{
  "id": 6406072,
  "title": "Snack maker Koikeya launches chips to support Kumamoto quake recovery",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/snack-maker-koikeya-launches-chips-to-support-kumamoto-quake-recovery",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-09T10:00:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Mainichi",
    "slug": "the-mainichi",
    "url": "https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260909/p2g/00m/0na/041000c"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kumamoto-based confectionery maker Koike-Ya Inc. announced on Wednesday that it will launch potato chips flavored with the prefecture's renowned beef. The company plans to donate part of the proceeds to aid the region's recovery following the July earthquake. The factory in Kumamoto's Mashiki was halted for over two weeks due to the 7.1 magnitude quake, which caused damage to potato containers and machinery, though there were no injuries. Production was resumed on August 17. The unique chips, crafted from Japanese potatoes and infused with Kumamoto Akaushi beef, garlic, and soy sauce, will be available at convenience stores nationwide starting September 21. A portion of one yen from each bag's sale will be contributed to the relief efforts. Kumamoto Governor Takashi Kimura expressed enthusiasm, stating, \"It is very encouraging for disaster-hit areas that a movement to support them by eating spreads.\"",
  "summary": "KUMAMOTO (Kyodo) -- Confectionery maker Koike-Ya Inc. said Wednesday it will sell potato chips flavored with Kumamoto Prefecture's famed beef, donatin",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}