Nakashiro Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Moriyama Ward, Nagoya) will begin selling original support towels on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 'Ooniwa Rotenburo Okazaki Rakunoyu' (Okazaki City) as the second phase of the 'Higashikoen Zoo (Okazaki City) Support Project'.

This initiative commemorates the first anniversary of 'Fujiko', the beloved Asian elephant and symbol of Higashikoen Zoo, who passed away at the age of 57 on July 30, 2025.

Created to express gratitude to 'Fujiko', who brought smiles and memories to countless visitors over 57 years, and to continue supporting Higashikoen Zoo, a cherished local treasure.

The donations will support zoo operations and animal care, helping sustain this vital community resource and pass on the region's charm and value to future generations.

Preserving the Local Treasure 'Higashikoen Zoo' for the Future

Opened in 1983, Okazaki City's Higashikoen Zoo is a free-entry zoo.

It houses around 100 species, including Asian elephants, Japanese macaques, capybaras, and meerkats, and is beloved by visitors of all ages.

Among them, the Asian elephant 'Fujiko' served as the zoo's symbol for 57 years, bringing joy and memories to countless guests.

Having passed away at age 57 on July 30, 2025, the zoo will mark her first anniversary in July 2026. Even now, many citizens continue to express their love, saying, 'We miss Fujiko' and 'Thank you'.

Okazaki Rakunoyu launched this project to carry these heartfelt sentiments forward across the entire community.

Expanding Community Support from the First Edition

The first edition of the 'Higashikoen Zoo Support Towel', launched in December 2024, received strong support from customers and sold out all 1,200 units.

In addition to donations from towel sales, Okazaki Rakunoyu also contributed directly, resulting in a total donation of 240,000 yen to Higashikoen Zoo.

The funds were used for facility improvements, turning community support into tangible action for the future.

First edition support towel: 350 yen (tax included), sold in December 2024

Two Exclusive Limited-Edition Designs

For the second edition, the message 'For 57 years, you brought smiles to everyone—truly, thank-you bath' is printed on the towel, further expanding support for Higashikoen Zoo.

This support towel features two special limited designs, with 1,000 units each, totaling 2,000 exclusive pieces.

The designs express gratitude with the message 'Fujiko, 57 years, thank-you bath' and heartfelt affection for Fujiko.

A portion of the sales revenue will be donated to Higashikoen Zoo to support its operations and animal care.

Second edition support towel: 400 yen (tax included), sold in July 2026

Product Overview

- Product name: Higashikoen Zoo Support Towel (2nd Edition) - Sales start: Monday, July 20, 2026 - Price: 400 yen (tax included) - Design: 2 types (limited to 2,000 units / 1,000 each) - Sales location: Ooniwa Rotenburo Okazaki Rakunoyu - Donation recipient: Okazaki City Higashikoen Zoo

'Sustainablo': Connecting Community and Future

This initiative is part of our 'Sustainable Bathhouse' project, 'Sustainablo'.

'Sustainablo' aims to position public bathhouses as community hubs, addressing local challenges while promoting the region's best aspects—its culture, people, and values.

The 'Higashikoen Zoo Support Towel 2nd Edition' was launched to pass on gratitude to 'Fujiko', who brought smiles for 57 years, and to continue supporting Higashikoen Zoo, a treasured local asset.

Purchasing a towel becomes an act of supporting the community. We believe that such small, repeated actions can become a powerful force in shaping the region's future.

Moving forward, we will continue to connect local charm and value to future generations through communication and collaboration only possible at a bathhouse.

[Ooniwa Rotenburo Okazaki Rakunoyu]

- Founded: January 2007 - Address: 1-14-14 Shojiida, Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture 444-0821 - Phone: 0564-71-1010 - Website: https://rakunoyu.com/okazaki/

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: キャンペーン