#Japan #Tokyo #Okayama #JO1 #Funassyi

A New Chapter for Okayama

On June 29, 2026, Okayama Prefecture launched the "Okayama Charm Discovery Project" with a special press conference featuring popular figures from the region. The event aimed to unveil the unique charm of Okayama, known as the "Sunny Country," while engaging attendees with fun activities and discussions.

The Governor of Okayama, Ryuta Ibaraki, kicked off the event by expressing his determination to enhance the region's visibility and excitement.

Engaging Guests and Local Flavor

The highlight of the event included guest appearances by Kenta Mamehara from the global boy group JO1, and Funassyi, the energetic pear fairy known for his love for peaches. Their lively discussion sought to promote the essence of Okayama through various engaging activities such as a quiz contest and a dance-off that showcased local pride.

Dressed in a stylish Okayama denim outfit, Mamehara explained the significance of Okayama's denim industry, particularly from Kojima, the denim town. He illustrated how the fabric develops to fit the wearer over time, inviting enthusiastic praise from Funassyi, who could not help but admire the aesthetics of the outfit.

To add a personal touch, Mamehara shared nostalgic photographs from his school days in Maki City, reminiscing about his participation in the Momiji Matsuri (Maple Festival) where he won both team and individual awards for his captivating performance of the Soran-bushi dance.

Meanwhile, Funassyi, an avid fan of Okayama who claimed to have visited around 20 times, eagerly recommended local attractions like Washuzan Highland and the Bizen Osafune Sword Museum, showcasing his profound love for the region.

The Peach Boy Duel

The excitement escalated with an imaginative segment titled "The Mame-Taro vs. Nashi-Taro Okayama PR Showdown!" where Mamehara and Funassyi competed in trivia about Okayama and participated in fruit tasting challenges. During one challenge, Mamehara confidently recognized the Muscat of Alexandria grape, attributing his success to his high school days filled with the exquisite fruit.

The friendly rivalry continued with an impromptu dance competition, featuring a blend of traditional Okayama themes such as Momotaro, the peach boy, along with elements like a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant. Mamehara wowed the audience with his dynamic performance, while Funassyi delivered a humorous routine that depicted the chaotic journey of a peach floating down a river. Governor Ibaraki, serving as a judge, praised Mamehara's skills while acknowledging Funassyi’s unexpected creativity.

Ultimately, Mamehara clinched victory, leading to a celebratory moment where he surprised Funassyi with a special birthday cake made with Okayama's famed white peaches, in honor of Funassyi's upcoming birthday on July 4. The delight on Funassyi's face showed how the sweet treat lifted his spirits, with the two friends playfully shouting, "Nashi juice spray! Peach juice spray!" in their excitement.

Spreading the Love for Okayama

In their final remarks, Mamehara expressed his eagerness to travel to Okayama to continue sharing its charm, while Funassyi emphasized the seasonal delights, stating, "In summer, it’s all about peaches, and in autumn, pears will keep the energy alive!" Both left the stage with a heartfelt message reflecting their love for Okayama.

As the event concluded, they took a moment to encourage the Japanese soccer team ahead of their upcoming match against Brazil in the South American World Cup, humorously incorporating Okayama dialect into their supportive messages. Funassyi exclaimed, "Japan, do your best!" while Mamehara fluently encouraged with, "We are cheering for the Japanese team! Give it your all!" Their shared commitment to promoting Okayama left attendees inspired and excited about the region's global presence.

Event Summary

• - Event Name: Kickoff for the Okayama Charm Discovery Project
• - Date and Time: June 29, 2026, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
• - Venue: Repro Entertainment, 7th Floor Ocha Lab, 1 Chome-5 Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
• - Speakers Present: Ryuta Ibaraki (Governor of Okayama), Kenta Mamehara (JO1), Funassyi, Yuko Aoki (MC)