#Japan #Utsunomiya #Sacre Lemon #Rikka Ihara #Futaba Foods

Celebrating 40 Years of Sacre Lemon with Rikka Ihara

On May 19, 2023, Futaba Foods, a company that has dedicated itself to providing quality and safe products since its founding in 1945, launched the first-ever TV commercial for their flagship product, Sacre Lemon. To commemorate this milestone, a promotional event featuring the popular idol Rikka Ihara was held on May 13.

Opening Remarks and New CM Reveal

The highlight of the event began with a speech by the company’s president, Sadao Saito, who expressed gratitude for the company's achievements. "This year marks significant milestones: the 40th anniversary of Sacre Lemon and our 80th founding anniversary. We owe our growth to the support and encouragement we have received from our customers and partners across the country. Thank you all!" Saito shared, emphasizing the connection between the brand and its community. Following this, a promotional video was shown, detailing exciting campaigns and the upcoming TV commercial, titled 'Sacre Lemon: A Surprising Announcement'.

Once the commercial aired, Rikka Ihara made a playful entrance from a giant Sacre Lemon. With her radiant smile, she quipped, "I love Sacre so much that I found myself inside it!" Eager to share behind-the-scenes stories, she expressed her delight in being part of the production, calling it a dream come true. Rikka further connected with the audience by sharing her own 'surprising fact': although not obsessive-compulsive, she hates wet floors and therefore walks on her toes when entering a bath, much to everyone’s amusement.

Rikka's Creative Culinary Challenge

During the event, Ihara participated in the 'Rikka-Style Sacre Recipe Challenge', where she prepared a refreshing drink known as Sacre Lemon Tea. Adorned with fresh lemon slices – a delightful detail also highlighted in the commercial – Rikka noted, "Having fresh lemon slices in tea feels like a luxury you’d typically find at a café!" She pledged to recreate the recipe at home, and the audience could sense her enthusiasm.

Rikka then took it a step further, concocting a salad dressing dubbed 'Sacre Lemon Dressing', passionate about capturing the essence of Sacre Lemon in every dish. Futaba Foods staff tasted her creation, and after trying it, the panel unanimously deemed it worthy of an official stamp of approval. Rikka rejoiced, eager to see it featured on the company's website and possibly included in their restaurant menus.

Sweet and Sour Memories

In a delightful segment focused on the 'sweet and sour' theme, Rikka shared a memorable yet cringe-worthy experience from her high school days as a dance team captain. She recounted a time she forgot her wig for a major performance, prompting her father to rush to the event to deliver it. Unfortunately, his loud announcement of, "I brought the wig!" embarrassed Rikka in front of the team, showcasing a relatable, human moment that brought laughter to the crowd.

Concluding the event, Rikka expressed her fond memories of enjoying Sacre after intense dance practice in high school, and her hope that the new commercial will bring the joy of Sacre to a wider audience.

The Legacy of Sacre Lemon

Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the Sacre Lemon, known for its perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, has become a summer staple in Japan, with millions sold annually. Futaba Foods, now approaching its 80th anniversary in 2025, continues to maintain its commitment to delivering high-quality frozen desserts and has expanded its offerings to include numerous flavors such as Azuki and Pineapple.

As the event concluded with warm applause, the anticipation for what the future holds for the Sacre line remains high. What started as a humble sweet in 1985 has undoubtedly carved a special niche in the hearts of many, thanks to the dedication of Futaba Foods and the vibrant energy of ambassadors like Rikka Ihara.