A first for a local government! Kagoshima Prefecture collaborates with AKB48 Cafe, with Yukirin also promoting its appeal.

Kagoshima Prefecture recently launched its "Kagoshima Collaboration Menu" at the AKB Cafe & Shop in Tokyo's Akihabara district. To commemorate this, a press conference was held at the cafe on January 14th, featuring guest Yuki Kashiwagi (known as "Yukirin") of AKB48, who supervised the menu. Kagoshima Prefecture has appointed Kashiwagi, a native of the prefecture, as its "Satsuma Ambassador." Under the keyword "The Real Kagoshima," they are currently conducting various activities to promote the prefecture's diverse charms. This event was planned to communicate those charms, focusing on "food."

Ms. Kashiwagi, who supervised the collaboration menu

 

Keiichiro Nishi, Deputy Director of Kagoshima Prefecture's Tourism and Exchange Bureau, stated, "This collaboration between the AKB48 Cafe and a local government is a first-time initiative. We hope young people will experience Kagoshima's appeal and visit our prefecture." Ms. Kashiwagi also unveiled four new menu items: the "Kagoshima Teriyaki Yukiyuki Don," "Kagoshima Yukirindakuma Sandwich," "Anno Sweet Potato Yukirindakuma Roll," and "White Yukirindakuma Jelly." Each uses Kagoshima's famous local products as ingredients. Their names combine the Kagoshima dessert "Shirakuma" with the motif of the "Yukirindaruma" illustration drawn by Ms. Kashiwagi.

 

When asked, "Which AKB48 member would you like to try these?" Kashiwagi smiled and replied, "My fellow member Mayuyu (Mayu Watanabe) loves meat and rice, so I'd definitely want her to try the Teriyaki Yukidon."

The menu will be available for a limited time from January 15th to February 13th. Customers who order will receive an original coaster as a bonus. Twelve different coasters are available, featuring photos of Kashiwagi taken during her shoot in Kagoshima Prefecture and fun facts about Kagoshima. Kashiwagi encouraged fans, saying, "I really hope you'll collect them all."