On July 1, Awajiya will release two types of ekiben (station boxed lunches) commemorating JR West’s “Doctor Yellow (T5 set)” and “500 Series Shinkansen,” both of which are scheduled to be retired in 2027. Each will cost 1,680 yen.
The “Doctor Yellow Retirement Commemorative Bento” draws inspiration from the train’s vivid yellow color. It features “Valencia Rice”—the same yellow seasoned rice used in Awajiya’s long-selling “Niku-meshi” bento—topped with braised beef. The bento comes in a special yellow container featuring a design of the T5 train set.
The “500 Series Retirement Commemorative Bento” is a take on “anago meshi” (conger eel rice), a local specialty along the Sanyo Shinkansen line where the 500 Series trains have operated. It features soy sauce-seasoned rice topped with fragrant grilled conger eel and simmered chopped conger eel, and is served in a special blue container designed to resemble the 500 Series.
The products are sold at Awajiya’s five company-operated stores (Shin-Kobe, Kobe, Nishi-Akashi, Piole Akashi, and Tsuruhashi) as well as at select “Tabi Bento” stations located inside Shin-Osaka Station, Kyoto Station, and Okayama Station.
Advance reservations will be accepted via the company’s “Reservation Site” only for items sold at the five Awajiya-operated stores. Please note that the company does not offer delivery sales through its online store.
© Source travel watch