This dondonyaki looks delicious!
But it’s actually a keychain, so… you can’t eat it!

When it comes to Yamagata’s B-grade gourmet food, there are many famous delicacies, such as Imoni, tama konnyaku, dondonyaki, and cold meat soba. But there’s a sculptor who sells miniature versions of these B-grade gourmet foods! The creator of these miniatures, overflowing with Yamagata love, is Pekorin Koubou !

Today, we’ll introduce Pekorin Koubou, a shop that creates miniature versions of B-grade gourmet foods and makes key chains and other items.

What kind of creations do they make?

Pekorin Koubou uses polymer clay to handcraft fake sweets and miniature food from scratch. They’re all familiar creations that any Yamagata resident would know! The most popular item is “Dondonyaki”

The sauce is beautifully glossy and looks just like the real thing!! The accuracy of the green onions is amazing! Nattomozu (Natto Rice Cake)

The fat floating on top is so realistic! “Cold Meat Soba”

He also creates miniature versions of Yamagata specialties such as cherries and ball-shaped konnyaku in various shapes! He frequently posts his creations on Instagram and other platforms!

Where can I buy them?

Many people are probably curious about miniatures that look just like the real thing! Pekorin Koubou’s works are sold at events and markets throughout Yamagata Prefecture. Last year, they set up stalls at events in Yamagata City, Sagae City, Higashine City, and Kahoku Town. Stall information is updated regularly on Instagram, so be sure to check it out if you’re interested!

▶ “Pekorin Koubou” Instagram ＠nattus_pekorin
▶ X (old Twitter) Pekorin Koubou (@pekorinkoubou)

We actually went!

This time, we heard they were participating in an event held at “Gutto Yamagata,” so we decided to check it out! Many local artists were participating, making it a must-see for handmade craft lovers. Just inside the main entrance, there was a row of booths in the “Event Square.”

I found it! “Pekorin Koubou”!

There are many miniature works on display, all of which are filled with love for Yamagata.

What’s more, we discovered a new dish called “Imoni”! Apparently, even the dishes were made by hand. What’s more, they even recreated the common theme of “people tending to spill their drinks” at Imoni parties! What an amazing idea!

Not only key chains but also konnyaku ball earrings, Nattomozu smartphone rings and other various other goods are available, making the lineup fun just to look at! You’ll want to buy all of them! Depending on the event, they also apparently hold workshops.

It seems that people of all ages, from children to adults, are participating. Anyone with an interest in handmade crafts will find themselves completely absorbed in this event!

Personal Recommended Souvenirs

Here are my personal recommendations!

3 Recommendations for Tourists

① Twin Cherries  (Key chains, etc.)
Although they’re not often seen on the market, these twins are familiar to Cherry Prefecture residents.
The heart-shaped stems are so cute!

② Dondonyaki  (Keychains, etc.)
Okonomiyaki, a staple at festivals and food stalls in Yamagata, can be eaten with one hand!
You can almost smell the sauce in the air.

③ Tama Konnyaku  (Keychains, earrings, etc.)
You’ll definitely find them at tourist attractions! They even come with mustard!

3 Recommendations for Yamagata Natives Working Outside the Prefecture

① Nattomozu  (Smartphone ring, key chain, etc.)
Keep these exquisite replicas of fine green onions and natto close at hand.

② Imoni set  (Includes rice balls and beer)
Feel free to enjoy imoni (simmered sweet potato stew) anytime on the riverbank! Just be careful not to spill your drink!

③ Cold Meat Soba  (Keychains, brooches, etc.)
Even the oil floating on top is perfect! Come back anytime to try it.

Extra edition

・Strong and chewy udon noodles  (Stir-fried udon noodles)
The egg yolk is so appetizing!

・Packed Dondonyaki  (The pack comes with sauce)
Even the pack with sauce is recreated!

・Yamagata dashi
Pair it with tofu for a refreshing summer dish! The dashi stock is very fine!

・Walnut Yubeshi
A necklace that no one else has! Maybe you’ll become popular?

・Rice grain brooch
You’ll definitely get a comment like, “There’s a grain of rice on your clothes!”

And so on…
A one-of-a-kind item you can’t buy anywhere else! New products are constantly being released, so it’s exciting to see what new creations will be on display next.
Why not give a unique souvenir that isn’t food as a gift?

How long does it take to create?

The quality of everything is amazing! Even each individual leek is so detailed! I was curious about how long it takes to make them, so I asked them about it.

It takes at least two weeks to make one, and it takes time for the clay to dry naturally, so it’s a lot of work to make just one. The “Niku Soba” that was on display this time apparently took a whopping two months to make!

Some of the pieces are as small as a 1 yen coin, which seems to require a great deal of concentration. We can’t help but admire the craftsmanship.

Can I buy it outside of the event?

Good news for those whose schedules don’t fit the event! Pekorin Koubou’s works are also available for  consignment sale .
Stores where you can purchase

▶ “CUBE STORY” handmade rental box in Nanukamachi, Yamagata City
2-7-15 Nanukamachi, Yamagata City (Cinema Street)
Hours: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed: Sundays and irregular holidays
Instagram　＠cube.story

▶ Inside kokocherry at Cherry Land Sagae in Sagae
Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (9:00 AM – 6:00 PM from June to September)
Closed Days: Open Year-Round
Website: Roadside Station Sagae, Cherry Land Sagae

Apparently “Dondonyaki” is especially popular in Sagae!
If you’re interested, be sure to visit the store!

[Summary] A slightly unusual souvenir

I once gave a Dondonyaki keychain as a gift to a friend who lives outside the prefecture, and he was so happy! He even attached it to his house key right away. I also bought some “Nattomozu” for myself, but my friend gave it to me… I feel a bit bad about the things I buy, so I display them in a collection case.

As they are all handmade, they cannot be mass-produced, but the excitement when you come across them is all the more special. Calling all Yamagata B-class gourmet lovers!
Why not consider buying some of these “interesting” and “cute” miniatures as souvenirs?