[Yukuhashi City, Fukuoka × YUWAERU Collaboration] Developed 'Nekase Genmai®' Using Local Brand Rice 'Yumetsukushi' as a Furusato Nozei Return Gift

YUWAERU Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Yoshitaka Ogino) has collaborated with Yukuhashi City, Fukuoka Prefecture, to develop a new "Nekase Genmai®" product using only brown rice from the city. The rice used is "Yumetsukushi," a representative brand rice of Fukuoka Prefecture. Filled with the blessings of the region and the passion of the producers, this product will primarily be rolled out as a Furusato Nozei (hometown tax) return gift. What is Nekase Genmai®? "Nekase Genmai®" is brown rice that is cooked in a pressure cooker and then kept warm and aged for several days to bring out a chewy texture and deep umami flavor. It is characterized by its ease of eating, lacking the hardness typical of brown rice, making it delicious enough to continue every day like white rice. YUWAERU uses a unique production method to maintain the nutritional value of brown rice while achieving both palatability and taste. To bring the appeal of Nekase Genmai to more people, the "Nekase Genmai® Rice Pack," which can be easily enjoyed, was born. By manufacturing in a special pressure cooker using patented technology, consistent quality and deliciousness are realized. A Product Filled with Regional Charm ■ The Story of Collaborative Development At YUWAERU, we have had the desire to "create Nekase Genmai that utilizes the individuality of rice from each region" and have been exploring initiatives with producers across the country. In that process, we encountered Yukuhashi City in Fukuoka Prefecture, which is actively working to promote the value of local agricultural products. The shared desire of both parties to create products that utilize regional rice led to this collaborative development. With the cooperation of Yukuhashi City and introductions to local producers, development of Nekase Genmai using the city's "Yumetsukushi" began. By linking the region, producers, and the company, a product that gives shape to the local charm was born. ■ Flavor Utilizing the Appeal of "Yumetsukushi" from Yukuhashi City The rice used in this product is "Yumetsukushi," grown by producers who spare no effort, carefully tending to the soil using green manure from canola flowers and fully matured compost. It is characterized by its moderate stickiness, soft texture, and well-balanced sweetness. Since its deliciousness lasts even when cold, it is also highly compatible with Nekase Genmai. You can enjoy the rich flavor along with the chewy texture. ■ Package Expressing the Essence of Yukuhashi City The package features "Yukky," the mascot character of Yukuhashi City. Furthermore, the base color is pink, inspired by the cosmos, the city's flower, expressing regional identity and friendliness. ■ Development as Return Gifts and Local Products This product will be available on various Furusato Nozei portal sites as a return gift and will also be sold at community-based stores such as "Yukuhashi Marche" in Yukuhashi Station. In the future, we plan to expand the number of stores to deliver the charm of Yukuhashi City to more people. Satofull, Furusato Choice, Furulabo, Furunavi, Rakuten Furusato Nozei, Furusato Nozei Hyakusen, ANA's Furusato Nozei, Furusato Palette. To commemorate the completion of the product, a campaign will be held on various Furusato Nozei portal sites in May 2026 to accept orders at a special price for a limited period and quantity. ◆ Product Summary Product Name: Yukuhashi City, Fukuoka Prefecture - Chewy Nekase Genmai® Rice Ingredients: Brown Rice (from Yukuhashi City), Salt Content: 160g Price: 308 yen (excluding tax) YUWAERU will continue to collaborate with regions and contribute to the development of sustainable food culture through product development that utilizes the charms of ingredients from various parts of Japan. YUWAERU Co., Ltd. Location: 6F Eisen Building, 3-20 Kanda Nishikicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo CEO: Yoshitaka Ogino Established: February 4, 2009 Business: D2C (Nekase Genmai pack manufacturing, retail), wholesale/OEM, consulting URL: https://www.yuwaeru.co.jp/ "One meal a day, brown rice life" We believe that leading a well-balanced dietary life involves combining body-pleasing meals, where the staple is replaced with brown rice, with heart-pleasing meals, where you don't hold back on what you like. The accumulation of such habits leads to a healthy and rich daily life. "Is this brown rice?" The surprisingly chewy "Nekase Genmai®" was born from this thought. With rice packs manufactured in our own factory as the mainstay, we develop various foods and services using brown rice. We are spreading a lifestyle with brown rice in various ways, including stores, EC, wholesale, and OEM. * "Nekase Genmai®" is a registered trademark of YUWAERU Co., Ltd.