Very good bakery for take out baked goods. There is no seating in the bakery. It is counter service only. The selection of baked goods is very good. On a Saturday morning at 8am it was mostly breakfast items, with a few lunch-ish items sprinkled in. There are some desserts, but only a handful...perhaps those come out later in the day. Every item in the case has its own little sign so it is very clear what everything is and how much it costs. I love that! I tried one of each flavor of the onigiri, the blueberry tart, the lemon ricotta tart, strawberry rhubarb danish, and the cinnamon bun. Honestly...everything was so delicious, so fresh, so unique. The flavors in each item were special in some way, definitely not your typical Panera baked goods...definitely a notch above. Will be back for sure read more

Norimoto Bakery - The case on a Saturday morning at 8am. - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

First know, it's tiny! You walk in and basically you are the only customer who will fit in the space when you step inside the door. But it's so cute! The menu for the day is outside the window, so if you are waiting, you can see what's available. When you walk inside the case has all the goodies presented to you with labels. The person that helped me was so sweet and kind. Smiling, helpful, and helped me select an entire box of goodies to take home. I got a quiche that was savory and delicious. But my favorite treat was the twice baked chocolate almond croissant. It was amazing. The ANZAC was good. Ana I can't remember the other goodies I tasted. read more

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This is a bit of a hot take, but I don't think this place warrants an overall 5-star experience. My approach tries to appreciate the place as a whole, rather than just the food itself or something. I've been here multiple times. Parking: street parking outside, usually can find Food: Fabulous, delicious, eclectic. You can read the other reviews. You see the photos. Great. Service / Atmosphere: HOWEVER, I really wish they didn't always sell out so fast! I totally get that there's a hype, but there's something a bit "not-bakery"-esque for a place that sells out of essentially everything by 10 AM? Or for a bakery's atmosphere to be a small standing area that can fit literally ONE or TWO people to order and then leave? It feels so... forced. It really cuts the experience quite abruptly. I understand that other bakeries do this as well, perhaps it's a local southern Maine thing. I'm just not that into it (looking at you Standard Baking and Scratch, while Tandem barely scrapes by in this department...) Either way, if you're here to pick up baked goods that are slightly pricey but very tasty, yes this is great. The buying and eating experiences? Unfortunately lackluster read more

We had the nori rolls with egg,chicken, and pea pods. Tasty! We also bought a slice of sweet sponge cake with cream and strawberries. Very nice treat to have a home with a cup of tea. read more

I will come back to Portland just for Norimoto Bakery. The storefront is literally a hole-in-the-wall with no signage, but you can probably see a line stretching out from the store. The menu is extensive with japanese-inspired pastries, milk bread, cakes and tarts, and even onigiri. They use local ingredients for the baked goods, including blueberries and peaches. Our group tried quite a few pastries. The Yuzu Almond Melon Pan, which I believed was limited time only, was easily our favorite. The tart, sweet yuzu curd won us over. A close second would be the hojicha cake roll topped with whipped cream and peach. It was very fluffy and moist. The double chocolate sake cake surprised me too, given that I usually don't quite like chocolate desserts. It was decadent with a hint of sake flavor. read more

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Small but mighty! Their storefront is really just big enough for 2-3 people to stand in, order their baked goods, and leave. Lots of options so pick wisely but i'm sure anything that you pick will leave you happy! We enjoyed their curry puff and egg sandwich. Both would have been even more amazing if heated up and if the egg sandwich had like, a sausage patty or bacon or something a bit more savory to add onto the super soft and jiggly egg read more

Norimoto Bakery - August 2025 - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

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I had obviously heard of this spot with the fact they won the James Beard award last year 2024. This has turned it from a once hidden gem/locals favorite spot to longer lines and more hype. Thankfully despite showing up a little later, around 10 am so some items were sold out but a large selection was still available. I was a little surprised by this due to it being a beautiful summer Saturday and the fact they are taking a summer break next week. When jumping in line there were 4 people in front of us. The inside customer wise space is only big enough for one to two people to stand and order. The worker was extremely friendly and wishing everyone a great weekend once they finished ordering. Since it was our first time my wife and I wanted to sample a good variety. We decided to grab a Gooey Butter Cinnamon Roll, Blueberry Buckle, Chocolate Croissant, and lastly their "Fruity Wiener" Blueberry Sausage Roll. We loved everything we got, each one being tasty. The blueberry buckle reminded us of a blueberry muffin meets cornbread, the sausage roll was our definitive favorite and wished we grabbed multiple. Both the cinnamon roll and the chocolate constant were fantastic as well, just wish we had shown up even earlier to try them warmer/at their freshest. Know that we have had our first taste we look forward to returning to try even more. It's so conveniently located next to Rambler Cafe (formerly Rwanda Bean) so before or after grab a drink to pair with your delicious pastries. Will be a great spot to add to our rotation when going to a bakery. read more

