Mizkan is seeking "Challenge Pon" entries to commemorate the 55th anniversary of "Aji Pon." Muro Tsuyoshi serves as the judging committee chair (video available).
Mizkan launched the " Let's Challenge Pon! Campaign " on October 25 to commemorate the 55th anniversary of "Aji Pon"'s release. Ahead of the anniversary on the 10th, a campaign announcement event was held in Tokyo on November 6.
The campaign invites participants to share new ways to enjoy hot pot by combining Aji Pon with their favorite ingredients via Twitter under the hashtag #ChallengePon.
At the start, Vice President Seiji Okada expressed gratitude, stating, "What we've cherished is family bonds. Born in 1964, the year of the Tokyo Olympics, Aji-Pon has been loved by everyone while passing on the baton of deliciousness, reaching its 55th anniversary." He called for participation, adding, "We're excited to see what combinations emerge. Please join us in celebrating this anniversary."
Attending the press conference were actor Muro Tsuyoshi, who appeared in Aji-Pon TV commercials and was appointed "Challenge Pon Chief Judge," along with comedians Takumi Ishida and Manabu Takeuchi from the duo Kaminari. When asked by the host about a scene involving Aji-Pon, Takeuchi, whose family runs a fish shop, shared his family's dining experience: "I fillet fish with my father and eat it with Aji-Pon." Muro, who loves hot pots, revealed his recommended "Challenge Pon" recipe: "Lately, I've been making half pork shabu-shabu with Aji-Pon and half with sesame sauce, adding spicy nozawana pickles."
On stage, Muro prepared three types of "Challenge Pon" for tasting. While opinions emerged like "For 'Negitama Pon,' don't crush the egg too much" and "For 'Tantan Pon,' you could add garlic midway to change the flavor," the two members of Kaminari energized the venue by expressing the deliciousness of "Challenge Pon" through rap and dance.
Closing remarks came from head judge Muro: "Show your personality and take on challenges that are bold in a good way. I hope you'll discover the reason for its long-lasting popularity while enjoying its delicious taste."
■Let's Challenge Pon! Campaign
Official website here
Was this article helpful?
Share this article
