The historic Ito inari sushi brand “Gion Inari Sushi” was transferred to a local company and will resume sales after the business closed because of rising raw-material costs. Sales are scheduled to begin on 29 October 2026.
Gion, a long-established bento shop in Ito, Shizuoka Prefecture, was founded in 1946 and had been loved by local residents and tourists for many years, but closed in September 2025, bringing its approximately 80-year history to an end. Rising raw-material costs reportedly made it difficult to continue operating.
FJネクストホールディングス, which operates a local ryokan, took over the Gion inari sushi business and hired former employees. The company reportedly spent 2 months recreating the products based on the existing recipes.
The recreated “Gion Inari Sushi” will once again be offered as an Ito specialty, and is expected to bring back fond memories for tourists and local residents. A new step has begun toward carrying Ito’s signature product into the future.
Sales are scheduled to begin on 29 October, formally launching efforts to carry on one of Ito’s local specialties.