel in Yokohama, spent over a year and a half developing a soup that is neither tonkotsu nor soy sauce-based, aiming instead for a uniquely Japanese flavor. Despite continuous improvements, the base recipe has remained unchanged since the company's founding. Over the past 40 years, the secret soup recipe has faced multiple life-threatening crises, including break-ins and acquisition attempts. Each time, it was protected through an 'ironclad defense'. Even in the Reiwa era, dominated by delivery services, the soup is strictly prohibited from leaving the store—only side dishes are available for takeout.

©TV Osaka

Moreover, only two people know the recipe for the soup base: the founder and the current president. To ensure consistent flavor, the company has introduced a 'soup sommelier' system. The standard for taste is the final soup, after garlic, soy sauce, cabbage, and other ingredients are added to the base. Becoming a top-tier 'Sommelier Supervisor' requires over 15 years of experience.

©TV Osaka

While the soup is fiercely guarded, the company leaves its heart open to customers. What is the surprising story behind fulfilling a customer's dream—to eat Kamukura ramen one last time—after receiving a terminal diagnosis?

40 Years of Success by Changing Just One Thing: Lawson's 'Karaage-kun'

The beloved fried chicken snack 'Karaage-kun' has been a flagship product of convenience store chain Lawson for decades, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

©TV Osaka

Over 40 years, 'Karaage-kun' has evolved in packaging, flavor, and sales methods to meet changing consumer needs. During the pandemic, the sales approach shifted to allow customers to pick up items themselves.

©TV Osaka

Yet, the reason it has remained beloved for four decades is that one crucial element has never changed: the use of ○○...

100 Years Through Two 'Evolutions': Rintatsu, a Top Stainless Steel Trading Company

Founded in 1926, the first year of the Showa era, 'Rintatsu' celebrates its 100th anniversary in Nagoya. It is a trading company supporting the stainless steel industry, known for being more rust-resistant, stronger, and more durable than iron.

©TV Osaka

Initially, the company sold processed copper. In an era when factories and railways were expanding and industries were developing, the second-generation president recognized the potential of stainless steel and began specialized operations around 1953.

Today, its products are used in construction, automobiles, milk tanks, and other everyday applications. The reason for its 100-year longevity lies in two 'evolutions'. The first is evolving from a mere trading company to one that also provides processing, delivering products in the 'form customers desire'. But what is the surprising space inside Rintatsu's headquarters?

©TV Osaka

An open, lounge-like employee cafeteria resembling a hotel lobby, complete with a bar counter and grand piano. The buffet-style cafeteria features daily-changing menus created by chefs, who even accommodate employee requests for specific dishes! It serves as a space for collaboration and interaction among staff.

©TV Osaka

Even more surprisingly, there's a basketball court inside the office! The employee-initiated basketball team has become so skilled that it won the All-Japan Corporate Basketball Championship. Through basketball, barriers between employees and external partners are broken down, enabling open communication. This reflects the second 'evolution'—a deepening of human connections that cannot be sustained by equipment and technology alone.

'There's a reason things last'—perhaps that reason lies in the long-standing dedication each company has cultivated toward its customers and employees.

Cast

Mukai Satoshi (Panther)

Kojima Natsumi

Yumepote

Program Information

<Program Title> Excavation! Anniversary: Discovering the Reasons Behind Enduring Popularity

<Broadcast Date and Time> July 4, 2026 (Sat), 4:00 PM

<Program Website> https://www.tv-osaka.co.jp/sp/excavation_anniversary/

<TVer> https://tver.jp/series/srkz6umodu

Streaming begins after broadcast at the URLs above!