"Delicious Fukushima, Here We Are." Spring Vegetable PR Event Held

Fukushima Prefecture, JA Group Fukushima, and Aeon Retail held the "Delicious Fukushima, Here We Are! Fukushi-Mankai Fair" at Aeon Shinagawa Seaside Store in Tokyo from May 23rd to 25th, showcasing the delicious seasonal vegetables and fresh fish of Fukushima Prefecture. To commemorate this, a "Delicious Fukushima, Here We Are! Spring Vegetable Top Sales Event" featuring top executives from the Prefecture, JA, and Aeon Retail was held at the same store on May 25th.

From left: Chairman Shojo, President Umemoto, Governor Sato, Mr. Shiraha

At the event, Fukushima Governor Yuhei Sato, JA Group Fukushima Chairman Tokuichi Shojo, and Aeon Retail President Kazunori Umemoto took the stage. Governor Sato stated, "Three years and two months have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake. Fukushima Prefecture suffered the disasters of the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear power plant accident, but thanks to everyone's heartwarming support, we are gradually regaining our vitality. However, unfounded rumors about our agricultural products have not been dispelled. Restoring vitality to agriculture, forestry, and fisheries—the backbone industries of our prefecture—is key to reconstruction," emphasizing the implementation of full-volume, full-bag rice inspections. Chairman Shojo expressed gratitude for both material and moral support, commenting, "We believe the earliest possible recovery is our way to repay this kindness." President Umemoto introduced Aeon's initiatives to revitalize Fukushima's future, such as volunteer debris removal in Minamisoma City and children's folk song concerts. He also encouraged attendees to sample spring vegetables produced in the prefecture.

Next, actress Yuri Shiraha, former top actress of the Takarazuka Revue's Star Troupe and Snow Troupe and now serving as the "Warm Fukushima Tourism Ambassador," appeared. She held a talk session with Governor Sato and others about the deliciousness and appeal of spring vegetables produced in the prefecture. Governor Sato appealed, "Fukushima has extreme temperature differences, which concentrates the umami flavor and makes the crops delicious." Chairman Shojo "Delicious vegetables are produced from the fertile soil. I hope you will try comparing the green, white, and purple asparagus." Ms. Shiraha advised, "For beauty and health care, I recommend eating Fukushima Prefecture fruit in the morning." She also introduced the prefecture's sake and called out, "I hope you will visit Fukushima Prefecture to tour sake breweries and experience the warmth of the local people."

Kibitan, the prefecture's reconstruction symbol character, and the Spares Hawaiian's hula girls, who serve as Fukushima Agricultural PR Supporterz, Inc., also rushed to the venue and livened up the event with dancing and talk.

Hula Girls also rushed to support and took commemorative photos

After the event, Governor Sato, Chairman Shojo, President Umemoto, and Ms. Shiraha personally handed out Fukushima-grown "Fukushima Rice 'Ten no Tsubu'," broccoli, and snow peas to attendees.

Governor Sato handing spring vegetables to attendees