Collaboration Between Asahi University and Five Group Creates Innovative Menu at Gabu Drinking Place Kichijoji!

Collaboration of Ideas: Five Group and Asahi University

In an exciting partnership between Five Group and Asahi University, a unique dining experience is set to launch at the Gabu Drinking Place Kichijoji. Beginning September 15, 2025, this initiative emerges from the collaboration of students from the university's Department of Hospitality Management and the innovative team at Five Group. This project is designed to connect students, community members, and restaurants through fun and engaging dining experiences.

This collaboration is more than just a marketing strategy; it's a project that revitalizes the connection between students and their local community while showcasing the allure of the food industry. The goal is to share the enthusiasm and creativity of young minds with the public, allowing them to contribute real ideas that can transform restaurant menus.

Background of the Collaboration: A Triad of Community, University, and Dining

The project began when the students from Asahi University came into contact with the Five Group in 2023 through Professor Jun Yokokawa. Their collaboration started with initiatives for children's cafeterias, paving the way for future projects. The partnership deepened further when a few staff members conducted special lectures at the university, focusing on practical marketing lessons they learned from the field.

In this collaboration, the third-year students at Yokokawa's seminar will engage in what can only be described as an immersive learning experience, creating menus that embody the spirit of Gabu Drinking Place. By focusing on “learning from the field,” these students will design dishes that not only taste great but also tell a story linked to their youthful energy and creativity.

As the students presented their ideas, the team at Five Group, including the brand director, restaurant manager, and head chef, organized cooking trials to transform these creative concepts into delightful dishes. Their collective efforts culminated in a menu that reflects the essence of fun, impact, and engagement that defines Gabu Drinking Place.

A Flavorful Collaboration: Seven Unique Dishes!

The collaboration menu features a total of seven exciting items, with each name and concept crafted by the students themselves. These dishes not only promise to please the taste buds but also appeal visually, demonstrating a delightful fusion of creativity and innovation:

1. Fruit Punch Sour ($4.90) - A refreshing drink that captures the essence of summer, balancing nostalgic flavors with playful creativity.
2. Gori Nachos ($7.80) - Recreating a hit snack from high school days, this dish aims to fulfill adults' nostalgic cravings with a fun twist.
3. Gorilla Muscle Training Potatoes ($3.90) - A unique combination that merges potatoes with protein, promising an energetic lift with each bite.
4. Sake Thief Hormone Black ($6.90) - An intriguing dish that features black hormone with yuzu pepper, ensuring an unforgettable taste experience.
5. Gorilla's Punishment Juice ($3.00) - An inventive non-alcoholic shot that brings in healthy vegetables, challenging diners to see who can take on the “Gorilla's punch” tonight!
6. Ohh French Toast ($4.90) - A chilled version of French toast that perfectly complements the meal, adding a sweet finish that might just melt hearts!

About Gabu Drinking Place Kichijoji

- Location: 1-8-2 Kitashinjuku, 4F Hokushin Kichijoji Building, Musashino City, Tokyo, 180-0004
- Business Hours: 5 PM to 5 AM
- Official Website: Gabu Drinking Place Website

However, please note that as this is a smoking establishment, entry is restricted to those 20 and over.

About Professor Jun Yokokawa and His Seminar

Professor Jun Yokokawa, a notable figure in the food service industry and the Vice President of the Japan Food Service Association, leads this practical seminar at Asahi University. It aims to hone students’ practical skills in hospitality through collaborations with real restaurants. Professor Yokokawa is renowned for his expertise in marketing and has previously co-founded major dining establishments. He continues to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application with his research.

For more insights, you can follow the seminar's journey on Instagram.