Authentic Japanese Confectioneries from Echigo
Our production is concentrated between October and December, as kagami mochi is traditionally a rice cake for the Japanese New Year. To address labor shortages during this peak season, we rely on foreign workers and also hire local seasonal staff. Over the years, we’ve built a pool of workers who return each season and are familiar with the process.
That said, kagami mochi is a product that is difficult to automate—it really requires hands-on, manual production. Still, we recognize that a shrinking labor force will be a challenge not only in Japan but also at our overseas facilities. This means we must find ways to automate parts of the process where possible. With that in mind, we’re now exploring some creative and innovative ideas to improve manufacturing efficiency.
With Costco operating 800 stores across the U.S. and Canada, we anticipate that if they continue carrying our products, the potential volume could be substantial. Additionally, Lidl—a German retailer—has 8,200 stores worldwide, including 2,000 in the U.S. With placements in these major chains, I believe 2025 will be a landmark year for Echigo in terms of international expansion.


