INFORMATION
Introducing a new hero to Hiroshima's food scene! We held the OK!! Hiroshima (Oishii-ke, Hiroshima) "Oshi-Shoku" Grand Prix!
As part of the "A Taste of HIROSHIMA" project, we recruited local foods that are promoted in various regions of the prefecture, along with people who can talk about their appeal, and held the "Oshi-Shoku Grand Prix" to determine the winner through a vote by the residents of the prefecture.
[The Grand Prix winner will be decided from the five groups that advanced through the qualifying rounds.]
Out of the 31 entries, the five groups that advanced to the final round, based on over 60,000 votes from the prefectural residents and the judges' evaluation, are "Higashihiroshima Koi Chicken," "Geihoku Salmon," "Yasha Udon," "Hiroshima Pasta," and "Lemon Ponzu"!
In the final round, we once again solicited votes from everyone, and "Yasha Udon," which received the most votes, was crowned the grand prize winner! 🏆
[What makes the five teams that advanced to the final round so appealing with their favorite foods!?]
🌟Higashihiroshima Koi Chicken
Catalyst Gallus JAPAN Co., Ltd. "Towa's Love for Chickens" Jun Takenouchi Mr
[Features] Melts in your mouth with high-quality fatty acids and has just the right amount of chewiness. A rich, savory flavor that you'll crave.
Through promotion at local gourmet events such as the "Super Delicious! Higashihiroshima Rice Festival" and the "Hiroshima Heso Donburi Festival," the city has been working together to increase awareness of Higashihiroshima's new brand product.
It's becoming increasingly popular, with restaurants in Hiroshima Prefecture, the Tokyo metropolitan area, and Kyushu adding it to their menus, and it was even served as a dish for performers at TGC Hiroshima in 2025. We're currently receiving a lot of inquiries and are continuing to expand sales.
🌟 Geihoku Salmon
Catalyst Hirato Sangyo Co., Ltd. (Ogure Fish Farm) "Geihoku Salmon Revolution" Yoshihiro Katagiri
[Features] This salmon is produced locally and raised in the Geihoku region of Kitahiroshima Town, Hiroshima Prefecture, making the most of the region's natural resources while also addressing food waste reduction and environmental considerations.
Up until now, we have been promoting this throughout Kitahiroshima town through PR at events both inside and outside the town, such as the "Seasonal Rice Cooking Class" and the "Holy Trout Project."
These efforts have steadily increased its recognition and have given many people the opportunity to appreciate the taste of Geihoku salmon.
They're also promoting it in Tokyo, and it's growing to become known not only in Hiroshima but throughout Japan!
🌟Yasha Udon
Catalyst Kaguramonzen Hot Spring Village "Spicy Food Evangelist" Yasumasa Egusa
[Features] This original udon features a miso-based broth with added spiciness from chili powder and chili oil. The rich umami flavor that follows the initial stimulating spiciness is sure to become an addictive taste.
We strategically divide our PR methods into two main categories: ① steady, consistent activities and ② social media-based dissemination!
- Yasha Udon is being promoted throughout the prefecture, including a Kagura (traditional dance) event in a hot spring village, and posters promoting it are being displayed at restaurants, roadside stations, and tourist facilities throughout the prefecture!
- Posts on both the official Akitakata City and Toji Village social media accounts, along with fans who saw the posts, spread the word about Yasha Udon on social media and other platforms!
The strategy has been a success, and its popularity is soaring! It's giving many more people a chance to try it!!
After winning the Grand Prix, it was featured in many media outlets, including on national television!
🌟 Hiroshima Pasta
Catalyst: Shiori Suenaga, "Tomato Sister," Chugoku-Shikoku Branch, Kagome Co., Ltd.
[Features] Pasta made using Hiroshima's local specialty ingredients and tomatoes, finished in Hiroshima's image color, red.
They are actively working to promote Hiroshima Pasta, and have created many collaborative menu items with convenience stores, supermarkets, and school lunch programs!
More and more restaurants are joining in on the initiative and offering Hiroshima Pasta!
The event is generating excitement with activities such as the Hiroshima Pasta General Election, where people can vote for their favorite pasta restaurants, and articles being published in TJ Hiroshima.
🌟Lemon Ponzu
Catalyst Co., Ltd. MORKS "SNS Queen of Kure" Akiko Moritani
[Features] A versatile seasoning with a mild flavor thanks to the addition of dashi (Japanese soup stock) to the acidity of lemon.
We displayed posters promoting our recommended food at Kure City Hall, supermarkets throughout the prefecture, and over 100 restaurants in the city, working to increase awareness of lemon ponzu sauce and Kure City.
Catalyst, who possesses excellent communication and action skills, values connections and a sense of unity with the people of the town, and uses social media to promote the charms of lemon ponzu and Kure City together with fans.
The mayor of Kure also came to show his support, and as a result of the entire city working together to promote the city, Kure as a whole became lively.
Even after the "Favorite Food Grand Prix" ended, the popularity of lemon ponzu sauce continues, with special coupons at supermarkets and advertisements in newspaper flyers.
The five groups' "favorite foods" have been featured in various media outlets, and their popularity is on the rise.
At Kaguramonzen Hot Spring Village in Aki-Takata City, people line up on weekends to buy Yasha Udon noodles.
Besides these five, there are many other "favorite foods"!
I encourage you all to try out the local specialties! 😋
≪Overview of the Favorite Food Grand Prix≫
Qualifying Round
Application period: July 22nd to August 31st, Voting period: August 4th to September 15th
Number of entries: 31
・Total number of votes: 62,060 votes *1 vote/person/day
Final Round
The top 5 groups from the qualifying round will advance to the final round.
・Voting period: 11/1-11/30
Valid votes: 8,794 votes (1 vote per person during the period)
Delicious! Hiroshima's "Tabensai" presents a diverse selection of Hiroshima-style menus and products. Delicious Hiroshima! Please enjoy.