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This has been on my list for quite a while. Obviously, this is no longer the hidden secret it once was. I think maybe my expectations were driven too high by all of the hype. When I entered the bakery at around an hour before the 2pm closing on a Wednesday afternoon, there was still a decent assortment to choose from. I chose the onigiri and a Japanese style focaccia with kombu. Both were good, but not Wow. I was expecting to be blown away by the taste, craftsmanship, and uniqueness. Instead what I sampled was pedestrian. I will absolutely return though, as a bakery is best sampled when baked goods are fresh out of the oven, and when I will likely see this place shine! read more

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A hole in the wall, yes, but a precious gem of mouth-watering pastries, breads and Japanese treats like Onigiri! This cute little bakery is a good find! The service is personable, the treats are delightful! Highly recommended for people who crave for something different and unique. Will I go back there? That's for sure! A visit here is always worth the trip to keep going back to Portland, Maine! read more

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Super delicious treats from a James Beard award winning baker! I had the anzac cookie, which was the only vegan pastry that day besides the onigiri. It was AMAZING. We went around 1pm and it was still incredible, so I can only imagine how good these are when they are fresh baked. I was lucky enough to be served by the chef Atsuko herself, and she was so sweet. According to their social media, they offer vegan croissants on Tuesdays. read more

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Yaaaaaaaaas. *This* is the bakery experience I've been craving for a while now. *This* is a James Beard award-winning bakery with its creativity and Japanese influences. My sister was floored at the number of pastries I bought from this grab-and-go spot, but hey, when you're sharing with three other people, you can taste more pastries! Some stand outs based on my visit: (01) chocolate and pistachio visitandine (aka a financier), (02) blueberry buckle cake, (03) potato, feta, and leek savory hand pie, and (04) pecan and honey caramel kouign amann. Those are simply my preferences--you really can't go wrong at Norimoto. May it continue to be an award-winning Portland treasure! read more

Had high expectations and went out of my way to visit but it's a letdown for me. I got 5 items and none of them gave me the happy face. One item (savory) obviously needed warming up but it was just cold sitting on the counter for 4+hours. read more

idk if i went at a bad time but they didn't have much options and what they did have was mid. service was fine i guess but it was just ordering at a counter from a glass case. no seating and pretty small. just wasn't what i was expecting read more

Wonderful bakery, loved the Rusks and the twist on the egg and cheese biscuits. We sat at Rwanda beans next door with their baked goods. Will come back to try the stuff that was sold out (we went in late). Cute little bakery tucked in a corner with no ads. You need to look closer to see. Service was great. read more

Norimoto Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

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We wanted to visit this place when we were visiting Portland as this is another award winning bakery here. It was a weekday around noon and there were a few people waiting in a line outside. The place is small so only one or two customers can go inside but still so many people stopping by on a weekday right before they close tells how popular they are. On the day I visited they were out of anything vegetarian or vegan, I didn't have much to buy. The person who checked me out was very helpful. read more

After winning the 2024 James Beard for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker, I added this place to my list. When we arrived, there was no line. We ordered three items: Peach Ginger Caramel Custard Tart, Blueberry Hojicha Buckle Cake, & Pistachio Cookie (Visitandine). I loved the buckle cake especially since it combined Maine blueberries with Japanese hojicha. The tart was meh as it was runny and the cookie was ok. There is no seating inside, so you'll have to enjoy the pastries elsewhere. I noticed a sign outside that states if a kid is hungry, they can come in and wouldn't have to pay. I love that. read more

Norimoto Bakery - Peach Ginger Caramel Custard Tart, Blueberry Hojicha Buckle Cake, & Pistachio Cookie (Visitandine) - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

I'm not even sure if there is a sign outside of Norimoto's unassuming location on Stevens Ave, but you'll know it by the smell of buttery deliciousness and the line on the street. We plan ahead when we go to Norimoto--I believe they open at 7:30-we try to get there no later than 8 on a weekend and no later than 9 on a weekday. People come to Portland specifically to visit Norimoto--I've seen cars with out of state plates in the winter pulling up to get an early spot in line. Vegan options are offered on Wednesdays only. It's a tiny shop--only one party at a time inside. Despite the line outside, when it is your turn you will be welcomed and treated like you are the only customers. They patiently answer questions about menu items and even make small talk about your day. Today we had the vegan chocolate croissants: baked to golden perfection, flaky layers, delicious chocolate and buttery flavor. I dare a non vegan to try to tell the difference! We also had the apple scone (not vegan) and the vegan Kouign Amann. The scone was baked to perfection again--cinnamon apple flavor and moist on the inside but still very scone like. The Kouign Amann was beautiful and glossy, full of pecans and maple flavor. A solid 5 stars for Norimoto--a well kept secret in Portland until Martha Stewart made news with her visit a few months ago. Also, Norimoto does not sell drinks but Rwanda Bean next door has an excellent selection of coffee and tea/chai (a review for another day). read more

