{
  "id": 8861688,
  "title": "The 109-year-old Fukushima firm supplying ice for Garigari-kun popsicles",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/the-109-year-old-fukushima-firm-supplying-ice-for-garigari-kun",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-21T06:18:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Japan Times",
    "slug": "japan-times",
    "url": "https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/09/21/companies/garigarikun-popsicles-fukushima-firm/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Garigari-kun, a beloved Japanese popsicle, has maintained its popularity among people of all ages since its creation by Akagi Nyugyo, a local ice cream manufacturer in Fukaya, Saitama Prefecture, in 1981. The unique treat features a thin outer layer of soft ice, surrounding a core of crunchy, shaved ice grains, a combination that continues to delight consumers in Japan.\n\nHowever, many fans may be unaware of the crucial role played by Gunrei, a refrigerated warehousing firm located in Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture. Established in 1917, Gunrei began its business as a wholesaler for Akagi Nyugyo, distributing the manufacturer's frozen sweets. Over time, the company's expertise in handling and storing frozen products led to its indispensable role in ensuring the consistent quality of Garigari-kun.",
  "summary": "Established in 1917, a refrigerated warehousing firm in Fukushima Prefecture was supplying enough ice by 2024 to make some 300 million of the popsicles annually.",
  "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."
}