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The 2026-2027 Hokkaido Souvenir Grand Prix Winners Are Out - Bring the Authentic Taste of Hokkaido Home With You!

• Written by: LIVE JAPAN Editor

Date published: 22 July 2026

Not sure what souvenirs to bring home from Hokkaido for friends, family, or yourself?

The winners of the fifth Hokkaido Souvenir Awards, officially known as the North Wave Selection 2026–2027, have finally been announced! Organized by popular Hokkaido radio station FM NORTH WAVE, the awards spotlight products that capture the flavors, ingredients, and personality of the region.

This year’s entries were judged not only by tourism professionals but also by younger students studying tourism. Products were rated on everything from packaging and memorable names to portability and that all-important “I need to try this!” factor.

These award-winning picks have cleared every hurdle, making them excellent additions to your Hokkaido shopping list.

(Main photo credit: FM NORTH WAVE Co., Ltd.)

About the Product
This imaginative treat transforms the fluffy white clouds floating across Hokkaido’s enormous skies into an edible sweet.

Made with Hokkaido beet sugar and whole milk powder produced from local fresh milk, it uses a special cotton candy-making technique to create an airy yet surprisingly moist texture. It melts almost instantly on the tongue, leaving behind the gentle sweetness of beet sugar and a rich, lingering milky flavor.

What the Judges Said
The concept of “milk clouds in Hokkaido’s blue sky” immediately caught the judges’ attention. They praised how perfectly the packaging matches the product, along with its use of locally produced beet sugar and milk.

Its cloud-like appearance and delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture also made it feel like an exciting new type of Hokkaido souvenir.

About the Product
The town of Oshamambe is known for its incredible seafood, and these extra-luxurious shumai dumplings make full use of it.

Made entirely with ingredients from Hokkaido, each dumpling combines minced pork, onions, and scallop broth around a large piece of scallop. The top is then generously covered with meat from both hairy crab and snow crab.

Each dumpling is handmade and weighs an impressive 50 grams, packing plenty of Hokkaido seafood flavor into every bite.

What the Judges Said
The simple yet sophisticated packaging incorporates traditional Ainu patterns, giving the product a strong sense of place and an upscale appearance.

The judges were also impressed by the generous size and how clearly the flavors of the scallop and hairy crab came through. Its carefully selected ingredients, reasonable value, and reliable quality make it an especially appealing food souvenir.

About the Product
This miniature hand cream set is made using calendula organically grown on the company’s own farm in Shiraoi, Hokkaido. The petals are picked by hand before their soothing extract is carefully produced.

The formula also contains moisturizing ingredients such as sunflower and Job’s tears to gently care for dry hands.

The set includes four varieties: rose, sweet orange and ginger, lavender and jasmine, and fragrance-free. Their compact size takes up almost no room in your suitcase, while the individual tubes are perfect for sharing with coworkers, friends, or family.

What the Judges Said
The judges loved that the set allows recipients to try several different fragrances, making it equally suitable as a gift or a personal treat.

Its approachable price, practical miniature packaging, natural scents, and moisturizing feel were all highly rated. The brand’s dedication to Hokkaido-grown ingredients and the story behind its handmade production also helped it stand out.

About the Product
This elegant baked treat uses Fuji apples allowed to fully ripen on the trees at Sousei Farm in Yoichi, Hokkaido.

Instead of wheat flour, the financier is made with rice flour, giving it an exceptionally soft, moist texture and a light finish that melts in the mouth. The apples’ natural balance of sweetness and tartness pairs beautifully with the rich, toasted aroma of butter.

It is also gluten-free, making it a delicious option for a wider range of travelers.

What the Judges Said
Although the financier contains no wheat flour, the judges were amazed by its moist texture and polished finish.

They also praised the balance between the naturally sweet ripe Fuji apples and the buttery cake. Its clear, easy-to-understand name, gluten-free recipe, regional ingredients, and strong brand story made it an especially memorable entry.

About the Product
This addictive snack combines crispy cubes of fried Hokkaido potato with Hokkaido Special Dashi, which won the grand prize in the previous year’s awards.

The flavorful broth blend is made with ma-kombu kelp, dried salmon flakes, Japanese mushrooms, and sculpin, a local specialty from eastern Hokkaido.

The bite-sized potato cubes are easy to snack on and deliver a light, satisfying crunch. They also have an impressive shelf life of 270 days, making them an especially convenient souvenir to take overseas and enjoy later with a drink.

What the Judges Said
The judges found the price, package size, and design extremely well balanced for a souvenir that is easy to carry and share.

Potatoes immediately bring Hokkaido to mind, while the rich dashi seasoning gives the snack an extra-local twist. Its light, crispy texture also makes it dangerously difficult to stop eating.

Keep an eye out for the Hokkaido Souvenir Awards logo at airports and souvenir shops during your next trip.

Whether you choose fluffy milk sweets, seafood-packed dumplings, or a bag of crunchy dashi potatoes, these award-winning products offer a delicious and memorable way to bring a little piece of Hokkaido home!