'Yukari' sprinkled on rice

All About the Long-Selling Staple "Yukari"

An interactive story exploring its charm, from the origin of its name to the secret of its flavor.

The vibrant purple color and refreshing aroma of shiso spread over warm rice. Mishima Foods' "Yukari" furikake has been a beloved staple on Japanese dining tables for decades. Since its launch in 1970, why has it been so widely supported by so many for so long? This page interactively unravels its story.

An illustration inspired by the Kokin Wakashu

Name Origin: A Sentiment Hidden in the Kokin Wakashu

The name "Yukari" is not a person's name, but comes from a poem in the Kokin Wakashu, an ancient anthology of Japanese poetry. It embodies the desire to cherish a "connection" (go-en) with the product.

Murasaki no hitomoto yue ni Musashino no kusa wa minagara aware to zo miru

(Kokin Wakashu)

This poem means, "Because of a single stalk of purple gromwell, all the grasses of the Musashino plain seem beautiful and charming." From this, the word "Yukari" (meaning connection or relation) was born. It's a beautiful name that connects the purple color of the product with the bond shared with customers.

Red shiso field

The Secret to its Flavor: Specially Selected Red Shiso

The refreshing flavor and vibrant color of "Yukari" come from its carefully selected main ingredient, "red shiso." Click the cards below to learn about the commitment to quality.

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Quality control at the factory

Passion for Quality: "Shiso Masters" and a Thorough Management System

To deliver the best ingredients as the best products to your table, we thoroughly manage quality and safety with both the expert eyes of our specialists and the mechanical eyes of our state-of-the-art equipment.

Shiso Meister System

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Experts known as "Shiso Masters," who are knowledgeable in everything from red shiso cultivation to quality control, visit the farms to strictly check the color and aroma of the leaves. They support the quality of "Yukari" from its very foundation.

Thorough Manufacturing Process

Washing & Drying
Unique Seasoning
Color Sorter & X-ray Inspection

Memorable Package Design

Yukari furikake and rice

The simple package with "ゆかり" (Yukari) written in purple on a white background is so impactful that you won't forget it once you see it. At the time of its launch, using purple for food packaging was very rare. However, this design, adopted to express the color of the red shiso inside and to stand out on store shelves, has now become a symbol of "Yukari." It is easy for anyone to understand and remember. This universal design is another reason for its long-lasting popularity.

Why It's Loved Across Generations

For over half a century since its birth in 1970, "Yukari" has been adding color to dining tables. Its appeal lies not only in sprinkling it over rice but also in its versatility in various dishes. Its simplicity ensures you never tire of it, and it allows for endless culinary arrangements.

1970

"Yukari" is launched

Feb 22

Registered as "Yukari Day"