Norimoto Bakery - Delicious selection of vegan (and non vegan) pastries. - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

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I got a onigiri with salmon filling as a quick snake. It was warm and very tasty. I'd get it again. I got a fruit tartlet for later. It was about 10 dollars for the tart. It was pretty big and can serve two. I found it too big for one I prefer 1/2 the size for 1/2 the price. It was good but the cream was sweetened a little too much for my taste. The fruit on top was bitter. The crust was a nice shortbread. I will definitely be back to try something different. read more

Norimoto Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

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Unique Japanese inspired baked goods that were the perfect start to a rainy morning in Portland. Even with the rain, the line was 15 deep 10 minutes after opening (always a good sign). The breakfast sandwich had a nice blend of tangy and umami flavors and the egg soufflé was perfectly cooked. I loved the pistachio crumble on the strawberry rhubarb danish, but found it just too sweet for my palette. The hojicha blueberry crumble was my favorite flavor combo I never would have considered. Staff was very chipper for a cold gray day! 1. Breakfast sandwich - 4/5 2. Strawberry rhubarb danish - 4/5 3. Blueberry crumble - 4/5 read more

Norimoto Bakery - Strawberry rhubarb danish - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

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Great to see a "fusion" bakery with delicious options! I got the Noritama breakfast sandwich and this was delicious! It had some pickled veggies and seaweed in it and the cheese was delicious. There was a decent selection of pastries and some onigiri as well. read more

Norimoto Bakery - Noritama breakfast sandwich - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

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Amazing pastry with bean paste inside and matcha outside. Their breakfast sandwich was great too. A line is formed before they open so go very early. read more

Norimoto Bakery - Matcha bean paste bun - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

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Amazing and mind blowing food. The miso cinnamon roll blew my expectations out of the water. Even the edges were crispy and delicious, how are edges that moist and delicious?! Definitely try this place asap. Wait in line it's worth it (and just a line to the door where you order). read more

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UPDATE: After their winter break, they came back and announced they'd *only* have vegan croissants available on Wednesday mornings. Vegan croissants. Vegan croissants! VEGAN CROISSANTS!!! Listen, I know not everywhere needs to cater to everyone, but there's currently nowhere in Portland for plant based folks to reliably get pastries at (seriously, if you do a Yelp search for "vegan croissant" you know what comes up? nothing.). I don't even know if in a week from now or a month from now Norimoto will continue to have them (although this is true for most of their menu anyway; they're constantly changing things up, trying new items, and keeping it as seasonal as possible), but as of writing this you can get vegan croissants, vegan chocolate filled croissants, vegan kouign amann, and other goodies (like sourdough bread, granola, pistachio snails, etc.) at one of the most exceptional bakeries in all of Maine. Now I've had their pastries before and they were divine. But to see their craftsmanship carry over into the plant based realm? Delighted. And not at all surprised because if anyone was going to make a perfect vegan croissant, it was going to be Norimoto. I genuinely hope they don't stop offering these (and if non-vegans are loving them too, then is there a need to go back?), because I'd like to stop buying vegan croissants from Whole Foods which is currently the only place I can get them locally. If you do get the chance to try them: the vegan chocolate filled croissants really are perfection (and if you're not plant-based, I guarantee you won't be able to "notice a difference"). So flaky! They melt-in-your-mouth! Am I willing to set an alarm clock to stand in line with everyone else a half hour before opening on Saturday? Probably. (Absolutely, actually.) read more

After Atsuko Fujimoto won a James Beard award for outstanding baker, I put this at the top my list for places to visit while we were in town for vacation. We arrived around 10am on Saturday morning and easily found street parking. After getting in line, I popped in next door at Rwanda Bean and got a couple of coffees for myself and my husband while we waited. The line moved quickly and once you get towards the front you can see a list of the days offerings. Once inside there is a case with a sample of each item so you can see what they look like which was incredibly helpful. Nothing appeared to be sold out and there were loads of both sweet and savory options. We ordered the cinnamon roll, blueberry buckle cake, anzac vegan cookie, quiche, kouign amann, jalapeno sausage roll and a bag of the granola. Nothing that we purchased wasn't great. This bakery is absolutely worth the hype. A few notes, the bakery is take away only and there is nowhere to sit down inside and the line is all outdoors so if there is inclement weather do come prepared. read more

