#Japan #Tokyo #Food Festival #Otoriyose Net #Kikonai Town

Culinary Connections: Kikonai Town and Otoriyose Net Team Up

On July 10, 2026, a unique culinary event took place at the Gaiemmae Island Studio in Tokyo, organized collaboratively by Kikonai Town and Otoriyose Net, Japan's largest review site for delivered gourmet foods. This gathering aimed to delve into the significance of Hometown Tax, commonly known as 'furusato nozei,' while highlighting the rich culinary heritage of the Kikonai region in Hokkaido.

With a striking 97% of attendees expressing a willingness to contribute to Hometown Tax after the event, the initiative marks a significant step in promoting local foods and engaging a new audience.

The Event Overview

The event kicked off with a presentation by Masaki Moriyama, a chief of Kikonai Town's Town Development Future Division, who shared the town's appeal and the stories behind its local produce. Following this introduction, Risaki Aizawa, the CEO of Otoriyose Net, held a talk session titled "Unlocking the Future of Town through Food.” This discussion emphasized how food can drive community engagement and innovation.

The ambiance was enhanced with performances, including a theme song from Kikonai's official mascot, Kiko, that lifted the spirits of all participants.

A Taste of Kikonai

One of the highlights of the event was the tasting session, where attendees experienced a curated selection of eight dishes prepared with local ingredients, each embodying the dedication of Kikonai’s producers. The menu included:

• - Fukkurinko (a premium brand of rice from Hokkaido)
• - Deer Meat Sausage, Deer Tongue, and Deer Inner Thigh (known for being low-calorie, high-protein, and lean)
• - Seasoned Genghis Khan (the town’s proud traditional dish)
• - Hakodate Wagyu (a rare and celebrated breed of beef)
• - Potatoes & Mini Tomatoes (grown in the fertile northern soil)

As attendees savored each dish, stories from producers about their commitment to quality and tradition created a deeper connection between the food and its origins.

Success and Community Engagement

Feedback from the attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with a 100% satisfaction rating, indicating a successful engagement strategy for creating a 'relationship population' with Kikonai Town. Approximately 70% of participants expressed a desire to visit the town following the event. In a span of just three days post-event, Kikonai Town recorded ten entries for Hometown Tax contributions, amounting to a total of ¥126,500.

Participants shared their thoughts in a survey, praising the wide variety of culinary offerings that Kikonai had to offer, which extended beyond the previously held notions of Hakodate Wagyu and seaweed. Comments highlighted how the event broadened their appreciation of local flavors, including the beloved Genghis Khan and Kikonai's rice.

Essential Takeaways

Forest Hills said, "The passion from the organizers was evident, and I'm now excited to support Kikonai Town. The robust flavors of the meat and vegetables were a revelation that I cannot wait to experience again."

Masaki Moriyama expressed gratitude for the attendance, stating, "We were delighted to share not just the deliciousness of Kikonai's food but also the heartfelt stories of the producers behind it. Many participants expressed their interest in visiting and supporting Kikonai, which reaffirms the unifying power of food as a conduit between people and places."

The Kikonai Town x Otoriyose Net event successfully illustrated the inherent value of local foods in fostering community spirit and engagement, proving that culinary experiences can bridge the gap between localities and urban dwellers, enriching both.

Event Details

• - Event Name: Kikonai Town x Otoriyose Net Culinary Experience Event
• - Date: July 10, 2026
• - Time: 19:00 - 21:00
• - Location: Gaiemmae Island Studio, Tokyo
• - Participants: 50
• - Cost: Free
• - Organizers: Kikonai Town Development Future Division x Island Co., Ltd. (Otoriyose Net)

For further information, visit Otoriyose Net's website at otoriyose.net.