Ootoya Love Meal project launch

Japan’s restaurant chain Ootoya launched the “Love Meal” (Aijō Meshi) project, a limited-time initiative led by model and culinary expert Aki. The project aims to develop a menu specifically for busy parents and dual-income families while emphasizing the “emotional value” of food.

The initiative included a three-part documentary series on Ootoya’s YouTube channel. During a promotional event in Tokyo, Aki supervised the development of two specific menu items: “Salt-Koji Pork with Pickled Chinese Cabbage” and “Summer Japanese-style Taco Rice.” These dishes were scheduled for nationwide sale from August 14 to September 30.

At the promotional event, former Nadeshiko Japan football star Homare Sawa attended as a guest to discuss the importance of food in supporting family members. Aki also shared personal anecdotes regarding her family’s history with the restaurant, noting how she visited Ootoya to support her two sons while they lived in baseball dormitories. She highlighted her family tradition of using specific meals, such as red rice and salt-grilled sea bream, to offer encouragement and bring good luck to her children during sporting events.