How about trying Bandai Mame for Setsubun? A nostalgic bean snack enjoyed by children and adults alike [Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture]

Setsubun is an event held in the bitterly cold month of February. Many people probably have childhood memories of throwing beans energetically, chanting "Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi" ("Demons out, good fortune in"). After throwing the beans with all their might, everyone would stuff their faces with Setsubun food and bean sweets

This time, Bandai Mame , a popular product from Mameya Co., Ltd., . The fragrant texture of the roasted beans and the harmony of the flavors to choose from are superb! Be sure to check it out!

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A taste review of two varieties of Koriyama City's popular "Bandai Mame" sweets

This time, we chose two varieties from the Bandai Bean Series: "Brown Sugar" and "Sweet Soy Sauce Flavor." We'll compare them and give you a review

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Brown sugar: a perfect combination of fragrant sweetness and fragrant beans

These are roasted soybeans coated in brown sugar. Each bean isn't too big, so they're easy to eat

When you take a bite, the first thing you notice is the strong brown sugar flavor, but it's not overly sweet

The fragrant, deep sweetness of the brown sugar melts into the mouth. When you bite into it, the crispy texture is delightful! The layers of brown sugar and soybean husks pop, creating a crunchy texture like a snack. The soybeans are also incredibly fragrant. The strong soybean flavor that only roasted beans can provide fills your mouth

Once you finish one piece, you'll find yourself moving on to the next. It's a snack that you won't be able to stop eating

"Sweet and Spicy Soy Sauce Flavor" with a subtle soy sauce flavor

This is roasted soybeans coated with soy sauce and topped with crunchy sugar

You might think it would be sweet, but it's actually not too sweet. The sugar melts slowly in your mouth and has a subtle sweetness

Behind the subtle sweetness, you can feel the slight presence of soy sauce. The sweetness and saltiness are both subtle, so it's not overpowering, which is a nice thing. When you bite into it, the texture is crispy. When the outer coating layer pops, the delicious flavor of soybeans slowly spreads. It's a flavor that makes you want to chew it slowly

This snack is just as good as brown sugar and you won't be able to stop eating it

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The manufacturer of Bandai beans is Mameya Co., Ltd. in Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture

Mameya Limited is a bean confectionery manufacturer founded in 1969. They are committed to using domestically produced soybeans and continue to manufacture their products using traditional methods

The roasted beans' fragrant aroma is a result of the artisan's skill. The degree of roasting is important to maintain the crisp texture. The beans are soaked in water, roasted carefully, and sieved to ensure uniform grains. This is the traditional way of roasting beans, which requires no effort or time

The "Bandai Bean" series is made with roasted beans and seasoned. It uses minimal additives and can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from children to seniors. The lineup is diverse

Each one is seasoned with a different saltiness or sweetness, so you can enjoy eating them all

Miso Mame which is made with miso Sen Mame a balanced mix of roasted beans, cracker seeds, and persimmon seeds . With the increasing health consciousness of today, it's definitely worth keeping an eye on the potential of bean snacks.

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Where can I buy Bandai beans?

Mameya products are sold at roadside stations and farm shops throughout the prefecture. As of December 2025, the main stores that stock them are listed below on the official website

You can sometimes find them in the souvenir section of supermarkets. They are also sold in gift packages, and we recommend the cosmetic box set, which lets you enjoy all of Mameya's popular products

The official Mameya website also has an online store, which you can use if you have trouble finding what you're looking for in stores

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Exorcise evil spirits and bring good fortune with delicious bean snacks from Koriyama City!

This time we introduced the "Bandai Mame" series produced by Mameya Co., Ltd. in Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture

As Setsubun approaches, many bean snacks are lined up in supermarkets and other stores. While bean snacks from major manufacturers are good, why not try some traditional bean snacks made with care by local manufacturers every once in a while?

I tried two varieties of the Bandai Mame series, "Brown Sugar" and "Sweet Soy Sauce Flavor," and both had an exquisite texture and elegant flavor. They were so addictive that I couldn't stop eating them. Be sure to check them out along with Mameya's other products

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