Bongo's Unique Selling Event: Bringing Traditional Japanese Rice Balls Home

Celebrating Bongo's Rice Balls: Home Cooking with a Twist

The renowned "Onigiri Bongo" is gearing up for its first official product launch of rice ball fillings, aptly named "Ouchide Bongo". Starting on April 24, 2025, food lovers can enjoy the authentic flavors of this beloved establishment without waiting in line, thanks to a special sales event at JR Omiya Station in Tokyo.

An Exciting Sales Event

The event will continue until May 6, 2025, with a standout appearance by the impressive proprietor, Yumiko Ukon, who will be present on April 26 for one day only. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to meet Ukon and take commemorative photos with her, although there may be a distribution of tickets depending on the crowd's size. Please note that this event will not feature actual rice balls for sale, focusing instead on the delicious fillings.

Bongo's Unique Offerings

The lineup includes seven delectable filling options priced at ¥864 each (tax included). Attendees can choose from:

- Egg Yolk Sauce
- Salmon
- Meat Soboro
- Tuna Mayonnaise
- Fried Chicken Mayo
- Stamina Grilled Beef
- Curry

To complement these fillings, rice ball-making essentials like roasted nori and special seasoning from Bongo will also be available. This initiative aims to spread the joy of making delicious rice balls at home, fulfilling Ukon's dream of sharing delightful culinary experiences across Japan.

Experience the Flavor Without the Wait

The original location in Otsuka, Tokyo, is famous for its long queues, often requiring patrons to wait 2-3 hours. With "Ouchide Bongo", customers can relish the same quality taste effortlessly at home, eliminating the need for long waits.

The Vision of Yumiko Ukon

Ukon, who has dedicated her life to perfecting the art of rice ball making, expresses her excitement for the event and hopes to reach those who may not have the chance to visit the original restaurant. "I am looking forward to meeting everyone at the event! It's a dream come true to offer Ouchide Bongo to everyone," she shares.

Cooking Classes and More

In addition to the product launch, Ukon regularly conducts cooking classes at HAPPYCOOKING, a subsidiary of the producer-direct sales Noren Association. The school, located in Jimbocho, Tokyo, allows participants to learn from talented chefs without initial membership fees and encourages culinary exploration among beginners to seasoned cooks alike.

Conclusion

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to engage with a beloved culinary icon and bring a piece of Bongo's charm directly to your home. For those eager to learn more about the products or the upcoming event, check out Bongo's official Instagram and stay tuned for the latest updates.

Event Details

- Location: JR Omiya Station West Exit Event Space
- Date: April 24 - May 6, 2025
- Special Appearance by Yumiko Ukon: April 26, 2025, from approximately 1 PM to 2 PM
- Operating Hours: 10 AM to 9 PM (except for opening day on April 24, when it’s expected to start at 3 PM, and closing day on May 6 until 5 PM)