Retired wrestler Saori Yoshida Transitioning to McDonald's CEO⁉
Starting January 4th, McDonald's Japan is running a limited-time "Double Cheese vs. Teriyaki No. 1 Showdown" campaign.
It invites customers to compare the Cheese Cheese Double Cheese Burger (Chee Chee Dubu-chi) with extra cheese and the Cheese Cheese Teriyaki Mac Burger (Chee Chee Teriyaki).
Starting January 16th, the second round of the showdown began: "Hee Hee Dubchi" vs. "Hee Hee Teriyaki," featuring a spicy sauce.
For the campaign's TV commercial, women's wrestling legend Saori Yoshida, who recently announced her retirement, appears as the "Teriyaki Army Commander." Consequently, on the 18th, Ms. Yoshida served as CEO for a day, and an "Inauguration Event" was held at the Nakano Central Park store in Tokyo.
Also on the 18th, the greeting section (McDonald's message) on the company's official website was replaced with a Yoshida version. ( http://www.mcdonalds.co.jp/company/message/ )
Appearing in a purple jacket befitting her role as commander, Yoshida emphasized the showdown: "This is a battle I absolutely cannot lose. The Teriyaki is a perfect match of sweetness and spice. I highly recommend it to everyone."
Yoshida's appointment as CEO came about after he personally petitioned President Casanova, expressing his desire to "go all out" with the "Double Chicken vs. Teriyaki No. 1 Showdown," much like in wrestling. Footage of that petition was shown at the venue.
At the inauguration ceremony, Marketing Division Director Mami Sakashita read President Casanova's message: "As our one-day CEO, please energize McDonald's." She presented Mr. Yoshida with a logo badge and sash. Director Sakashita added, "Mr. Yoshida's wrestling career has inspired us deeply. Today, we hope he'll motivate our crew with the same fighting spirit as in a match and share wonderful moments with our customers."
Yoshida responded, "I want McDonald's, which I love so much, to be loved even more by everyone." He energetically interacted with store crew members at the counter, recommended "Teriyaki" burgers to customers, and posed for photos.
His activities at the store were livestreamed on the company's official Twitter account.
Later, Ms. Yoshida visited the headquarters in Shinjuku Ward. She toured the offices, signing payment documents, participating in meetings to offer advice, and even surprising trainees with a surprise greeting. She truly "did it all" as CEO for the day.
Campaign site:
http://www.mcdonalds.co.jp/campaign/dabuchi_vs_teriyaki/
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