JR West Food Service Net and the Japan Railway Yard Sales Central Association will start selling “Onigiri Ekiben” (rice ball station bento) to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of “Ekiben Day” at 11 stores in Osaka and Shin-Osaka stations and other locations on April 10.
In honor of “nigiri-meshi,” which is said to be the beginning of ekiben, ekiben brands from all over Japan have arranged local gourmet foods and famous ekiben into onigiri bento. A wide variety of “onigiri ekiben” will be sold throughout Japan. Each “onigiri ekiben” will come with a “ekiben card” that introduces sightseeing spots recommended by the ekiben maker on a first-come, first-served basis.
Seven types of “onigiri ekiben” will be available at “Tabibento” stores (Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Osaka, and Shin-Kobe stations) operated by JR Nishinippon Food Service Net. The seven participating companies are Awajiya, Abe Tottorido, Shio-so, Shoeiken, Nanyoken, Banjo Honten, and Maneki Shokuhin. Sales outlets differ depending on the product.
In addition, “onigiri bento” (rice ball lunchboxes) commemorating Ekiben Day will be sold throughout Japan, even outside of western Japan.
A campaign for 100 winners to win a complete set of all 26 types of ekiben cards will also be held. To enter, write your name, address, telephone number, and favorite ekiben on a postcard and mail it to the address below. Winners will be notified when the prize is shipped.
© Source travel watch