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Norimoto Bakery fills the gaps in the Portland Bakery scene -- legitimately delicious viennoiseries (French pastries), she sometimes marries Japanese and European flavors, but most are European. The menu changes slightly each time and there are a few staples: - Croissant: the perfect, flaky crescent shaped pastry - Chocolate Croissant: chocolate filled using croissant pastry dough - Kouign Amann: Pronounced the "Queen Amann", these actually were very popular in Japan for a long time as well, but come from the Brittany region of France and is considered one of the most technically challenging pastries to make. This thing is heaven! - Shokupan: A standard Japanese loaf bread that's soft and cloud-like - Onigiri/Norimaki: The fillings change but she usually has some kind of Norimaki (maki roll) or Onigiri (rice ball) of the day. I never see these around so it's a treat to pick one up -- these are savory There's tons more options but these seem to be the regulars for now. I picked up a few regulars plus a few of her danishes. These aren't like the ones filled with crème cheese or jam that you find in the grocery story packs of 6 or 12, these are works of art with beautiful flavors that will make you stop and really enjoy the combinations. Every bite of something from Norimoto is an experience (is that too strong?). Her staff are friendly and the store front is more bakery than sales counter. Sometimes, there's a line out the wazoo! read more

Norimoto Bakery - Kouign Amann - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

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Tiny shop but worth the drive. Line of locals at 8:30 on a Thursday. Gooey bun was soft and doughy and not too cloyingly sweet, tarte was savory, hints of cheese (parm? Asiago?) with a summer ripe roasted tomato. Worth a pop in if you're in the mood for something other than the donuts of Portland! read more

Norimoto Bakery - Gooey Cinnamon Bun - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

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The food is outstanding. Wait staff very knowledgeable, and kindly had time to answer questions. Vegan and GF selections on the day I went. Long line out the door, moved fast, but if you're looking for a specific item, go early. Yes, a James Beard winner in 2024. And visit Rwanda coffee next door, people, they make some great coffee! And care about the coffee growers. read more

Awesome awesome bakery!! We stopped by on our way up to Acadia after hearing about their James Beard award. We went on a Wednesday morning around 10am, and there was no line, but several of their items had already sold out. Still a great selection though. We got the cinnamon bun which was fantastic. Not super sweet, moist but still dense, and overall a great chew. We also got a cornmeal cookie, which was my personal favorite. Nice grittiness from the cornmeal provided some texture, and the cookie was overall the perfect crumbliness. The only slight letdown was the fruit custard tart. It fell apart in our hands as we were eating, and made for quite the mess. Still yummy in its individual parts though! Would highly recommend! If I'm ever back in Maine, will definitely go out of my way to come here. read more

They offer takeout of delicious delights from this small, unprepossessing space. We haven't tried the savory offerings yet, but the sweets are to die for! Some of the ingredients (all listed under the item in the display case) are unexpected, but an employee is happy to explain. read more

This is a fun little bakery! Despite being small they had so many options of pastries. I got a blueberry danish, pulled pork pop tart, key lime pie and a jalapeño sausage roll. We also got a vegetable rice ball, which was really fun. The danish was my favorite item! It was super good. My boyfriend thought the sausage roll could have had more sausage (was just a sausage wrapped in pastry). The pulled pork pop tart was pretty good and similar with the key lime pie. The staff were beyond friendly and nice. I will definitely be stopping by this bakery every time I am in Portland! read more

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I've had this on my list for awhile to check out since a local business owner had recommended it my first week in Portland. Cute little place that was only a few minutes away that I could easily walk to. They have a walk up window where you can quickly order and receive your treats right away. The lady that helped me was super nice and asked me how my day was going while I was deciding what to get. As soon as I got home I took a bite into each item and was like yes everything is good. The egg sandwich was still warm since it was wrapped in foil but also tasted like just enough breakfast for me. Later I tried the cranberry walnut cake and it was so soft and had the best texture. The last item had a nice crunch and pecan sweet flavor that wasn't too sweet that made it the perfect bite. I'm definitely going to run by tomorrow to pick up a few treats for my friends to try on my way out of Portland. read more

Norimoto Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

Small but dynamite. It may be small but your takeout package will be large. Difficult to decide what to buy.

The pastries are imaginative and delicious. Very easy to miss you the storefront. But it's worth finding it.

