My Cozy Home Izakaya: How a Seven-Eleven Employee Unwinds After Work

From boldly bitter brews to those rich with hop aroma, craft beers offer a wide range of distinctive flavors. Among them, Uchoten Aliens—with its bright, tropical fruit-like fragrance and smooth, mellow taste—stands out. It’s the very first craft beer jointly developed by Yo-Ho Brewing and Seven-Eleven Japan.

*Excluding the price of alcohol

Take a sip, and a tropical, fruit-like aroma gently blooms in your mouth, followed by a creamy, mellow texture that lingers on the palate.
This is Uchoten Aliens, which Hatanaka from Seven-Eleven Japan enjoys as a special weekend treat.

"It’s a product that catches the eye with its unique package design. The name Uchoten Aliens reflects our wish for people to feel uplifted and have fun—to experience the excitement of encountering a new flavor. We expressed that idea through its distinctive design."

Hatanaka’s "Home Izakaya" always begins with something hearty to fill the stomach.
The first choice is Seven Premium Takoyaki (6 pieces, 321 yen including tax), which can be easily prepared in the microwave for a crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside texture. These generously sized takoyaki offer authentic flavor, with the aroma of a blended bonito and kelp broth and the subtle taste of light soy sauce.

The second dish is the Octopus and Broccoli Basil Salad (300.24 yen including tax), generously packed with tender steamed octopus, broccoli, edamame, potatoes, and other vegetables. A refreshing basil sauce coats each ingredient evenly, making it perfect for cleansing the palate between bites of takoyaki or for nibbling slowly alongside your beer—an item that can be enjoyed in many ways.

For the third dish, Hatanaka chose Seven Premium Dried Prosciutto (213.84 yen including tax), a snack that further enhances the flavor of Uchoten Aliens. With each bite, the gentle saltiness spreads through your mouth, mingling with the beer’s hop aroma, creating that irresistible "just one more sip" effect—a truly addictive pairing.

A chilled glass of crisp white wine in hand, and a relaxing movie or video to unwind with—perfect for a leisurely weekend. For moments like these, we recommend Seven Premium Yosemite Road Chardonnay.

*Excluding the price of alcohol

Fujita from Seven-Eleven Japan chooses Yosemite Road Chardonnay as her special weekend treat. On Friday nights, she enjoys pairing it with carefully selected snacks, savoring a moment to unwind and reward herself.

"I sometimes think, ‘Maybe I’ll try a different drink…’ but I always end up reaching for white wine. Yosemite Road’s white is crisp and dry, yet it also has a rich, fruity sweetness with a smooth mouthfeel. Its fresh and vibrant aroma and flavor spread beautifully with each sip."

Fujita’s selection is all about balance—pairing protein and healthy carbs with a touch of vegetables. It’s a "Home Izakaya" for someone who wants to relax at home while still being mindful of their body.

For her appetizer, she chose the Octopus and Broccoli Basil Salad (300.24 yen including tax).

Once her appetite is slightly satisfied, she moves on to the Seven Premium Charcoal-Grilled Hamburger Steak with Japanese-Style Grated Daikon Sauce (170 yen including tax). Carefully grilled on an iron plate to lock in the meat’s juices, it boasts a crispy exterior, a plump and juicy interior, and plenty of satisfying substance.

The third dish is Seven Premium Prosciutto Loin (192 yen including tax), made with Spanish pork loin for a snack rich in savory flavor. It’s perfect for nibbling between courses or when you’re still a little hungry.

To finish off and savor the lingering notes of the wine, she chooses Seven Premium Smooth Candy Cheese (278.64 yen including tax). These bite-sized, melt-in-your-mouth pieces blend the rich flavors of Gouda and Cheddar cheeses, harmonizing beautifully with the wine’s mellow character.

Seven Premium Ales is a popular choice among beer lovers, known for its bright aroma and crisp, light drinking experience. With low bitterness and a refreshingly smooth finish, it’s the kind of beer you can enjoy gulp after gulp.

*Excluding the price of alcohol

Sugiura from Seven-Eleven Japan enjoys Ales on his once-a-month cheat day. In his spare time, he works up a sweat boxing, and while he usually sticks to a diet mindful of muscle and health, he also makes room to indulge himself with his favorite drinks and snacks.

"It’s a 100% malt ale beer jointly developed by Suntory and Seven & i Holdings. Its simple, never-tiring flavor makes it a perfect match for any kind of snack."

Sugiura’s "Home Izakaya" is packed full of the things he loves most. On the table are hearty, savory "brown dishes" with a deliciously robust flavor. These indulgent moments, true to his cravings, give him the energy boost he needs to take on the week ahead.
His first picks are a slightly unusual pairing: menma (seasoned bamboo shoots) and natto (fermented soybeans). While both are known for enhancing ramen or rice, he enjoys combining them as snacks, too.

Seven Premium Menma—Also Great as a Snack (213.84 yen including tax) is made from authentic Chinese bamboo shoots, seasoned to be mild and easy to enjoy. Its spicy kick pairs perfectly with alcohol, and the crunchy texture makes it extra fun to eat.

On the other hand, Seven Premium Extra-Small Natto (105.84 yen including tax) features a special sauce and mustard that bring out the soybeans’ rich flavor. It’s delicious not only over rice but also on its own, offering an addictive snack-like appeal.

Next up are the Seven Premium Edamame Chips (138 yen including tax). Made with edamame kneaded into the dough, they offer a crisp, light texture while delivering the distinct flavor of edamame. Whether as a snack or a side for drinks, they’re the kind of chips you just can’t stop eating.

And finally, there’s the Seven Premium Mackerel in Olive Oil (267 yen including tax). Made with domestically caught mackerel harvested at the peak of the season, it’s marinated in extra virgin olive oil and Hanamoshio sea salt. Its mellow, rich flavor offers a touch of indulgence that’s perfect for a cheat day.

For the final dish, Sugiura chooses something he says he "just can’t leave out" — Seven Premium Mōko Tanmen Nakamoto Spicy Miso (259 yen including tax). This cup noodle recreates the signature dish from the popular restaurant Mōko Tanmen Nakamoto, with its defining touch being the garlic-scented "spicy umami oil."

Hatanaka, who enjoys his beer and snacks to the fullest.
Fujita, who values both satisfaction and caring for her body.
And Sugiura, who wholeheartedly embraces his "indulgent drinking nights."
Each of their "Home Izakaya" setups was filled with small touches of personal style and their own way of having fun.
On a weekend night, just adding a little twist to your usual drink could turn an ordinary moment into something special.
Why not find your own version of a "Home Izakaya"?
A Spoonful of Enjoy for Your Life will continue to bring you small, everyday delights that quietly enrich your days.
Stay tuned for the next edition.

*Please note that some of the products featured in this article may not be available depending on stock and store location.

This text has been translated using an automatic translation tool.