Kanpyo (dried gourd strips)

Izawa Shoten / Onoguchi Yamako / Sokensha · Japan (Tochigi Prefecture — 90%+ of national output)
Staples Beans & Anko Ambient Growing export

Dried strips of yugao (calabash/bottle gourd), simmered sweet-savory and used as the classic filling in kanpyo-maki sushi rolls. Tochigi grows over 90% of Japan's kanpyo. Shelf-stable and lightweight, exported in small packets (Izawa Shoten, Onoguchi Yamako, Sokensha) tied to sushi/maki demand; seasoned (ajitsuke) bulk kanpyo also supplied to sushi foodservice. A niche but authentic Japan-origin specialty.

The supplierTochigi kanpyo producers (Izawa Shoten, Onoguchi Yamako, Sokensha) supply dried gourd strips; Tochigi makes 90%+ of national output. Specialist regional makers; export via importers serving sushi foodservice; B2B/English via importer channels.
Why it sells abroadThe authentic seasoned-gourd filling for futomaki/kanpyomaki sushi — a niche but essential sushi-foodservice ingredient with concentrated Tochigi provenance (compliance docs for additives a buyer reassurance).

Buyer's brief ✓ SOURCES VERIFIED

CertificationsTochigi accounts for ~90%+ of national kanpyo output (confirmed origin concentration). Packing HACCP / export-processor FSSC 22000/ISO 22000 common. Sulphur-dioxide labeling required where bleached (confirmed compliance point); radiation certificate standard for Japan-origin. Vegan; some additive-free (unbleached) lines exist. Kosher/Halal: not claimed; not verified.
Pack formatsRetail 20g-60g bags; foodservice 250g-500g; case x20/x40/case.
Shelf life~12 months ambient (dried; bleached vs unbleached differ).
StorageCool, dry, ambient; keep sealed.
Minimum orderTypical: importer case/pallet; FCL for volume.
Lead timeTypical: 3–5 weeks ex-Japan.
CapacityTypical: niche specialty; Tochigi-concentrated, limited national output.
Container loadTypical: light/bulky — 20ft volume-limited; FCL ambient.
PricingEstimate: USD 20–50/kg dried wholesale.
OEM / private labelOEM/private-label confirmed at category level - kanpyo commonly importer-house-branded for sushi supply.
Wholesale & MOQJFC/Wismettac/Asian-grocery distributors + sushi-supply (seasoned 1kg packs); MOQ case
Key exporters & distributorsIzawa Shoten, JFC International
Export regulationFood labeling; sulfite (if used) disclosure; phytosanitary for dried vegetable
Market demandNiche, steady demand in US/GB/SG/CA driven by sushi-restaurant futomaki needs; specialty sushi-supply channel.
How to source itTochigi producers (Izawa Shoten/Onoguchi Yamako/Sokensha) via importers; JFC, Wismettac; FOODEX.
Verified sourcesTochigi kanpyo production-share data; SO2/sulphite labeling requirement for bleached kanpyo
MakerTochigi kanpyo producers (Izawa Shoten, Onoguchi Yamako, Sokensha)
OriginJapan (Tochigi Prefecture — 90%+ of national output)
CategoryStaples / Beans & Anko
Available inUnited States, United Kingdom, Singapore, Canada
HandlingAmbient
Price tierPremium
ChannelSpecialty
Export readinessGrowing export
HS code0712.90
+ Add to list

Profile maintained by Japonity (japonity.com), May 2026. General sourcing information only — confirm current availability, pricing, MOQ and the destination market's import rules with the maker or exporter before contracting. Japonity is not affiliated with this brand.