#Japan #Crowdfunding #Hokkaido #Daiki #Pizza Slave

The Bold Challenge of 'Pizza Slave'

In an ambitious project, the newly launched "Pizza Slave" aims to sell 5,000 pizzas in just 100 days. Originating from Hokkaido's Daiki town, this venture is a brainchild of the local entertainment bakery, "Komugino," which has rapidly gained fame thanks to its signature snack, the "Zakku Zakku Curry Bread."

Background of 'Pizza Slave'

Founded in 2020, "Komugino" has successfully transformed a small town population of around 5,100 into a nationwide sensation with their popular "Zakku Zakku Curry Bread," which has sold over 6 million units, generating approximately 1.8 billion yen in revenue. With the aim to create a new local specialty, the company has decided to introduce "Pizza Slave" as a limited-time offer at their Daiki store.

The idea sparked from Takafumi Horie, the company’s strategic advisor, who suggested experimenting with a lighter pizza using pastry dough instead of traditional pizza bases.

Unique Offerings

"Pizza Slave" will serve up freshly baked individual-sized pizzas (approximately 13cm), made with a flaky, two-step baked pastry crust topped with high-quality ingredients. The menu includes:

• - NY Margherita: A blend of oregano and garlic-infused tomato sauce with mozzarella and basil.
• - BBQ Pulled Pork: Heavily topped with flavorful pulled pork.
• - Handa Farm Quattro: Dish featuring cheese from Handa Farm in Daiki town.
• - Tokachi Mushroom Cream: A unique combination of Tokachi mushrooms and cheese.

These pizzas are designed to be convenient for various occasions—whether a light lunch, a snack at work, or a late-night treat. They can easily be reheated and enjoyed, preserving the crispiness unique to their pastry crust.

Setting the Goal

The operational period for "Pizza Slave" is set between May 1 to August 8, 2026. With an ambitious target of 5,000 sales within these 100 days, the brand is determined to reinforce its place as a new cultural symbol of Daiki town. If the target is not reached, the endeavor will cease, demonstrating the company's commitment to making this new venture a success.

However, achieving this target is proving challenging. Following a promising start during the Golden Week with 725 pizzas sold, sales have dropped significantly. The average sales in June were about 20 pizzas per day, falling short of the required 50 per day to meet their goal.

Crowdfunding for Support

In light of the sales challenges, "Pizza Slave" will launch a crowdfunding campaign on CAMPFIRE starting July 1, 2026. Unlike typical crowdfunding efforts focused solely on raising capital, this initiative aims to engage the community in a collective goal of achieving 5,000 pizza sales.

Supporters will be offered various incentives, such as:

• - Tokachi Children's Meal Ticket: Each supporter can donate tickets that provide pizzas for children at local "Kodomo Shokudo" (children’s meal facilities).
• - Catering Pizza Party Voucher: Founder Genki Hashimoto will deliver pizzas to workplaces or gatherings for catered events, heating them fresh on-site.
• - Corporate Plan: An exclusive package for businesses featuring a large order of pizzas prepared for company events, showcasing local cuisine.

These initiatives aim to expand the sense of community and support not just for the venture but also for the local youth and businesses.

Vision for the Future

Hashimoto expresses that "Pizza Slave" is not merely about selling pizzas; it is about developing a new brand that can grow from the grounds of Daiki town. While acknowledging the challenges ahead, he is determined to keep pursuing this dream, inviting everyone to participate in the journey to achieve the goal of 5,000 pizzas sold. The collective effort will culminate in a celebration on August 8, when they hope to meet—if not exceed—their target.

This effort embodies the spirit of cooperation and resilience, illustrating how food can connect people in both local and broader contexts.

For more information and updates, you can follow them on Instagram.