This original company was started by Kanjiro Sameya, who began by selling handmade "karintou" snacks door-to-door by bicycle after World War II. Due to the scarcity and high cost of wheat at the time, he turned to a nostalgic snack his grandmother used to make: "Imokenpi." Through trial and error, he began developing his own version, which gradually gained popularity as a tea-time treat in the Tosa region of Japan.

The passion for perfecting sweet potato snacks has been passed down through generations. Today, Imoya Kinjiro reflects that original dream and commitment. The name itself — “Imoya,” meaning “sweet potato shop” — symbolizes their unwavering focus on one thing: making the best Imokenpi possible.