Sakata, a city in Yamagata Prefecture, is renowned for its rice cultivation, particularly across the fertile Shōnai Plain. It is also home to the well-known Sakata Beika rice cracker company and the historic Sankyo Sōko rice storehouses—cultural landmarks that reflect the region’s long agricultural heritage.

This is the Sakata Beika Oranda Rice Cracker Sakura Shrimp, made with 100% Yamagata-grown rice and sakura shrimp.

Each box contained 12 individually sealed sachets, each holding two crackers.

Each cracker measured approximately 6 cm in diameter and 3 mm thick, with a cream-coloured base, golden edges, and scattered dark flecks of sakura shrimp. The aroma was lightly shrimpy, with a subtle oceanic note.

On tasting, the crackers delivered a light, crisp crunch, releasing a fragrant toasted rice aroma. A fine dusting of salt brought an immediate savoury note. By the second bite, the sakura shrimp embedded into the dough began to assert itself—deepening the flavour with a layered oceanic richness, reminiscent of grilled shellfish with slight Maillard undertones. The umami built steadily as the cracker broke down, culminating in a deeply savoury finish.

The overall profile was savoury, gently salty, and umami-rich, elevated by the intensity of the sakura shrimp and the fragrance of the toasted rice. An elegant and distinctive snack.

This Sakata Beika Oranda Rice Cracker Sakura Shrimp contained 57.6 g (4.8 g x 12 bags). It was produced in Japan and purchased in Yamagata, Japan in 2025.