Some serious creative buttery baking going on. We can't wait to return to Portland for some more. read more

Everything here is creative and delicious!! We are so lucky to have Norimoto in Maine!!

Visited the new spot recently when I saw a brandade tart was on the menu. It was to die for! I highly recommend picking up an assortment of goodies so you can try sweet and savory. It's such a treat and you won't find offerings like Norimoto's anywhere else. read more

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Norimoto is an absolute gem!!! The owner recently opened into the Deering Center space after operating out of Two Fat Cats in SoPo. They offer pre-orders for pickup on Saturday mornings, and they are starting to open for retail for a few weekend hours as well. Check the Instagram or website for the latest information! Now for the pastries - Atsuko is SO talented... I can't even believe the flavors she is able to put forth through the baked goods. The menu regularly changes, but there is often a gooey butter cinnamon roll which is EPIC. Any of the tarts are amazing, I've never had such delicious pastry crust. It's light and tender but crisp. The kouign amann was perfection! Honestly you can't go wrong with anything you pickup here. I highly recommend this spot!! read more

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This quiet and hidden jewel off the beaten path serves up the best pastries- sweet and savory- that i can imagine. How does Portland get away with so many exemplary bakeries?Norimoto's just won a well deserved Beard Award. We arrived around 10AM today and no line to speak of and most selections still in stock. The Gooey Butter Cinnamon Roll will cure you of any Cinnabun urges you will ever have. OMG. The Kouign Amann was dense but delicious. This is sometimes considered the "fattiest pastry" but here it is a flavor bomb and almost too pretty to eat! The almond tart and Danish were taken home where they sit tempting us until our resolve fails in a few hours. As usual, the service was kind, sweet, and eager to answer questions. The ambience of the neighborhood beckons one to walk around. Again, congrats Portland- you have Norimoto, Zu, Belleville, Standard Baking, 2 Fat Cats, etc. as some of the finest bakeries in the country. read more

Growing up in Japan and having European pastries with a Japanese twist, I thought it was impossible to find a good bakery in the U.S. - until I found Norimoto Bakery, the best bakery in town. Atsuko, the owner, entertains our tastebuds in many deliciously creative ways; her friendly and helpful staff make us feel welcome. Every Norimoto item I have tried is way beyond my expectation. Off the top of my head, their Chocolate Croissant, Cinnamon Roll, Danish, Savory Pie, and Chocolate Sake Cake are superb. Some of My "Buy Two Get No Regret" items are: 1. Millionaire's Shortbread: - Crispy and buttery shortbread, gooey miso caramel and shiny chocolate- Norimoto's three-musket layers are ultimate; well-balanced with sweetness, a hint of saltness, and a humble umami of miso in caramel. 2. Morning Sandwich(Focaccia or Brioche bun with egg, cheese, and Spicy Takana pickle): I can happily have it two or more a day. Takana Pickle(not too spicy) is an excellent kick. It's selling like hotcakes, so you are lucky if you can get one. 3. Kouign Amann: This buttery, sugary heavenly caramelized treat is what we deserve every day. Crunchy pecan/cashew adds a nice texture to it. You can also take a bite of Japan at Norimoto Bakery with: 1. Shokupan: This sweet and fluffy milk bread is a Japanese staple breakfast bread and your soon-to-be staple breakfast. Slice, toast, spread(butter/jam), and enjoy! 2. Melon pan: Sweet bread covered in a crunchy cookie crust and dust of matcha powder. Sweet bean filling is a yummy surprise! 3. Onigiri Rice Ball: One of the Japanese Comfort Foods. It tastes much better if someone makes it for you. Filling(Ume Plum, Takana Pickle, or Salmon) changes. Last but not least, their gift card is a great gift for someone with a sweet tooth, a savory tooth, or a GF tooth. Buy it, give it, send them to Norimoto, and you are golden! Anyways, tasting is convincing. If you are in Portland, then Norimoto Bakery is a Definitely Must Try! read more

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I've been looking to come in for a while but they're always sold out! A few weeks ago, I tried going, but they had closed for the day. A women (possibly the owner) came out and offered to give me butter rolls. I found the gesture to be very kind and they left me wanting to come back in for more!! They have lots of options to choose from (savory and sweet) and the employees are really nice. The pastries I got were delicious and perfectly balanced. They are currently taking orders from a window and you can see all the options on a display through a window, next to where you place your order. The only small thing I'd change about my experience is possibly putting a chalk board outside, so that customers can clearly see the options for the day. It was a bit hard for me to see through the window with the sun reflecting. Overall: great pastries, great people, I will be coming back!! read more

Norimoto Bakery - a person holding a pastry - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

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