Koikeya launched “Kin no Potato,” made with 100% mashed Japanese potatoes. Its development lead, Takeshima Kengo (武島 建悟), was promoted to department head at 35, making him the youngest in the company’s history.
Koikeya, a long-established company, launched its new product “Kin no Potato” in September 2026, 10 years after the concept was first developed, building on its lineup of potato snacks, including long-selling products created since the company’s founding in 1953. The product was developed as a new category of “premium potato sticks” made with 100% mashed Japanese potatoes.
Takeshima Kengo (武島 建悟) was placed in charge of the new product and became head of the Innovation Development Department in 2026. At 35, Takeshima is reportedly the youngest person in the company’s history to be promoted to department head. He is said to have reached his current position after working as a packaging operator, in sales and in the Product Development Department.
The concept was developed over 10 years, with the product positioned for market launch as a premium offering focused on locally sourced ingredients. It was launched in Tokyo and six prefectures as part of Koikeya’s long-term business strategy.