Japanese sushi transforms into a towel handkerchief!? Introducing the innovative souvenir “Sushi Meijin”
Category: Goods
Hello, I’m Hakoboya, the Souvenir Promotion Captain for Kodawari Times.╭(·ᴗ·)╮╰(·ᴗ·)╯
When it comes to gourmet foods that always make it onto “must-eat in Japan” lists, sushi is definitely one of them. I absolutely love sushi too!
I was thinking how great it would be to recreate that artisan-made sushi at home, and then I found this product!
It’s called the ‘Sushi Meijin: The Irresistible Folding Hand Towel.’ It’s a washable, foldable towel handkerchief shaped like a nigiri sushi piece. Be sure to check out this novel souvenir!
What is a ‘Sushi Meijin’?
FI Corporation (Headquarters: Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture) will begin rolling out sales of its original product, the ‘Sushi Meijin,’ at select Don Quijote stores nationwide starting late August 2025.
Sushi Meijin is a towel handkerchief that combines two Japanese cultures: “sushi” and “origami.” This towel handkerchief has a special pocket sewn in, allowing anyone to easily fold it into the shape of a “nigiri sushi”!
The folding method uses the familiar technique of “Maki sushi” (rolled sushi) for foreigners. By rolling it and then flipping it over for storage, it transforms into plump, delicious-looking “nigiri sushi.”
It comes in three variations: Nigiri, Gunkan (Battleship Roll), and Norimaki. The first release features eight sushi toppings: Lean tuna, Chutoro (medium-fatty tuna), Salmon, Ikura (salmon roe), Tamago (sweet omelet), Shrimp, Anago (sea eel), and Sweet shrimp.
We’ve also released a video showing how to fold it, so check it out here! The moment it transforms into sushi with a satisfying twist is incredibly satisfying! It’s a video you’ll want to watch over and over.
Not only is it visually fun, but you can also attach it like a keychain. Become a Sushi Meijin anytime, anywhere, and easily—it’s a practical gift item you’ll want to show off!
Bring back something uniquely Japanese in a fun way
FI Corporation, the company behind the development, specializes in exports, primarily of textile products and alcoholic beverages. For over 30 years, it has been delivering the appeal of Japanese craftsmanship to the world. Guided by the theme “Humor in appearance, seriousness in function,” the company has consistently developed and launched its own products with a surprising twist.
The product they spotted as something more accessible, more culturally rich, and more likely to bring smiles was a completely new kind of souvenir: the “Sushi Meijin: The Irresistible Folding Hand Towel.” It combines Japan’s iconic food culture, sushi, with the “folding culture” seen in origami.
While products packaging towel handkerchiefs like rolled sushi have existed before, this is the first product that lets anyone complete the “gripping” process with their own hands, over and over again—essentially an “experience-based sushi gadget.”
The pocket’s double-sided design creates a delightful gimmick: simply roll it up and flip it over to reveal an adorable nigiri sushi shape. Of course, it also functions superbly as an everyday handkerchief.
A one-of-a-kind towel handkerchief combining “culture,” “humor,” and “practicality” has been born! (Design Registration No. 1799472)
This Sushi Meijin was born from the desire for foreign tourists visiting Japan to take home something uniquely Japanese in a fun way. Expectations are high for it to become a new staple among Japanese souvenirs.
Let’s give the gift of Japanese culture!
“Sushi Meijin: The Irresistible Folding Hand Towel” is a souvenir offering experiential value—it’s “practical,” “enjoyable,” and “shareable.” Here’s a summary of its key appeal points.
・ Replayable Design: Roll, shape, and reset it over and over
・ Practicality × Fun: Also functions perfectly as an everyday handkerchief
・ Social Media-Ready: Eye-catching design ensures viral potential
・ Hang it on your bag: Loop attachment doubles as a keychain!
For those who love Japanese sushi, and even for those who’ve never tried it, why not give them a gift that includes a lesson on how to make nigiri? They’ll definitely be thrilled, saying, “Sushi Meijin is so cool!!” It’ll surely be a hit on social media too—share Sushi Meijin and you might just become everyone’s favorite!
Product Overview
Product Name: Sushi Meijin
Release Date: Scheduled to launch progressively from late August 2025
Availability: Selected Don Quijote stores across Japan
Retail Price: ¥999 (excl. tax) / ¥1,099 (incl. tax)
Size: 25 x 25 cm
Material: 100% Cotton
Available Styles:
・Nigiri Style: Lean Tuna, Medium Fatty Tuna, Salmon, Shrimp, Sweet Shrimp
・Norimaki Style: Sweet Omelet (Tamago ), Sea Eel (Anago)
・Gunkan Style: Salmon Roe (Ikura)
Planning & Sales: FI Corporation (https://www.ficorp.co.jp/en/)
Visual & Video Production: UKYE Co., Ltd. (https://ukye.jp)
