A Story That Began in Fuse

The sign reads “Mandai” in light blue on a white background. If you’ve ever been to a town in the Kansai region, you’ve probably seen it somewhere. But surprisingly few people may know that its roots lie in Fuse, Higashiosaka.

It all began in 1949 with “Mandai Oil & Fat Industries,” which started out manufacturing and selling soap. Eventually, the company shifted its focus to food, and in 1966, this Fuse store was established.

Even as times have changed, the Fuse store retains a certain old-world charm, breathing in step with the town. Though the exterior has been beautifully renovated, what remains is a presence that blends seamlessly into daily life.

This is surely a testament to its deep roots in the community. It feels nostalgic in a way, yet it’s firmly rooted in the “present.”

“Scattered” isn’t such a bad thing

The Bandai Fuse Store has a slightly unconventional layout. The Food Hall, the Liquor Hall, and the Daily Necessities Hall—these three buildings are scattered across the street.

The fact that it’s “not all in one place” actually suits this town perfectly. Right nearby is a shopping district that’s still bustling today. A greengrocer, a butcher, a hardware store… each one quietly fulfills its own role. It’s a scene that feels like daily life has been broken down into its components. Yet, taken as a whole, it truly becomes a “town.”

That’s probably why Bandai chooses to remain deliberately scattered. Every time you cross from one hall to the next, the atmosphere of the shopping area shifts slightly. It feels like a little stroll, and it’s surprisingly enjoyable.

Once you pick out some fish, the conversation begins

When you step into the Food Hall, the first thing that catches your eye is the fresh fish section. Fish delivered every morning from the Higashi-Osaka Fish Market are lined up in rows on ice.

“Are you going to grill this or simmer it?” “Just sprinkle some salt on it and throw it on the grill.” That’s how the staff casually strike up a conversation.

If you place an order, they’ll fillet it right there on the spot and even give you cooking tips.

It’s not just about “buying” fish. It feels like a fishmonger’s shop—no, even closer than that. That little interaction just makes me happy. It’s a moment of warmth that suddenly shines through my busy day.

Your ally on days when you just don’t feel like cooking

As evening approaches, people start gathering in front of the prepared foods section. Freshly fried croquettes. Egg rolls with a rich dashi flavor. The fried chicken has a fragrant crust and a juicy interior. Each dish tastes familiar, as if you’ve had it somewhere before, yet you can’t help but think, “This is really good.”

Freshly made dishes arrive daily from the Delicatessen Center in Ikaruga, Nara, and we also prepare dishes right here in the store.

On those days when you just don’t feel like standing in the kitchen, coming here means you’ll find that one extra dish you need. You can’t help but reach for them—because every single one is “truly delicious.” Before you know it, you’re making your selection. That’s the kind of flavor it is.

These prepared foods aren’t just a shortcut—they’re genuine “options.” That approach feels somehow satisfying.

A supermarket filled with the sounds of daily life

In the household goods section, middle-aged women are intently comparing the ingredient labels on detergents. In the liquor section, an elderly man is nodding slightly as he examines the different brands of shochu. At the entrance to the food section, kids on their way home from school, clutching 100-yen coins, are picking out today’s snacks.

This scene feels familiar, yet it’s unmistakably “Fuse Town” itself. It lacks the glitz of a tourist spot, but ordinary life quietly thrives here.

“Supermarkets are everywhere.” That may well be true. But here, time flows in a way unique to this place.

To get to know a town, just look at its supermarket

I kind of like stopping by supermarkets when I’m traveling. I feel like I can glimpse what the locals eat and how they live just by looking at the products lined up on the shelves.

Fuse’s Bandai was just such a place. The rhythm of daily life flows naturally there; it’s neither a tourist spot nor anything special, yet there’s something about it that stays with you.

If you’re walking through Fuse, I hope you’ll take a little detour there. It’s not a bad idea to wander through the three buildings, breathe in the town’s atmosphere, and think about what to have for dinner tonight.

Just doing that makes me feel like I’ve gotten a little closer to this town.