Foodie Ambassador! Kumamon’s Delicious Kumamoto 2026
The “Kumamoto-mon x Osaka Umeda” project was created to spread Kumamoto’s local delicacies to the Kansai region. This year, it will be held at the Shokusai Terrace on the 1st floor of Hanshin Umeda Main Store, featuring Kumamon as the super presenter. For Kansai residents, that means a chance to explore the prefecture’s food culture without leaving Osaka.
Following the earthquake that occurred in Kumamoto Prefecture in July 2026, the event uses the slogan “The more you eat, the more Kumamoto recovers!” The lineup gathers the prefecture’s proud “umakamon”—delicious things—covering flavors that have been loved locally since old times as well as specialties that have attracted attention in recent years.
A mobile version of Kumamon Square will also appear, where visitors can enjoy Kumamon’s stage and limited-edition goods.
Event details
- Event Period: 2026/10/28 (Wed) – 11/9 (Mon)
- Event Time: 10:00 – 20:00
- Event Location: Hanshin Umeda Main Store, 1st Floor Shokusai Terrace (1-13-13 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka City)
- Fee: Free Admission
- Official Website: https://web.hh-online.jp/hanshin/contents/str/
What happened to Kumamoto?
In April 2016, a series of earthquakes struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu. The largest, a magnitude 7.0 mainshock, caused extensive damage to homes, roads, and historic landmarks such as Kumamoto Castle. More than 50 people died, hundreds were injured, and tens of thousands of residents moved into temporary shelters as aftershocks continued for weeks.
The earthquakes also damaged local agriculture, small businesses, and tourism. Reconstruction has been slow in some areas, and many residents are still working to restore their homes and livelihoods. Some damaged landmarks have been repaired; others remain closed or under scaffolding.
Public events such as “Kumamon’s Delicious Kumamoto 2026 in Osaka Umeda” are part of that recovery effort. The event sells regional food products and introduces visitors to Kumamoto’s specialties. Proceeds from the goods sold help support local producers and businesses. For people outside the prefecture, it is a direct and practical way to contribute to the area’s economic recovery.
