On February 24th, comedy duo "Arco & Peace" members Yuki Hirako and Kenta Sakai attended the "Gohiki! Sanriku Joban Campaign 'Sanriku Joban Eat Fair 2026'" presentation held at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo). Hirako, who is from Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, promoted local gourmet food.
The "Sanriku Joban Eat Fair" is an initiative that began in 2022 to promote the appeal of seafood from the Sanriku Joban area. This year, original products created in collaboration with seven major convenience stores, family restaurants, and supermarkets will be released nationwide.
Hirako and Sakai, whose mother is from Kesennuma, Miyagi, have been serving as ambassadors for the fair since 2022. Looking back on his hometown, Hirako said, "You can easily purchase fish that would cost tens of thousands of yen in Tokyo," and expressed his gratitude, saying, "Looking back now, I realize that I was able to eat a variety of foods in a truly luxurious environment."
At the press conference after enjoying the products of the fair, he also mentioned the much talked about photo book that was released on February 14th. "I've bared every last bit of my voluptuous body. I recently held an event and a lot of customers came, so I have a feeling that a 'big man boom' is coming," he commented. "So what did I eat as a child? The answer is (local) ingredients. I hope that while looking at the photo book, you will think about your roots and enjoy the food," he said, making a point of mentioning the photo book.
March of this year marks 15 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake. When asked by a reporter how he would like to promote Sanriku Joban in the future, Hirako passionately replied, "I have absolute confidence in the taste." "Whenever I find the time, I drive to the local area and introduce delicious food on YouTube, but I would like you to try it once, even if you think you're being tricked. I guarantee it. If anyone says, 'It wasn't tasty,' I'm so confident that I would be willing to retire from comedy," he said emphatically.
Also appearing at the presentation were Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Ochi Toshiyuki, freelance announcer Kanda Aika, and Yamakawa Ui of the idol group Sakurazaka46.
