Case Study

Yanagawa Co., Ltd.
  • Dorayaki Machine
  • Dorayaki

Yanagawa Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1892, Yanagawa, located in Kasuga-cho, Tamba City, Hyogo Prefecture, has been dedicated to promoting local products and invigorating the region for four generations.
Thirty years ago, the company began processing Tamba Sanpo (a blend of red beans, black soybeans, and chestnuts), a local specialty, and in the past 20 years, it has expanded into retail, focusing on confectionery.
Originally, the company was centered around tea production in the 1970s, and the philosophy of extracting the full potential of ingredients from its tea business laid the foundation for its current specialty products.
As the tea industry declined, the company was motivated by a desire to support local producers, and embarked on a new challenge: revitalizing the Tamba region through specialty product processing and retail.
The company’s full-scale processing of Tamba Sanpo began with the launch of Ofukumame in connection with the NHK Taiga drama “Kasuga no Tsubone.” In 2001, Yanagawa contributed to the opening of Tamba Obaachan no Sato, a roadside station, and in 2005, the company opened its main store, Yume no Sato Yanagawa, next to the factory.
Inviting skilled artisans to craft its sweets, the company added a variety of Japanese confections to complement its Western-style offerings, including the popular Japanese Mont Blanc, made with Tamba chestnut paste, which became a signature product at the main store.
The newly opened Tamba Yanagawa Tokyo Kasuga store offers Dora Fuku, a dorayaki made with 100% Tamba eggs and Hyogo wheat flour. Equipped with a Full Automatic Dorayaki Machine, the store sells freshly baked dorayaki every day.
This Tokyo location serves as a hub, connecting various regions with Tamba, while the main store aims to further revitalize the region through collaborations with the Keihanshin area. Rooted in the management philosophy of Tamba Denshin—sharing the heart of the maker through Tamba’s unique products, honing skills with care, and conveying the flavor of Tamba—the company is committed to spreading the charm of Tamba globally, preserving the Tamba climate, and passing on its legacy to future generations.

Location:209-1 Kasugachonokono,Tamba-shi,Hyogo-ken
URL:https://tamba-yanagawa.co.jp/
Publication:MASDAC news February issue in 2025

全自動どら焼機( SDR-KAM-800GD)

In August 2024, Tamba Yanagawa’s Tokyo Kasuga store introduced a Full Automatic Dorayaki Machine, revolutionizing their production process. The dorayaki is made with locally sourced ingredients from Tamba, featuring a soft, fluffy pancake filled with Tamba Dainagon red bean paste, traditionally cooked in a copper pot. To ensure freshly baked dorayaki, production begins before 9:00 a.m., with each batch completed in about an hour to be ready for the 10:00 a.m. store opening. The Full Automatic Dorayaki Machine is operated by two staff members, one of whom manages the machine’s startup. On weekdays, around 700 pieces are produced daily, and on weekends, production increases to 1,000 pieces, all of which sell out quickly. Popular with locals—including housewives on bicycles and office workers in business attire—the store’s freshly baked Dora Fuku has become a must-try treat. The shop also offers special dorayaki with a premium red bean paste, perfect for gifting.

  • Dora Fuku is exclusively available at the Tamba Yanagawa Tokyo Kasuga store. Priced at 350 yen each, it’s always served fresh.

    Dora Fuku is exclusively available at the Tamba Yanagawa Tokyo Kasuga store. Priced at 350 yen each, it’s always served fresh.

  • Full Automatic Dorayaki Machine

    Full Automatic Dorayaki Machine

  • The making of Dora Fuku.

    The making of Dora Fuku.

  • Branding machine stamping the company’s message, Tamba Fudo.

    Branding machine stamping the company’s message, Tamba Fudo.

  • The Yume no Sato Yanagawa main store offers four types of dorayaki: Dora Fuku, Chestnut Dora Fuku, Butter Dora Fuku, and fresh Chestnut Dora Fuku. These are also sold at roadside stations and service areas, all crafted with the Full Automatic Dorayaki Machine.

    The Yume no Sato Yanagawa main store offers four types of dorayaki: Dora Fuku, Chestnut Dora Fuku, Butter Dora Fuku, and fresh Chestnut Dora Fuku. These are also sold at roadside stations and service areas, all crafted with the Full Automatic Dorayaki Machine.

Reference

MASDAC NEWS trial version

MASDAC NEWS trial version

Case studies are published in our PR magazine MASDAC NEWS delivered to users. In the magazine, we present various information related to sweets and food manufacturing, including an interview with our customers’ top management. Here, you can check out the trial version of the magazine. For periodical delivery of the MASDAC NEWS in a printed format, please send us a request via the following request form.

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