Nakamuraya, a Tokyo-based confectionery maker, is launching a new wagashi product, the "Ogura Tsubu-an Monaka," at supermarkets in the Kanto area and nearby prefectures starting March 1, 2026 (Sunday).
About Nakamuraya's Anko
Nakamuraya has been making Japanese confectionery since 1909, crafting different types of anko tailored specifically to each product. Drawing on generations of bean-paste-making expertise, the company aims to deliver the taste of a specialty store at an everyday price.
The Ogura Tsubu-an Monaka uses anko made with Hokkaido-grown dainagon azuki beans (62% of the total azuki used), carefully simmered to draw out the best flavor, and is designed to fully satisfy anko cravings.
Development Background
Anko remains a widely loved ingredient across all generations in Japan, frequently featured in media and on social media, with dedicated events held regularly. In a survey conducted by Nakamuraya, 99.4% of people who purchase wagashi at supermarkets at least once a month said they have moments when they crave anko. The qualities most valued in anko were sweetness, the chunky texture of whole beans, the azuki bean aroma, and smoothness. Respondents particularly valued "just the right sweetness," and the most common situation in which people find themselves craving anko was "when feeling tired."
With "enjoying anko" as the product concept, Nakamuraya focused on the monaka format — known for showcasing moist, fresh anko — and developed a product that offers specialty-store quality anko in generous quantity.
Product Features
POINT 1: Chunky Texture from Hokkaido-Grown Dainagon Azuki Beans
Hokkaido-grown dainagon azuki beans (62% of total azuki used) are large-grained and hold their shape well during cooking. By using the "kago-daki" method — a lid-pressing technique that prevents beans from tumbling and colliding with each other — the beans are cooked soft while preserving the chunky, rustic texture dainagon azuki beans are known for.
POINT 2: Expertly Crafted Anko
The anko is made with careful professional craftsmanship, with sweetness finely tuned so that even 50g of filling doesn't feel heavy, allowing the full flavor to be enjoyed from start to finish. Specialty-store quality anko is available here as an accessible everyday treat.
POINT 3: Perfect Balance of Anko and Monaka Shell
The monaka shell is specifically selected to complement the anko filling, creating a pleasing harmony as both become softly moist together. The ample anko-to-shell ratio makes for a genuinely satisfying experience.
Product Details
- Product name: Ogura Tsubu-an Monaka
- Description: A monaka filled generously with moist anko featuring the chunky texture of Hokkaido-grown dainagon azuki beans (62% of total azuki used)
- Suggested retail price: 193 yen (tax included)
- Release date: March 1, 2026 (Sunday)
- Contents: 1 piece
- Available at: Supermarkets (Kanto area and nearby prefectures)
- Shelf life: 30 days
