Otokomae tofu makes a handsome U.S. debut

EDGEWATER, N.J. (Kyodo) A Kyoto-based tofu maker is poised to make inroads into the U.S. market on the back of the strong popularity of its products in Japan and health-conscious American consumers.

A brand of tofu named Otokomae (Handsome Guy) that created a sensation among young Japanese when it appeared in July 2004 made its full-fledged U.S. debut Friday at a Japanese supermarket near New York.

Shingo Ito, president of Otokomae Tofuten Corp., based in Nantan, Kyoto Prefecture, plans to sell his unique brand of tofu that boasts a big kanji character for "otoko" (male) on the package at Japanese specialty stores first before hitting regular supermarkets.

The company shipped some of its tofu products to retailers on the West Coast last year.

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