Takayamado Co., Ltd. (Founded: Chuo-ku, Osaka; Current Headquarters: Nishinomiya, Hyogo; President: Yohei Takemoto) has launched a new product called "Kitahama Pinapo" on January 30, 2026, after more than 3.5 years of development since the concept was conceived in spring 2022. This release marks a long-awaited answer to the company's ongoing pursuit of creating a new Osaka souvenir, coinciding with the opening of a new store inside Keihan Yodoyabashi Station.
Currently, "Kitahama Pinapo" is available exclusively at Takayamado Keihan Yodoyabashi Store, but online sales will begin on February 16, 2026 (Monday) through Takayamado's e-commerce site.
Product Story
The Yodoyabashi and Kitahama area, where the new store is located, features bridges spanning the Dojima River and Tosabori River from Dojima and Nakanoshima. While the famous merchant "Yodoya" is well-known for privately funding the construction of Yodoyabashi Bridge, there is another bridge beloved by locals in the Yodoyabashi/Kitahama area: Namba Bridge (Naniwabashi), which crosses Sakaisuji Street. The bridge is affectionately nicknamed "Lion Bridge" because majestic "a-un" (alpha-omega) lions stand guard at all four corners.
"Kitahama Pinapo" is a baked manju born from the story of these lions falling in love with the sweet-and-sour aroma of pineapple. The lions dream of becoming a traveling souvenir that will journey from the Yodoyabashi/Kitahama area throughout all of Japan.
The A-Un Lions
The lions disguised as pineapples on the package display "a-un" (alpha-omega) expressions, just like the lions on Namba Bridge. In fact, the individual wrapping films also feature two types of lions—"a" and "un"! Since they are randomly manufactured and boxed, pairs are not guaranteed, but be sure to check and see which ones you get.
A Sweet-and-Sour Baked Manju
When you open the lion-printed individual wrapper, you'll find an adorable pineapple-shaped baked manju accompanied by a subtly sweet-and-sour aroma.
The juicy pineapple filling is made by simmering Okinawa-grown pineapple juice to its maximum capacity, all wrapped in a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth milk butter dough and baked to perfection. Moist and sweet-and-sour, this treat is confidently recommended even to those who typically dislike red bean paste, as it appeals to people of all ages.
Creativity
"Kitahama Pinapo" was born from the vision of Ashita no Shikaku, a creative studio based in Kitahama, Osaka. In 2022, before the opening of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, Ashita no Shikaku and Takayamado shared the ambition to create a new Osaka souvenir—one that would break away from traditional Osaka souvenir imagery and offer something urban, original, delicious, and worth talking about.
Early on, designs and stories featuring the lions of Lion Bridge were developed, and product prototypes were created. Development seemed to be progressing smoothly, but then Takayamado became fully committed to the Osaka-Kansai Expo, forcing the "Kitahama Pinapo" project to temporarily pause. Another new project, "Osaka Ee YOKAN," also began, making it impossible to advance two new projects simultaneously.
However, behind the scenes, work continued on perfecting the confection and planning the best timing for release.
Later, with the Expo generating excitement in August 2025, Takayamado secured a location inside Keihan Yodoyabashi Station, and the "Kitahama Pinapo" project officially restarted toward a full-scale launch.
The iconic lion illustration was entrusted to artist Kentaro Tanaka, chosen immediately by Ashita no Shikaku. Kentaro Tanaka creates works that convey the life and spirit of animals and plants to viewers. Having someone like him depict the lions that have stood guard at Namba Bridge for over 100 years in such a surreal and adorable way—reimagined as pineapples—is deeply meaningful and a great honor.
Additionally, the packaging finished with fluorescent yellow and gold foil stamping is the work of Ashita no Shikaku. From color development and texture to box shape and individual wrapper design, every detail has been carefully crafted yet elegantly refined. We hope you'll appreciate the attention to detail, from the moment you open the box to the design on the back.
Kentaro Tanaka
https://www.instagram.com/kentaroutanaka/
Ashita no Shikaku
https://asitanosikaku.jp
Future Expansion
For now, "Kitahama Pinapo" is available as an advance limited sale at Takayamado Keihan Yodoyabashi Store, but online sales will begin on February 16, 2026 (Monday). Moving forward, the company plans to expand availability to souvenir shops in stations and airports, making it more accessible to a wider audience.
Product Details
"Kitahama Pinapo" is available in two sizes: a 3-piece pack, perfect as an affordable souvenir, and a 6-piece pack in a sturdy box, suitable for business gifts. Both include an "original sticker" that doubles as a product description.
- 3-piece pack: ¥756 (tax included) / ¥700 (before tax)
- 6-piece pack: ¥1,620 (tax included) / ¥1,500 (before tax)
- Shelf life: 30 days from manufacture
Store Details
Store Name: Takayamado Keihan Yodoyabashi Store
Opening Date: January 30, 2026 (Friday)
Hours: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM (subject to change during Obon, New Year holidays, etc.)
Address: 3-1-25 Kitahama, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, 541-0041 (Inside Keihan Yodoyabashi Station, outside West Exit)
Phone: 06-4256-1575
