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Accessibility Statement
Our Commitment to Accessibility

We are committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone, and applying the relevant accessibility standards to help users with various disabilities access our website effectively.

Compliance Status

Our website strives to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards. We also aim to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the European Accessibility Act requirements. These guidelines and regulations explain how to make web content more accessible to people with a wide range of disabilities. We acknowledge that some aspects of our website may not yet achieve full compliance, and we are actively working to address these areas.

Accessibility Features Available

Our website implements the Accessibly App, which provides a variety of tools to enhance website accessibility:

Visual Adjustments
  • Bigger Text: Increase text size up to 3x for better readability (WCAG 2.1/1.4.4)
  • Bigger Cursor: Enhanced cursor visibility for easier navigation
  • Color Adjustments: Invert colors, adjust contrast, brightness, and saturation
  • Grayscale Mode: Convert website to grayscale for users with visual impairments
  • Hide Images: Reduce visual distractions for easier reading
Reading and Navigation Aids
  • Reading Line: Adds a guide line to help follow text
  • Reading Mask: Places a mask over text to isolate lines and enhance focus
  • Readable Fonts: Converts to highly legible fonts for better comprehension
  • Highlight Links: Makes links more prominent for easier navigation
  • Dyslexic Fonts: Special typography for users with dyslexia
  • Page Structure: Simplified layout options for easier navigation
Assistive Technologies
  • Keyboard Navigation: Full website control using keyboard (Tab, Shift+Tab, Enter)
  • Alt Text for Images: AI-generated image descriptions where manual ones aren't provided
  • Read Page Aloud: Text-to-speech functionality
  • Stop Animations: Pause motion content for users with vestibular disorders
Limitations and Feedback

Despite our best efforts to ensure accessibility, there may be some limitations. Content provided by third parties, user-generated content, or certain legacy pages may not be fully accessible. We are continuously working to improve our website's accessibility.

We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of our website. If you encounter any barriers or have suggestions for improvement, please contact us. We are committed to addressing these issues promptly.

Technical Information

The accessibility features on this website are provided through the Accessibly App, which utilizes several technologies including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and various frameworks to enhance accessibility. Our implementation strives to be compatible with major screen readers and assistive technologies.

Legal Disclaimer

While we strive to adhere to WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards and provide accessible content, we cannot guarantee that our website will be accessible to all users under all circumstances. This website is provided 'as is' without any representations or warranties, express or implied.

In no event shall we be liable for any damages arising from or related to:

  • Inability to access or use the website
  • Any alleged non-compliance with accessibility laws or regulations
  • Any disruption or errors in the functionality of accessibility features

By using this website, you agree to hold us harmless from any claims related to website accessibility issues. We are committed to addressing accessibility barriers in good faith but cannot guarantee immediate resolution in all cases.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about our accessibility efforts or encounter any barriers while using our website, please contact us.

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Article: Celebrating Our First Birthday!

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Sep 28, 2023

Celebrating Our First Birthday!

I'm absolutely thrilled to be celebrating our very first birthday, marking the 12-month anniversary since our exclusive launch at select Whole Foods Market stores in September 2022. Looking back on this incredible year, it's been nothing short of a whirlwind of experiences, challenges, and growth that have shaped us into who we are today and prepared us for the future that’s yet to come. 

Our journey began with Whole Foods Market taking a chance on us when we had just a prototype. I vividly remember the intense, nail-biting days of refining our complex recipe, carefully vetting partners, vendors, and manufacturers, and personally cooking and hand-cutting 3000 lbs of mochi gummies for our very first delivery. We faced ingredient shortages, the constant fear of survival due to numerous issues, and the anxious anticipation of seeing our products on the store shelves. It was a year full of joyful, happy, inspiring times, accompanied by tears, long days and sleepless nights where I often asked myself...was I insane to quit everything to do this?

But against all odds, we made it through what many consider to be the toughest year for any startup (all while being bullied by one of the largest multinational companies in the world who told us we can't use our brand name — a legitimate Japanese word — because they have a beverage that resembles it and that we have to sign an agreement that gives them the right to decide the fate of my company). Statistics show that around 90% of new businesses don't make it past their first year, yet here we are, just getting started.

For me, creating a remarkable product that's deeply rooted in heritage, culture, and innovation and highlighting its inherent value is a profound mission. Mochi Gummies, beyond being a delicious treat, serves as a bridge between cultures, a means to raise awareness about our shared history, and a space where my children can take pride in their heritage. However, our vision extends far beyond the product itself. It's equally important to foster a vibrant, positive, joy-inducing work culture — a place where people genuinely appreciate and support each other, where creativity knows no bounds, and where we collectively build something extraordinary.

I've spent years working in environments where competition, criticism, secrecy, and internal politics often overshadowed the pursuit of joy and excellence. These places not only create toxic work atmospheres but also stifle creativity and inhibit the true creation of value. My mission is to create a company where every individual feels genuinely valued, and in turn, they value each other. Together, we spark joy and make magic happen daily, overcoming the challenges startups face with positivity, grit and hard work.

Over these past months, I’ve been winging it in an industry I knew nothing about. I didn't know anything about manufacturing, packaging or distribution. I had only a simple landing page that resembled a wedding photo website and two posts on a freshly created Instagram account. I was unfamiliar with food industry jargon, and knew only a fraction of what I now understand. It’s far from perfect, and there's still so much to learn and improve upon. But through it all, you've stood by our side.

I want to take this moment to sincerely thank you for your unwavering support, for giving us a chance, and for being here with us long enough to read these words. We are committed to improving, to becoming better, and we hope you'll continue to be part of our journey.

As we move forward, we remain dedicated to our mission of spreading joy, embracing innovation, celebrating diversity, empowering women, and caring for our planet. We are proud of our heritage and excited to build a community — with you — that shares our values.


We hope you will join us in celebrating our next birthday and many more milestones to come.


With love, gratitude, and excitement for the future,

Mika and the Issei Team

Written by Issei

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Mindful Awards for Best Chewy Candy of the Year

Mindful Awards for Best Chewy Candy of the Year

We're thrilled to announce that our Issei Mochi Gummies have won the 2023 Mindful Awards for Best Chewy Candy of the Year! Our team is incredibly grateful to our customers for their support and for...

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Finalist of Success Magazine Women of Influence Awards

Finalist of Success Magazine Women of Influence Awards

Issei Mochi Gummies' founder, Mika Shino, was selected as a finalist for the Success Magazine Women of Influence Awards! Finalists are selected based on their remarkable achievements, innovation, a...

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