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.