May 17 is Ochazuke Day! Secretary Bird 'Chazuke' Takes Center Stage in Nagatanien × Tobu Zoo Birthday Collaboration

Nagatanien Co., Ltd. (President: Hiroshi Kakeya, Minato-ku, Tokyo) will hold a collaboration project with Tobu Zoo (Tobu Leisure Planning Co., Ltd., President: Eiichi Ishizuki, Miyashiro-machi, Saitama) on May 17, 2026, designated as 'Ochazuke Day.'

The event celebrates the birthday of Chazuke, a secretary bird kept at the zoo, who was named after 'Ochazuke Day' because she was born on May 17 (the anniversary date). Chazuke will turn 5 this year, and commemorative events will be held within Tobu Zoo on Friday, May 17, 2026.

Key activities on the day include: 1. A photo booth near Chazuke's exhibit area. 2. Free 'Cup Ochazuke' for the first 517 visitors. 3. Participation in the zoo's animal parade with an 'Ochazuke Car' featuring the traditional Joshiki-maku curtain design. 4. A special guided talk about Chazuke by her zookeepers.

Event Overview: - Name: Ochazuke Day ~ Secretary Bird Chazuke 5th Birthday Event - Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026 - Location: Special area within Tobu Zoo (Miyashiro-machi, Saitama)

Background of the Collaboration: Secretary birds are classified as endangered species due to the loss of grasslands in Africa. Nagatanien established 'Ochazuke Day' in 2012 (the 60th anniversary of its product) to promote the charm of ochazuke. Tobu Zoo, home to the first secretary bird successfully raised by humans in Japan, named a chick born on May 17, 2021, 'Chazuke' to give it a familiar name. Interactions between the two companies started on social media and blossomed into this collaboration for her 5th birthday.

Limited Goods and Food: Exclusive collaboration items such as hand towels (tenugui) featuring Chazuke and the Joshiki-maku design, acrylic keychains, and clear folders will be sold at the 'Fureai Shop Watoto' (limited to 100 each). Furthermore, the Central Restaurant will offer a limited 100 servings of 'Soy Milk Ochazuke,' a mild and addictive flavor, which comes with a secret bonus gift.

Comments from Representatives: - Ishiyama (Zookeeper): 'Chazuke has a gentle personality and is popular with visitors. We are happy to celebrate her birthday with so many people.' - Atsushi Shimo (Marketing, Nagatanien): 'We are delighted to bring a moment of deliciousness to zoo visitors through this unique "Chazuke" connection.'