On April 1, young managers from Hirosaki launched a project called “# Hirosaki Ale Meshi” to support local restaurants.

According to Suichi Akimoto, the chairman of the project, while the food and beverage industry is getting cold due to the new coronavirus, not only the Hirosaki Sakura Festival was canceled but the blockade of Hirosaki Park during the cherry blossom season was announced, and further crisis situation in the future. It is said that the project was launched with the intention of involving the citizens and saving the restaurant because there is a concern that it will invite people to eat.

The project is for the general public and restaurants to unify takeout information (take-out) with "# Hirosaki Yale Rice" and share it using SNS tools. “I want people to come to the store, but it's hard to call them now. I want you to take out and enjoy the food of the store at home and support restaurants,” says Akimoto.

I referred to "# Beppu Ale Rice" that was held in Beppu, Oita. When I contacted the city of Beppu who planned the project, I accepted the permission to use the images and the contents of the project. He heard that there were several inquiries from other areas. Akimoto says, "I realized that it was a difficult time not only in Hirosaki, but everywhere in the country."

In the future, we plan to distribute a booklet containing information on restaurants to those who do not use SNS. In response to the cancellation of the Hirosaki Sakura Festival, they are considering a plan to present a luncheon mat using photos of cherry blossoms in Hirosaki Park.

Mr. Akimoto said, "It is important to save the pressing food and beverage industry in Hirosaki. It was launched without preparations, but I felt that it was necessary to make a movement first. This year's Sakura Festival was canceled but next year too Cherry blossoms are in full bloom and festivals are also held. At that time, we need everyone's cooperation so that it does not mean that there is no restaurant in Hirosaki at that time."