Osaki Town, Kagoshima Prefecture Launches Collaboration Project with Talent Kishi Asuka

Osaki Town, Kagoshima Prefecture (Mayor: Shinichi Nakano) will launch a collaboration project with talent Kishi Asuka, who is celebrating her 15th debut anniversary, starting in July 2026.

The project aims to share the town’s rich culinary charm with the nation through Kishi’s unique perspective and influence in cooking. The first initiative is the 'Kishi Asuka Eel 8-Way Tasting Challenge,' timed for the Day of the Ox during the dog days of summer, followed by a series of culinary content and producer visits.

Kishi actively shares her home-cooked meals on social media and hosts an annual 'Obanzai Event,' where she serves original dishes to fans, treating cooking as one of her life’s missions. She is also widely recognized as a food-loving talent, having supervised the development of ready-to-eat curry in the past.

Meanwhile, Osaki Town is a 'treasure trove of ingredients,' known as one of Japan’s top eel-producing regions and home to diverse local specialties such as black beef, black pork, mangoes, sweet potatoes, and shochu. The project was realized due to the strong alignment between Kishi’s ongoing efforts to promote the appeal of ingredients through cooking and Osaki Town’s wealth of high-quality, diverse food products.

Through this project, Osaki Town will share its rich cuisine, producers’ dedication, and unique regional food culture nationwide, creating opportunities for people to discover and become interested in the town. This initiative will serve as an entry point through food to foster new connections with the region.

Project Overview

In this project, Kishi Asuka will personally taste, cook, and visit production sites using Osaki Town’s ingredients, sharing their appeal throughout the year.

Kishi Asuka’s '8-Way Eel Tasting Challenge'

As the first initiative, the project launches on July 26, the Day of the Ox.

Kishi will taste all eight types of eel from eight different producers included in Osaki Town’s popular hometown tax return gift, the 'Eel Tasting Subscription,' and select her personal favorite. She will share its appeal from her unique perspective.

Through the fun of 'tasting comparisons' only possible in Osaki Town, the project will highlight new charms of the return gifts.

Selection of the '15 Delicacies'

To commemorate her 15th debut anniversary, Kishi will select '15 Delicacies' from Osaki Town’s local specialties. While tasting each item, she will share recommendation comments and recipe ideas, promoting the diverse ingredients the town proudly offers.

Ingredient Supply for Kishi Asuka’s Obanzai Event

At the obanzai event hosted by Kishi, menus featuring Osaki Town’s specialty ingredients will be served. This will create an opportunity for attendees to experience firsthand the charm of the town’s ingredients.

Producer and Business Operator Visits

Kishi will personally visit producers and business operators of local specialties that left a strong impression during the project.

She will interview them about their production sites, dedication to craftsmanship, and personal philosophies, sharing the stories behind the products.

Talent Profile

Kishi Asuka

Affiliated with Stardust Promotion.

Born in Osaka Prefecture in 1991. Has been active since 2012 as a talent and actor in TV, film, and theater. Will celebrate her 15th anniversary in the entertainment industry in 2026.

In her private life, she enjoys cooking, sharing her dishes on social media, and hosting an annual 'Obanzai Event' where she serves self-created dishes to fans, actively engaging in culinary activities. She is also known for supervising ready-to-eat curry, establishing her reputation as a food-loving talent.

Currently starring in the drama 'Just Eating Dinner Together' (TV Tokyo, every Thursday at 24:00).

Instagram: 691,000 followers

https://www.instagram.com/aspoo02/

X: 323,000 followers

https://twitter.com/asupons02

About Osaki Town, Kagoshima Prefecture

Located on the natural-rich Osumi Peninsula, where vast Shirasu plateau spreads, Osaki Town has achieved Japan’s highest recycling rate 17 times, including 12 consecutive years, and received the Chief Cabinet Secretary Award at the 'Japan SDGs Awards,' earning global recognition for its environmental initiatives. Additionally, agricultural and livestock products nurtured by a warm climate and abundant spring water are produced in volumes among the largest in Japan, while consistently striving for high quality.

・Location: Kasuku, Soo District, Osaki Town, Kagoshima Prefecture, 1029

・Representative: Mayor Shinichi Nakano

・URL: https://www.town.kagoshima-osaki.lg.jp/