August 7 Marks “Hanamaru Udon Day” with a Special Thank-You Menu
Hanamaru Inc. (headquarters: Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture; President: Yoshihiro Maeda), operator of the Sanuki udon chain Hanamaru Udon, is celebrating “Hanamaru Udon Day” on August 7 with a limited-edition menu item called “Hanamaru Kansha Udon” (Hanamaru Thank-You Udon). It will be available from Friday, August 7 through Monday, August 31, 2026 at Hanamaru Udon locations nationwide (excluding some stores). The price is a playful 870 yen (tax included), a pun on the word “hanamaru.”
Three Jumbo Shrimp Tempura, Roughly 300 Yen in Savings
The Hanamaru Kansha Udon features bukkake udon (choice of chilled or warm noodles) topped with three jumbo shrimp tempura, plus a generous helping of grated daikon and flower-shaped kamaboko fish cake. Calculated at regular prices, the combination would cost roughly 300 yen more, making the 870 yen price a substantial deal.
A key detail is that the dipping broth is served on the side. Diners can enjoy the shrimp tempura while it is still crispy, or soak it thoroughly in the broth for a richer taste, effectively giving two ways to enjoy one bowl. Beyond its visual impact, the dish was designed with a thorough focus on the satisfaction of actually eating it.
- Period: Friday, August 7 – Monday, August 31, 2026
- Locations: Hanamaru Udon stores nationwide (some stores excluded)
- Excluded stores: Tahi, Takadanobaba, and Tokyo Racecourse branches
- Price: Hanamaru Kansha Udon (small) 870 yen, tax included
- Size: Small size only
- Takeout: Available (50 yen container fee per bowl)
- Mobile order: Not available / no delivery service
First-Ever Collaboration with Sanrio’s “Hanamaru Obake”
This campaign marks the first collaboration with “Hanamaru Obake,” a character from Sanrio Co., Ltd. Hanamaru Obake is a mysterious little ghost that gives a “hanamaru” (a gold-star circle) to anyone who worked hard that day. A different one is said to accompany each person, appearing without notice to quietly praise everyday efforts.
Original Sticker Giveaway
Customers who order the Hanamaru Kansha Udon will receive one randomly selected exclusive “Hanamaru Obake” original sticker (4 designs total) featuring the character in a Hanamaru Udon uniform. Available while supplies last; designs cannot be chosen.
Spot-the-Difference Sheet for Kids
Customers who order the children’s “Nikohana Set” will receive a spot-the-difference sheet with a limited design combining “Hanamaru Udon Day” and “Hanamaru Obake.” After finding all eight differences, kids can draw their own hanamaru, making the wait before and after the meal more enjoyable.
Limited Candy Giveaway on August 7
Starting Friday, August 7, official “Hanamaru Obake” original candies will be handed out at the register, limited to a total of roughly 10,000 pieces at 98 stores only, while supplies last.
Find “Marumaru” Around the Store
Because “Marumaru,” one of the Hanamaru Obake, loves hide-and-seek, POP displays and stickers will appear in various spots throughout the stores during the campaign. Guests are invited to look for Marumaru peeking out from around the restaurant, adding a festival-like atmosphere the whole family can enjoy.
Daily Instant-Win Campaign on Official X
The official Hanamaru Udon X account (formerly Twitter: @hanamaru_udon) will run a giveaway offering the complete set of all four “Hanamaru Obake” original stickers. It uses an instant-win format where results are revealed on the spot, and participants can enter every day during the campaign.
- Period: Friday, August 7, 9:00 – Tuesday, August 11, 23:59, 2026
- How to enter: Follow @hanamaru_udon and post a quote tweet with the hashtag #はなまるうどんの日
- Prizes: Original stickers (all 4 designs) and 10 free udon vouchers
- Winners: Two people per day (10 in total)
Summary
Under its motto “Delicious surprises for everyone,” Hanamaru says it will continue delivering products and services that bring flavor and delight to customers. With an eye-catching bowl topped by three jumbo shrimp tempura and the first-ever Sanrio “Hanamaru Obake” tie-in, this campaign is a great fit for summer-vacation lunches and outings. Since it runs only through August 31, an early visit is recommended.