#Japan #Tokyo #Reika Horikoshi #Chocolate Planet #HTT

HTT Kickoff Event Highlights

On July 22nd, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government hosted the "2026 HTT Kickoff Event" at the Tokyo City Hall, featuring none other than the beloved HTT siblings, Reika Horikoshi and the comical duo from Chocolate Planet. This year’s event was not only a gathering of stars but also aimed to promote the HTT initiative—focused on reducing power consumption, generating energy, and storing it—to help Tokyo work towards a decarbonized society.

Unveiling the New CM

The event kicked off with the debut of the new commercial titled "Summer HTT Siblings: Various Things We Can Do!" Reika and the TT brothers showcased their matching outfits from the ad, expressing their excitement about the final cut. Horikoshi commented, "I was surprised at the variety of HTT actions we could take!" Moreover, the ever-eager Tokyo Governor Koike joined them on stage to reveal the theme of the campaign, the "HTT Action Karuta," which comprises 46 unique cards.

Engaging in Karuta Battles

During the event, attendees engaged in an exciting Karuta competition using the newly unveiled cards. Governor Koike took on the role of the reader, while the HTT siblings eagerly reached for the cards as they were called out. The friendly yet heated matches culminated in a showdown where Matsuo from Chocolate Planet won a card featuring solar panel actions. The moment was made even more thrilling when Koike presented a shiny "subsidy card," which brought cheers from the audience. Matsuo eagerly exclaimed, "I’ll use it!" which cleverly re-enacted a memorable scene from the commercial, generating great excitement.

Memorable Moments from the Shoot

Reflecting on her experience, Reika Horikoshi shed light on what stood out for her during the filming of the commercial. "I found the expressions of Nagata-san after we took a card to be hilarious!" she laughed. Chocolate Planet's Nagata mentioned, "It felt like we were just playing Karuta, and somehow it made it into the commercial!" The camaraderie among the trio was apparent, as Matsuo added that they wrapped up filming ahead of schedule, showcasing their seamless teamwork while filming.

Fascinating Karuta Cards Revealed

As the big reveal continued, the curtain unveiled all 46 types of the HTT Action Karuta, each illustrating specific actions to reduce, create, and store energy. The siblings were visibly excited, exclaiming, "Wow!" Governor Koike encouraged everyone to experience the fun of HTT action through the colorful and creative cards designed by the city for easy understanding and engagement, especially among children.

Energizing and Entertaining Karuta Showdown

The competition heated up as HTT siblings geared up for their showdown, bringing plenty of laughter and clever banter to the stage. Horikoshi cheerfully declared, "I’ll do my best!" while Nagata humorously remarked, "I want to win!" Following the lively exchanges, the first round saw Nagata claiming a hand with a card that read about the benefits of double-glazing windows for temperature control and energy savings—drawing insightful comments from Governor Koike on its relevance in today’s climate.

In the subsequent rounds, Horikoshi won a round with a card about organizing the refrigerator and freezer, and Matsuo's final win came from a card about solar panels, causing a delightful reaction when Coach Koike revealed the buzzing "subsidy card" once again, leading to high spirits among the competitors.

Thriving with HTT Actions

The HTT Action Karuta campaign aims to encourage sustainable practices at home by providing fun, interactive ways for families to get involved. Using the familiar rhythm of a traditional Japanese format, the cards convey actionable insights suitable for everyday life. This year’s initiative underscores Tokyo's commitment to creating a more sustainable future, and audiences are encouraged to join in these delightful activities with family and friends.

Conclusion

Events like the HTT Kickoff highlight how collaboration in entertainment can promote serious causes like sustainability in an engaging manner. As the HTT campaign continues to innovate, citizens of Tokyo are invited to join in the movement toward impactful changes in our daily energy consumption habits, harnessing the creativity brought forth by beloved figures like Reika Horikoshi and Chocolate Planet.