A major Japanese convenience store chain has started selling frozen "onigiri" rice balls on a trial basis. The aim is to reduce the frequency of deliveries to its outlets.

Lawson started the test with six items at about 20 stores in Tokyo and Fukushima Prefecture on Tuesday. The rice balls on offer include grilled salmon wrapped in seaweed. Customers have to warm them in a microwave oven after purchase.

Lawson expects to cut down on costly deliveries because the frozen rice balls have best-before dates lasting about four months.

Lawson official Wakui Kazuhiro said, "We must develop a more effective delivery system by controlling logistics.
It is important to expand the frozen food options to items with sell-by dates of one day or less."

The company plans to introduce frozen rice balls nationwide in fiscal 2025. It also aims to expand the lineup of frozen food to other perishable products such as "bento" boxes or bread-based items.