Hosted by JFOODO
“Love Snacks, Love Japan”
Event at Tanaka Farms, Distributes 1,500 Japanese Snacks
Irvine, CA – On October 26 and 27, Tanaka Farms in Irvine, CA, was abuzz as The Japan Food Product Overseas Promotion Center (JFOODO) held its “Love Snacks, Love Japan” event, where they gave away 1,500 samples of Japanese snacks. Taking place during Tanaka Farms’ popular pumpkin patch weekend, the event attracted large crowds of people eager to experience the flavors of Japan.
Nine different types of Japanese snacks, appealing to all ages, were available for free to visitors. Each attendee received one sample but additionally, those who shared photos on Instagram using a specific hashtag #lovesnackslovejapan were given a full snack bag of their choice. The event was a major success with an estimate of 1,500 snacks being distributed over the weekend.
On display were nine products from five companies, including:
◉「Funwari Meijin Kinako Mochi」「Funwari Meijin Hokkaido Cheese Mochi 」by Echigo Seika Co., Ltd.
◉「Corn Arare」「Citrus and Salted Rice Malt Arare」by Morihaku Confectionery Ltd.
◉「Beika Mochi Teriyaki」「Beika Mochi Butter」by Iwatsuka Confectionery Co., Ltd
◉「Saku Saku Panda」by Kabaya Foods Corporation
◉ 「tanoshii Ramen」「tanoshii Sushi」 by Kracie, Ltd.
JFOODO is dedicated to increasing the global appeal of Japanese agricultural products and food brands. This year, JFOODO has focused its promotional efforts on Japanese packaged snacks and soft drinks.
Miki Omagari, JFOODO’s Director, noted that Los Angeles has one of the highest numbers of American tourists to Japan.
Many visitors at the event, some with prior travel experience to Japan or familiarity with Japanese snacks purchased in Asian and Japanese grocery stores in California, were excited to connect over shared experiences.
Colorful Packaging Draws Attention
The brightly colored packages of Japanese snacks were a popular attraction.
“According to one study, Snacks are one of the most popular souvenirs for international visitors to Japan and have high satisfaction rates,” said Omagari. “We hope this event sparks interest in Japanese snacks and encourages more people to experience Japan’s culture firsthand.” JFOODO aims to expand exports of Japanese food products.
Around 1,500 Snacks Distributed Over Two Days
Around 1,500 Japanese snacks were given away over the weekend of October 26–27.
Pumpkin patch visitors enjoying snack samples
Families and friends enjoying the Japanese snack samples.
The snacks featured at the event are readily available at Asian and Japanese grocery stores in the U.S., including the ones in the Greater Los Angeles area. For detailed product information and store locations, visit JFOODO’s official website at Love Snacks, Love Japan.
Through events like “Love Snacks, Love Japan,” JFOODO aims not only to introduce Japanese food products, but to also foster an appreciation for Japanese culture, creating new connections that may inspire future visits to Japan. JFOODO will continue hosting similar events across the U.S. with updates shared regularly on social media for those interested:
Tanaka Farms’ Pumpkin Patch
A popular fall attraction known for drawing thousands of visitors daily.
