Dainipponichi 2026: Japanese Crafts an Local Brands

This September, I visited Dainipponichi, a large exhibition in Tokyo that brought together traditional crafts, regional foods, and makers from across Japan. In this post, I’ll introduce the event, the company behind it, and some of the makers I had the opportunity to meet.

Welcome to From Japan With Flavor! This is where I share unique Japanese foods, historical food culture, and food trends—all straight from Japan! Follow along on my From Japan With Flavor YouTube channel!

What Is Dainipponichi?

Dainipponichi, which can be translated as “The Great Japanese Market,” is a trade exhibition organized by Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten. It connects Japanese craft makers with retailers from across the country.

The event brought together more than 100 brands from all over Japan, featuring everything from regional foods and tableware to clothing, beauty products, and household goods.

I attended as a member of the media, excited to learn more about Japanese craftsmanship and share some of the wonderful products and stories I discovered along the way.

Makers and Products I Discovered

Here are some of the brands I had the chance to speak with, along with a few products that caught my attention.

Yamatoen: Japanese Green Tea

Yamatoen is a Japanese tea producer located in Yamazoe Village, Nara Prefecture.

Yamatoen grows its tea in the cool highlands of Yamazoe, where there is a significant difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures. Their tea has a fresh aroma, rich umami, and a deep, well-balanced flavor.

At the booth, I tried some chilled green tea, and it was absolutely delicious! I loved its rich yet smooth flavor so much that I bought gyokuro, genmaicha, and hojicha to enjoy at home.

You can also see me enjoying Yamatoen’s tea in this video!

Odate Kogeisha: Magewappa

Odate Kogeisha has been making traditional magewappa in Odate, Akita Prefecture, since 1959.

Magewappa is a traditional Japanese woodcraft made by bending thin sheets of natural wood, such as cedar, into rounded containers. Magewappa is especially popular for bento boxes. The cedar helps control moisture inside the box, keeping rice soft and delicious even after it has cooled.

I’ve used many different bento boxes over the years, but owning a magewappa box has always been a dream of mine. When I held one at the booth, I immediately fell in love with how light it was and the warm, gentle feel of the natural wood.

Of course, I couldn’t resist buying one! I’m planning to share some homemade Japanese bentos using my new magewappa box soon.

Sasaki Seika: Konpeito

Sasaki Seika is a confectionery company in Osaka that has been making sweets since 1929.

Konpeito is a traditional Japanese sugar candy known for its small, colorful shape covered in tiny points. Although it is not as commonly enjoyed as it once was, Sasaki Seika has given this nostalgic sweet a fresh, modern update through its brand, Konpeidou.

The adorable matchbox-style packaging immediately caught my eye at the booth. I also had the chance to try some samples and loved their natural sweetness and gentle texture. They are made with carefully selected ingredients and without artificial flavorings.

I bought three flavors: hojicha, salt, and mixed. The hojicha konpeito was my favorite! It had a lovely roasted tea flavor and a delicate texture that gently crumbled in my mouth.

Umamo: A New Umami-Rich Ingredient

Umamo was one of the most surprising discoveries at the event. It is made from a tiny type of algae grown in Okinawa using leftover material from making awamori, Okinawa’s traditional spirit. Instead of letting this by-product go to waste, it is used to create a new food ingredient packed with umami and DHA.

Umamo comes as a powder, so you can simply sprinkle a little over rice, eggs, pasta, vegetables, or many other dishes to add more flavor.

I tasted a little at the booth, and wow, the umami was incredible! It was such an interesting discovery that I’m planning to share more about Umamo in another post.

A Matcha Break at SaDo Stand

After walking around the exhibition, I was ready for a little break. Luckily, SaDo, a matcha stand operated by Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten, was right there at the venue.

They carefully whisked the matcha right in front of me, and I enjoyed a peaceful break with a freshly made cup. Now I’d love to visit SaDo Stand in Nara someday!

So Many Wonderful Discoveries

It was wonderful to meet the makers and hear the stories behind their products. I also came home with a few new favorites that I can’t wait to use and share with you!

I hope you discovered something new from Japan, too.