Case Study

• Dorayaki Machine
• Dorayaki

Kiyasu Sohonpo Co., Ltd.

Headquartered in Juso, Yodogawa Ward, Osaka, Kiyasu Sohonpo is known for its freshly made Sake Manju (steamed buns filled with sweet bean paste) and Mitarashi Dango (grilled rice dumplings coated in a sweet soy glaze). The savory aroma from the storefront draws a steady stream of customers throughout the day, and long lines are a familiar sight.
The company’s founder, Harukichi Nakata, began his career as an apprentice at a soy sauce shop before opening a small confectionery store in 1948. He initially focused on Sake Manju and later expanded the product lineup to include a variety of freshly made sweets, eventually introducing dango as well.
Kiyasu Sohonpo’s dango are grilled to order and generously coated in their signature sauce. Great care is taken in selecting ingredients, including a blend of Hokkaido kelp, coarse sugar, and rich tamari soy sauce. In pursuit of faster service, the dango evolved into the shop’s distinctive five-piece, rice bale-shaped form. About 20 years ago, the company also began offering four different levels of grilling to satisfy customer preferences.
Today, Kiyasu Sohonpo operates ten stores, primarily in Osaka Prefecture, and sells approximately 20,000 dango every day across all locations.
In 2025, its Mitarashi Dango was featured in Japan Post’s “Delicious Japan” stamp series for the Osaka region, elevating its status from a beloved local specialty of Juso to one of Osaka’s signature sweets.
The company’s traditional kintsuba, a sweet bean paste confection, has also earned a loyal following thanks to its refined flavor, reduced sweetness, and generously sized portions.
The dango are produced using machinery at a factory located behind the main store. In addition to fresh dango, the company continues to manufacture gift items such as Mikasa, Rikishi Monaka, and Kuri Manju. As demand for Mikasa has grown in recent years, particularly for large-volume orders, Kiyasu Sohonpo introduced a Dorayaki Machine in November 2025.
The name “Kiyasu Sohonpo” is said to reflect the founder’s desire to bring happiness to people throughout Japan. While balancing the advantages and challenges of its urban location, as well as the relationship between traditional craftsmanship and modern machinery, the company continues to explore new opportunities for growth. Its vision extends beyond the store itself to the culture, vitality, and future development of the surrounding community.

• Dorayaki Machine