Nostalgic Tonkatsu Bento Returns with Valentine's & White Day Limited Edition Designs at Chiba Station
Manyoken, a long-established ekiben (station bento) brand operated by Riei Inc. in Chiba Prefecture, will offer their classic Tonkatsu Bento with special Valentine's and White Day wrapper designs at JR Chiba Station. This beloved bento, which has been sold since the 1950s, will feature limited-edition packaging to add a touch of fun and excitement for customers during these special occasions.
The Valentine's limited-edition wrapper will be available on February 13 (Friday) and 14 (Saturday), 2026, while the White Day version will be sold on March 13 (Friday) and 14 (Saturday), 2026. Both designs maintain the traditional taste while adding seasonal charm to the nostalgic meal.
About Manyoken's Tonkatsu Bento
The Tonkatsu Bento represents a core offering from Manyoken's station bento lineup. It was created with the desire to provide students and office workers traveling through Chiba Station with an affordable yet filling meal. Since its launch in the 1950s, the bento has remained largely unchanged for over half a century. In the early Showa 40s (around 1968), it was sold for just 100 yen.
This traditional Tonkatsu Bento features pork loin cutlets soaked in a special sauce, with extra sauce available for drizzling. The nostalgic flavor, developed over the long history of the dish, continues to win hearts among customers seeking unchanging, comforting taste.
Award Recognition
At the "Ekiben Aji no Jin 2025" event hosted by JR East, the regular wrapper design of the Tonkatsu Bento received the "Wrapper Award," recognizing the packaging's appeal.
Product Details
Tonkatsu Bento (Valentine's Limited Edition Design)
- Price: ¥782 (tax included)
- Sales Dates: February 13 (Friday) and 14 (Saturday), 2026
- Sales Location: Manyoken Perie Chiba Ekinaka Store (3F), inside Chiba Station
Tonkatsu Bento (White Day Limited Edition Design)
- Price: ¥782 (tax included)
- Sales Dates: March 13 (Friday) and 14 (Saturday), 2026
- Sales Location: Manyoken Perie Chiba Ekinaka Store (3F), inside Chiba Station
About Manyoken
Founded in 1928 (Showa 3) in Yōchō near Chiba Station, Manyoken began producing ekiben after receiving approval from the Japanese National Railways for in-station retail operations. Since 2013, Riei Inc. has carried on the brand's taste and tradition. Under the Manyoken brand, the company operates ekiben sales, catering services, and various food offerings.
Official website: https://riei-manyoken.jp/
Awards History
"Ekiben Aji no Jin" hosted by JR East:
- Tonkatsu Bento: Area Award (twice in 2018 and 2019), Wrapper Award (three times in 2018, 2021, and 2025)
- Nanohana Bento: Sosorare Shogun (Most Desired Food Award) in 2020
- Jumbo Katsu Bento: Area Award (Southern Kanto Division) in 2022
About Riei Inc.
Riei Inc., established in 1980, is a "food and care lifestyle service" company. With food as its foundation, the company has expanded into corporate welfare services and comprehensive care services, maintaining human warmth at its core.
Location: Prime Tower Shin-Urayasu 14F, 1-5-2 Irifune, Urayasu City, Chiba Prefecture
Official website: https://www.riei.co.jp/
Note: Riei Inc. is a subsidiary of Riei Group
