Case Study
- Dorayaki Machine
- Dorayaki
Confectionery Maker SUEHIRODO
Tsukazaki Suehirodo, a long-established confectionery based in Chikusa-cho, Shiso City, Hyogo Prefecture, has been passed down from owner Hiroshi Tsukazaki to his son Masanari, who became the fifth-generation proprietor after joining the business in 2024. The shop continues to take great care in preserving the traditional flavors of its handcrafted sweets. These include four types of bean paste, three varieties of yokan, as well as monaka and manju, all made using time-honored family recipes. Suehirodo also runs a café, Suehirodo Kotoen, located about 30 kilometers from the main store. Its signature item, the Chikusa Yokan, has long been beloved by visitors from Kobe and Osaka who travel to the area for sweetfish fishing. Over the years, word of its distinctive taste has spread widely. Currently, the most popular item is the monaka, inspired by a sword guard and created by the previous owner in honor of the second-generation patriarch, a sword enthusiast. The café has also developed nearly 100 original sweets and desserts through a process of research, creativity, and trial and error. Among its seasonal offerings is Kiwami, a chocolate yokan available only in the fall and winter. In spring 2025, the store introduced a dorayaki machine and launched a Mikasa-style dorayaki called Kokoe, a creation led by Masanari. They’ve also developed a café-exclusive version, An Butter Kokoe, along with a new sweets menu. Since its debut, more than half of the café’s customers order it, contributing significantly to overall product sales. While proudly preserving traditions passed down through generations, the Suehirodo team is equally committed to innovation—always staying curious and adaptable to changing times. In 2021, Masanari’s cousin opened "&Co.," a café and retail shop in Tokyo that features Suehirodo products. As the legacy of this well-loved yet quietly renowned yokan maker continues into 2025, its unique taste and spirit are being embraced by a new generation.
Location：2-27 Koto,Akogun Kamigoricho, Hyogo-ken
URL：https://www.suehirodo.com/
Publication：MASDAC news June issue in 2025
Dorayaki Machine（SDR-SGA）
In February 2025, the café Suehirodo Kotoen introduced a Dorayaki Machine to coincide with the launch of its new product, Kokoe. As this was the shop’s first time making dorayaki, they sought guidance from Masdac, starting with the development of the batter. At Masdac’s Application Center, they received expert advice on creating the perfect dorayaki skin to complement their house-made bean paste. The result is a delicate, thin, and fluffy pancake made with mochi flour. Because the batter tends to stick to the copper pan and requires precise temperature control, the baking process was initially challenging. However, since installing the machine, the dorayaki has been produced consistently and evenly. The family of three began baking twice a week, but the café-exclusive dorayaki quickly gained popularity—so much so that they now occasionally have to ramp up production on short notice. Now that they’ve learned the machine is easy to operate and clean, they’re considering expanding the production team to include part-time staff. With its growing fan base, Kokoe is well on its way to becoming a new signature item at Suehirodo Kotoen.。
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Mikasa-style Kokoe with crushed bean paste. A petite 70mm size, perfect for gifting.
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Dorayaki in production
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A custom-made spatula ensures a smooth, wrinkle-free finish.
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Handcrafted with care. Edges neatly sealed for a refined look.
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Café-exclusive varieties: Shiratama Kokoe (left), Fruit Sandwich Kokoe (right), and Ice Cream Kokoe (back).
Reference
MASDAC NEWS trial version
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