Aloha in Japan: FamilyMart's Hawaiian Celebration
Recently, FamilyMart hosted the "Umai Aloha Championship" during a bustling Hawaiian event in Yokohama, attracting approximately 130,000 attendees. As part of the celebration, the championship invited fans of Hawaiian culture to determine which FamilyMart products best embodied the spirit of Hawaii. The big winner? The delicious "SPAM® Musubi Tamagoyaki," which received the highest number of votes, solidifying its place as the "most Hawaiian" item.
The event was part of FamilyMart's ongoing campaign titled "Umai Aloha♪ Enjoy Hawaii's Flavors at FamilyMart," which showcases a range of 12 different Hawaiian-inspired meals, including SPAM® rice balls, loco moco, and malasadas. This campaign aligns with FamilyMart's goals of improving customer satisfaction and adding more delightful options to their menu.
Champion Product: SPAM® Musubi Tamagoyaki
During the "Umai Aloha Championship," three delicious offerings were put to the test: the malasada filled with macadamia chocolate cream, the winning SPAM® Musubi Tamagoyaki, and the Kona's Coffee’s gravy sauce beef hamburger loco moco. 199 Hawaiian enthusiasts participated in the tasting and voting event. The favorite, SPAM® Musubi Tamagoyaki, was praised for capturing the essence of Hawaiian cuisine, with voters calling it a "Hawaiian soul food" and highlighting the perfect combination of flavors between the SPAM® and egg.
The voting results reveal a strong passion for Hawaiian culture among the attendees. Many participants expressed their love for SPAM® Musubi, noting its significance as a classic Hawaiian dish. The feedback emphasized how flavors from Hawaii resonate deeply with those who appreciate its cuisine and lifestyle.
Understanding the Aloha Spirit in Different Times
A recent survey conducted among 210 participants of the event uncovered insightful trends in Hawaiian interest and travel. About 90% of respondents identified as Hawaii enthusiasts, with a majority of them (over 70%) admitting they have not traveled there in the past year due to issues like rising costs. However, this did not hinder their enthusiasm—many have found innovative ways to enjoy “Hawaii vibes” from Japan.
Popular methods include indulging in Hawaiian dishes or desserts, listening to Hawaiian music, or even wearing Hawaiian shirts. This shows a strong desire for people to feel connected to Hawaii, even when physically distant. Interestingly, those specific to enjoy these little “Hawaiian” moments seem to also be quite creative, as some even dance hula or wear aloha shirts actively.
There was also considerable enthusiasm for local events or fairs themed around Hawaii, with many participants expressing a keen interest in trying out such experiences if they were offered nearby.
Special Campaign to Elevate Hawaiian Experience
Adding to the fun, FamilyMart announced an exciting campaign offering a one-of-a-kind "FamilyMart Fried Chicken Ukulele" to a lucky winner. Designed to reflect the tropical Hawaiian essence, it’s a unique collaboration piece that fans can only find here. To enter, participants need to follow FamilyMart's official X account and reply to a designated post with a specific hashtag.
With a campaign running from July 29 to August 4, the excitement is building up for fans of Hawaiian culture.
Delicious Hawaiian Offerings at FamilyMart
Product Highlights
- - Malasada (Macadamia Chocolate Whip): A fluffy donut filled with macadamia chocolate cream, topped with cocoa sugar (price: 147 yen).
- - SPAM® Musubi Tanagoyaki: A delightful combination of SPAM® topped with a fluffy egg omelet, bringing a taste reminiscent of Hawaii (price: 313 yen).
- - Kona's Coffee's Gravy Sauce with Beef Hamburger Loco Moco: A flavorful locale-style dish that embodies the spirit of Hawaii (price: 647 yen).
These incredible options await in stores across Japan (excluding Okinawa), and although some might be a bit pricier due to current economic factors, they assure a taste of Hawaii.
As families attempt to stay connected despite the distance, FamilyMart remains committed to providing a blend of convenience and delightful experiences. With a sprinkle of Aloha in every bite, chopsticks beckon for a taste to savor every tome!