Tokyo University Students Promote Northern Okinawa Nationwide! "Yanbaru Ale 5000 Fes" to be Held in Motobu Town on September 5-6

Okinawan Reiwa-era enka group "Chakaland" and singer "MARU" among others will perform in support of the students' challenge. Free cotton candy and shaved ice will be provided to children high school age and younger (limited quantities), and "Motobu Tacos" developed by students will be sold from a food truck.

Toita Women's College (Minato Ward, Tokyo; President: Haruhi Shirakawa) will hold "Yanbaru Ale 5000 Fes," a sales event for the regional co-creation PBL "Yanbaru Ale 5000 Project," on September 5 (Sat.) and 6 (Sun.), 2026, in Motobu Town, Okinawa Prefecture (at Motobu Kariyushi Market). Additionally, on August 30 (Sun.), a demonstration sale of original bento boxes developed by students will be held at Ryubo Store.

Tokyo University Students Convey the Charm and Challenges of Northern Okinawa to the Nation

The "Yanbaru Ale 5000 Project" is a regional co-creation PBL aimed at communicating the charm and challenges of the northern Okinawa region (Yanbaru) nationwide and connecting them to a better future. Students from Toita Women's College have been working in collaboration with local residents, businesses, municipalities, and tourism stakeholders to develop products, promote sales, and disseminate information utilizing the regional resources of northern Okinawa, including Motobu Town.

In response to regional issues such as population decline, circulating tourism consumption within the region, and promoting tourist circulation, students investigated and analyzed Okinawa's food culture and tourism resources through field training. They have gained practical, real-world learning experiences by consistently engaging in everything from planning and product development to marketing, social media promotion, and sales. The culmination of their efforts will be presented at an event where they can interact with the local community.

September 5 (Sat.) & 6 (Sun.): "Yanbaru Ale 5000 Fes"

As a festival for interacting with local residents, students will showcase products and promotional plans they have planned and developed. In addition to selling "Motobu Tacos," developed by students, from a food truck, free cotton candy and shaved ice will be provided to children high school age and younger (limited quantities). A stage event will also be held on September 6 (Sun.), creating an opportunity for visitors to enjoy and experience the charm of Motobu Town and the northern Okinawa region.

[Event Overview]

Date and Time: September 5 (Sat.) & 6 (Sun.), 2026, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Venue: Motobu Kariyushi Market (881-1 Ohama, Motobu Town, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-0212)

Admission: Free

Content:

- Sales of student-developed products

- "Motobu Tacos" sales from a food truck

- Free provision of cotton candy and shaved ice to children high school age and younger (limited quantities)

- Stage performances by Chakaland, MARU, and others (September 6 only)

Okinawan Artists Support Students' Challenge and Energize the Region on Stage

On September 6 (Sun.), the stage will feature performances by the Okinawan Reiwa-era enka group "Chakaland," singer "MARU," and others. All have expressed their support for the purpose of the "Yanbaru Ale 5000 Project" and the students' challenge, and will liven up the festival through music.

Chakaland

A "Reiwa Enka Group that Makes the World Happy," based in Okinawa. They specialize in "Reiwa Enka," a modern update of J-POP and Showa-era enka, and are a creative group that handles everything from music production to video production. Triggered by a hit song in Mongolia, they have expanded their activities both domestically and internationally, gaining support across generations, particularly among parents and children.

MARU

Based in her home prefecture of Okinawa, MARU is a singer and mother of five. While performing, she also works as a singer and staff member supporting live streaming at Kaminiso on Kume Island.

August 30 (Sun.): Demonstration Sale of Student-Developed Bento Boxes

Prior to the sales event, a demonstration sale of original bento boxes developed by first-year students participating in the project will be held at Ryubo Store. The students themselves will be at the sales floor, directly communicating the background and passion behind their product development, as well as their connection to the regional resources of northern Okinawa, to customers.

August 30 (Sun.): Demonstration Sale of Student-Developed Bento Boxes

Prior to the sales event, a demonstration sale of original bento boxes developed by first-year students participating in the project will be held at Ryubo Store. The students themselves will be at the sales floor, directly communicating the background and passion behind their product development, as well as their connection to the regional resources of northern Okinawa, to customers.

[Event Overview]

Date: August 30 (Sun.), 2026

Venue: Ryubo Store

Content: Sales of student-developed bento boxes / Explanation of product development and stories / Yanbaru Ale 5000 PR activities

*Sales will end once the planned quantity is reached.

Media Coverage Available for Student Product Development Classes and Field Activities

On campus, students are engaged in product development classes in preparation for the sales event. You can cover the process of trial production, exchange of opinions, and improvements as they work towards commercializing bento boxes and local specialties that utilize the regional resources of northern Okinawa.

[On-Campus Class Schedule (Product Development)]

*Details on class times, classrooms, etc., will be provided individually after applying for coverage.

[Field Activities and Coverage Period in Okinawa]

August 29 (Sat.) - September 8 (Tue.), 2026

During this period, you can cover student field activities, including the demonstration sale on August 30 (Sun.) (Ryubo Store) and "Yanbaru Ale 5000 Fes" on September 5 (Sat.) & 6 (Sun.) (Motobu Kariyushi Market). If you wish to conduct on-site coverage, please consult with us in advance regarding available dates.

Project Overview

Name: Yanbaru Ale 5000 Project

Main Activities: Regional resource research / Opinion exchange with local residents / Product planning and development / Marketing analysis / Social media promotion / Sales promotion activities / On-site sales

Educational Features: Regional co-creation PBL / Fieldwork / Group work / Presentations / Practical marketing learning

Co-organized by: Toita Women's College Yanbaru Ale Secretariat / Motobu Kariyushi Market

Sponsored by: Ryubo Store Co., Ltd. / Blue Chip Co., Ltd. / Agricultural Production Corporation Motoplus Co., Ltd.

Cooperated by: Smile Mobility Service Okinawa

Supported by: General Incorporated Association Motobu Town Tourism Association / General Incorporated Association All Japan Supermarket Association

Media Inquiries Regarding This Matter

Toita Women's College Public Relations Department

2-21-17 Shiba, Minato Ward, Tokyo 105-0014

TEL: 03-3451-8383 / E-mail: ao@toita.ac.jp

Press Release List: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/searchrlp/company_id/23533