Eitaro Sohonpo Co., Ltd., commonly known as Eitaro Confectionery, is one of Japan’s most historic and prestigious wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) makers, based in Nihonbashi, Tokyo. With a legacy tracing back to 1857, Eitaro has maintained a consistent reputation for crafting high-quality, authentic Japanese confectionery, seamlessly blending centuries-old recipes with modern innovation.
Company Background
Founded during the late Edo period, Eitaro Sohonpo was originally a purveyor of sweetened red bean paste and candied plums. Over the course of more than 165 years, the company has evolved into a multifaceted confectionery brand with both domestic and international appeal. Under the stewardship of current CEO Masaki Hosoda, Eitaro has modernized its operations while retaining its deeply rooted traditions in wagashi craftsmanship.
Core Product Categories
Candy Series
- Umeboshi-Ame (Pickled Plum Candy): A signature item combining sweet and tart flavors.
- Kuro-Ame (Black Sugar Candy): Made from Okinawan black sugar with rich molasses notes.
- Matcha-Ame & Koucha-Ame: Premium candies infused with green and black teas.
- Nodo-Ame (Throat Candy): Functional sweets blending herbs and honey.
- Kaju-Ame (Fruit Juice Candy): Contains concentrated fruit extracts.
Soft Unbaked Confectionery Series
- Kintsuba: A hand-crafted sweet made from sweet bean paste encased in a thin wheat skin.
- Kuromame Daifuku: Glutinous rice cake filled with sweet black soybeans.
- Nishigashi Daifuku: Seasonal reinterpretations of traditional daifuku.
Yokan Series
- Traditional Sweet Bean Jelly: Packaged in both bars and single-serve units, made using azuki beans and kanten (agar).
Seasonal Sweets Series
- Kashiwamochi, Ohagi, Koicha Mitsu Manju, Suika Manju, Tsukimi Usagi: Seasonal creations crafted for Japan’s cultural festivals such as Hanami, Obon, and Tsukimi.
Gift Series
- Curated assortments featuring Eitaro’s bestsellers and seasonal delicacies, packaged with traditional Japanese aesthetics for gifting and ceremonial occasions.
Brand Portfolio
Eitaro has developed multiple sub-brands to cater to specific consumer segments:
- Ameya Eitaro: A luxury line of handmade candy and syrup-based sweets.
- Nihonbashi Eitaro: Premium flagship line reflecting Edo-period sweets.
- Karada ni Eitaro: Health-conscious series developed with reduced sugar and functional ingredients.
- Tokyo Peasen: Savory snack brand combining traditional flavors with Western snacking formats.
Unique Selling Propositions
- Legacy of Excellence: Established in 1857, recognized as one of Japan's oldest confectioners.
- Craftsmanship: Many items still handmade by artisans using traditional methods.
- Seasonal Relevance: Products are tied to Japanese festivals and changing seasons.
- Cultural Exports: Focus on promoting Japanese food culture through sweets.
- Innovation in Tradition: Launch of health-oriented lines like “Karada ni Eitaro” demonstrates modern adaptability.
Production and Capacity
- Location: Tokyo headquarters with multiple regional production units.
- Monthly Output:
- Candies: ~1.2 million units
- Daifuku and soft sweets: ~400,000 units
- Yokan: ~150,000 bars
- Product Shelf Life: From 10 days (for fresh daifuku) to 12 months (for hard candies).
Export and Shipment Performance
Eitaro has been exporting premium Japanese confectionery to global markets:
- Primary Export Destinations: USA, Singapore, Taiwan, France, and Hong Kong.
- Export Data:
- Over 600 export shipments in the past 5 years (ImportYeti, Volza).
- Annual overseas sales estimated at USD 4–5 million.
- Strong presence in Japan-themed stores, duty-free, and high-end supermarkets abroad.
Target Market
- Cultural and Gourmet Enthusiasts looking for authentic Japanese experiences.
- Premium Gift Segment in Japan and abroad.
- Health-conscious Consumers through their “Karada ni Eitaro” line.
- Retail Chains and Department Stores with high-end clientele.
- Online Specialty Snack Retailers offering Japanese snacks globally.
Certifications and Quality Assurance
- FSSC 22000 and ISO 22000 certified facilities.
- Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) compliant for core ingredients.
- Compliance with FDA (U.S.) and EU food regulations for export lines.
- Uses non-GMO, preservative-free, and natural coloring policies for many lines.
Customer and Market Testimonials
“Eitaro’s Umeboshi Candy is a must-have for our Japan-themed gift boxes. The packaging and flavor are unmatched.”
— Curator, TokyoTreat Subscription Box (USA)
“We’ve carried Eitaro for 12 years, and their products consistently sell out during Japanese cultural weeks.”
— Product Manager, Mitsuwa Marketplace (USA)
Awards and Recognition
- Monde Selection Gold Awards in multiple years for Umeboshi-Ame and Matcha-Ame.
- Good Design Award for “Ameya Eitaro” packaging design.
- Featured in NHK's documentary series on historic Japanese craftsmanship.
Eitaro Sohonpo Co., Ltd. continues to define excellence in traditional Japanese confectionery by staying true to its roots while embracing innovation, health consciousness, and global cultural relevance. Its long-standing legacy, artisanal values, and commitment to quality make it a trusted brand among generations of consumers in Japan and beyond.
