Awajiya, a bento box lunch box company headquartered in Higashinada-ku, Kobe, will launch a new collaboration product with the Self-Defense Forces Hyogo Regional Cooperation Headquarters, “Self-Defense Forces Version Hittaridako Meshi” on March 14.
The Self-Defense Forces are mainly engaged in defense, disaster relief, and international cooperation, protecting the people of Japan from various dangers. Awajiya wants to make the activities of the Self-Defense Forces known to as many people as possible, and has collaborated with the Hyogo Regional Cooperation Headquarters of the Self-Defense Forces to create the “Self-Defense Forces version of Hippippippadako Meshi”.
The design of the bowl of the “JSDF version Hippippippippadako-meshi” is modeled after the camouflage uniforms lent to the Ground Self-Defense Force members. The paper wrapper depicts the mascot character “Hyochin,” the mascot of the Self-Defense Forces Hyogo Regional Cooperation Headquarters, holding up the Self-Defense Forces flag (regimental flag), along with an illustration of the well-known octopus wearing a helmet.
The coloring of the octopus pot is a key point of attention,” said the person in charge of the project. The camouflage image changes dramatically depending on the color of the base material. We went through a number of adjustments in pursuit of a color that would look cool in the hand without being unappetizing,” he said.
The contents of this special dish retain the flavor of the traditional Hippuridako Meshi, but with the addition of “conger eel stew” and “anchovy nail stew” to evoke the image of Hyogo Prefecture in the springtime. It is sold at Awajiya stores and at the Awajiya online store.
<Report from the person in charge>
We were approached by an acquaintance who cooperates with the activities of the Self Defense Forces. The Self-Defense Forces protect the people through national defense, disaster relief, etc., but we don’t have much contact with their activities, and I think they are not properly understood. I myself felt strongly about this, so I decided to collaborate with the SDF because I thought it would be a good starting point to get people interested in the SDF.
<A word from the reporter>
Awajiya, which has been the talk of the town for its collaborations with the Hyogo Prefectural Police version and the Japan Coast Guard, has come up with another very cool pulled rice dish! After tasting it, it will be fun to place it in various places to feel the camouflage effect! (Laughs)
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Information
- Release Date
- March 14, 2024 (Thursday)
- Product
- Self-Defense Forces Version Hittaridako Meshi
1,480 yen (tax included)
*Sales quantity 30,000 units (planned), will end as soon as they are gone. - Sales
- Sold at Awajiya stores and online store