Mitsuwa Marketplace New Jersey: More Than A Supermarket!

Mitsuwa Marketplace is a well-known Japanese supermarket chain in the United States. It was created to bring Japanese food and culture closer to local communities.

The company is based in California and currently serves multiple states, including Texas, Hawaii, and Illinois. Keep reading to learn the journey through Mitsuwa New Jersey and discover how this wonderful chain was formed!

What kind of place is Mitsuwa New Jersey?

Mitsuwa New Jersey is a large Japanese marketplace and cultural space in Edgewater, near the Hudson River. It’s a place where people can explore Japanese food, shopping, and traditions together. The market feels lively, clean, and welcoming to families and visitors of all ages!

The marketplace is best known for its wide range of Japanese groceries and fresh foods. Inside, visitors can find a diverse selection of fruits, vegetables, seafood, meats, snacks, and beverages from Japan. Many products are imported and carefully chosen for quality and taste. People often shop here to cook Japanese meals at home. The aisles are bright and well-organized, making shopping easy and enjoyable. Even first-time visitors can quickly understand where to find items.

One major attraction is the food court, which offers a variety of famous Japanese dishes. Visitors can enjoy a variety of dishes, including ramen, tempura, sushi, udon, curry, and bento meals. Each shop specializes in a single style of food and prepares it with meticulous care. People often eat together here before or after shopping. The food court allows visitors to experience a diverse range of flavors in one visit, eliminating the need to visit multiple Japanese restaurants.

What else does this store have?

Mitsuwa New Jersey also offers a variety of unique non-food items. There is a Japanese bookstore, a variety store, and shops selling kitchen tools and gifts. Visitors can buy ceramics, stationery, sweets, and small cultural items. These products are helpful for everyday use or as special gifts. Many items are hard to find in other local stores. This makes the marketplace feel different!

Moreover, the marketplace hosts special events and seasonal activities throughout the year. One highlight is the annual Natsu Matsuri (summer festival), usually held in August. Here, you can enjoy bon odori circle dances, taiko drums, yosakoi dances, and local band shows. Food stalls sell takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes), and shaved ice for summer treats. Plus, traditional games, karaoke, and cosplay activities also make the festival lively and memorable.

How did this chain begin?

Its story started with a company called Yaohan USA. Yaohan opened its first American store in California in 1979. The founder and leader, Kazuo Wada, sought to share Japanese market culture with the world. Stores later opened in New Jersey and Illinois to reach a wider audience. These stores gained popularity among Japanese families and local shoppers. However, Yaohan faced financial trouble in the late 1990s.

In 1998, former Yaohan USA leaders created a new company called Mitsuwa Corporation. They renamed the stores Mitsuwa Marketplace and started a fresh chapter. The goal was to protect Japanese quality and continue serving communities. Mitsuwa kept many traditions while adding modern ideas. Food courts and specialty shops became key features of the mall. This change helped the brand grow stronger and more stable.

Over the years, Mitsuwa expanded to many states, including Texas and Hawaii. New stores opened in areas with a strong interest in Japanese culture. Older locations were renovated to feature brighter spaces and improved layouts. Special events and seasonal festivals were also added. These events made shopping more exciting and educational. The marketplace became known as a friendly place for families.

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Why is it an important chain?

Mitsuwa Marketplace is a significant chain since it brings authentic Japanese food and culture to many communities in the United States. It operates stores in several states, making Japanese products more accessible. This helps families cook traditional meals at home. The chain also supports cultural understanding through food and daily shopping. People trust it for its consistency and care.

Another reason Mitsuwa matters is its mini-mall style design. Most locations feature a supermarket, food court, and specialty shops in one area. Visitors can shop for groceries, enjoy a meal, and explore books or beauty items in one visit. Stores like Japanese bookstores and variety shops add learning value. This setup saves time and creates a complete experience. It feels like a small cultural town inside one building.

Additionally, it fosters shared experiences for visitors. Cultural events and seasonal activities bring people together. At the same time, the friendly environment welcomes both locals and newcomers. Its careful growth shows respect for tradition and modern needs.

Do I want to visit Mitsuwa Marketplace in New Jersey?

Yes, I’d love to. The place feels like a small window into Japanese culture! It brings Japanese shopping, dining, and culture together in one space. I like that I don’t need to visit different stores. Everything I enjoy is gathered in one convenient location.

It can be very convenient for daily needs and special plans. On busy days, I can quickly buy fresh food or enjoy a warm meal. On relaxed days, I can take my time exploring the shops and food court. It functions as a well-designed complex that saves time. 

As a lover of Japanese food, Mitsuwa attracts me the most. It offers a wide selection of imported Japanese products that are rarely found in American grocery stores. I can find noodles, sauces, rice, and seasonings for authentic Japanese cooking. The wide variety helps me try new recipes at home.

How about you? Would you like to visit Mitsuwa Marketplace in New Jersey or at another location of this chain? And which Japanese food would you like to try first? Let me know in the comments!