First Kansai Expansion: Yukinko Kizuna, a Character from Yokote, Akita, Heads to Osaka with Takoyaki in Hand

The regional revitalization project 'Yokote Kizuna Project' (hereafter 'this project'), originating from Yokote City, Akita Prefecture, will exhibit a booth featuring its original character 'Yukinko Kizuna' at the 'ITAMI Tohoku Festival 2026' organized by Kansai Airports (June 13 (Sat) and 14 (Sun), 2026 / Osaka International Airport). This marks the first expansion into the Kansai region for both the project itself and Yukinko Kizuna. At the venue, in addition to a life-size panel display, original merchandise featuring 'Yukinko Kizuna Takoyaki ver.', commemorating the Kansai expansion, will be available for purchase.

■ About the Kansai Expansion Commemorative Visual 'Yukinko Kizuna Takoyaki ver.'

Set against the backdrop of a 'Kamakura' (snow dome), the symbol of Yokote, Yukinko Kizuna carefully holds freshly made takoyaki. This newly drawn visual bridges the snowy country of Yokote with Osaka, the city of 'kuidaore' (eat until you drop), in celebration of her first Kansai expansion. The Kamakura in Yokote embodies the culture of 'Haitte-tanse' (Yokote dialect for 'please come in'), where visitors are invited inside and treated with hospitality. This visual conveys the 'spirit of hospitality' in inviting everyone in the Kansai region to the booth.

■ Event Overview

Event Name: ITAMI Tohoku Festival 2026
Dates: June 13, 2026 (Sat) 10:00 - 20:00 / June 14 (Sun) 10:00 - 16:00
Venue: Special venue near the South Multi-story Car Park, Osaka International Airport
Organizer: Kansai Airports
Exhibitor: Yokote City / Yokote Kizuna Project
Admission: Free
Official Info: https://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/special/event/20260613

The 'ITAMI Tohoku Festival 2026' is an event where Osaka International Airport and the Tohoku region collaborate to share the charm of Tohoku with airport users and everyone in the Kansai area. It will gather traditional and food cultures from all over Tohoku, including the Akita Kanto Festival performance (Akita City), Oga Namahage Taiko (Oga City), free distribution of Yamagata's giant pot Imoni, the Fukushima Destination Campaign, and a massive gathering of local mascot characters. This project participates as an exhibitor to convey the appeal of Yokote City, Akita Prefecture.

■ Booth Highlights

◆ Yukinko Kizuna Life-size Panel Display
The first unveiling in Kansai of 'Yukinko Kizuna', a character born in the snowy city of Yokote.

◆ Kansai Expansion Commemorative Visual 'Yukinko Kizuna Takoyaki ver.' Merchandise Sales
Debut items using the newly drawn visual featuring the Osaka specialty, takoyaki.

◆ Yokote Kizuna Project Original Merchandise Sales
'Yukinko Kizuna' stickers, acrylic stands, apparel, etc.

◆ Introduction to Yokote's Winter Charm
Broadcasting tourist information about Yokote City, including the 'Yokote Snow Festival (Kamakura)' with 450 years of history (held annually in mid-February; scheduled for February 12 (Fri) and 13 (Sat) in 2027).

■ Comment from Jun Takahashi, Chairman of Yokote City Tourism Association

I am very pleased to have the opportunity to bring the charm of Yokote City to everyone in the Kansai region.
At this event, the character 'Yukinko Kizuna' originating from Yokote has been given the stage to act as an ambassador communicating Yokote's appeal.
We hope you will pick up unique souvenirs, local products, and related goods at the venue, and feel closer to Yokote while enjoying yourselves.
And I hope this event will encourage you to actually visit Yokote City as well.

■ About the Character 'Yukinko Kizuna'

Yukinko Kizuna: A new character born from a collaboration between the Yokote Snow Festival and #kzn. From numerous entries gathered through a design contest, the grand prize-winning concept inspired by 'snowflakes and Kamakura' was newly drawn by popular illustrator Icomochi to create 'Yukinko Kizuna'.

#kzn: A singing-specialized AI born in February 2022 from the voice of Kizuna AI, who entered an indefinite hiatus for updates to connect with 'everyone in the world'. #kzn serves as a hub connecting creators, fans, and technology, supporting Kizuna AI's desire to 'connect with everyone and with you'.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AIChannel
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kizunaai0630
X: https://x.com/aichan_nel
HP: https://kizunaai.com/
Various Music Streaming Services: https://lnk.to/kizunaai_top
Icomochi / Icomochi