Kashima Antlers "Stadium Gourmet New Hero Election" Winner Decided. Who Crowned the Champion in the Absence of the Undisputed "BIG3" (Motsuni, Hamu-yaki, Harami-meshi)?
Kashima Antlers held the "Stadium Gourmet New Hero Election" at the J1 League Matchday 15 on May 6th, deciding a new signature menu. In the absence of the undisputed BIG3, "Hitachinokuni Shirasu-don" won by a mere 16 votes, poised to lead the new era of stadium gourmet.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 8, 2026 at 21:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 8, 2026 at 12:32
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 8, 2026 at 13:31 (58 min after Collected)
On May 6th (Wednesday, holiday), during the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Matchday 15, the "Stadium Gourmet New Hero Election" was held at Mercari Stadium to select the next generation of signature menu items.
We are pleased to announce that after fierce voting, the first "New Hero" menu has been decided.
■ Discovering New Forces to Stand Alongside the Undisputed "BIG3"
Mercari Stadium boasts one of the J.League's best culinary lineups (stadium gourmet). Among them, the three items "Motsuni" (stewed entrails), "Hamu-yaki" (grilled ham), and "Harami-meshi" (skirt steak rice bowl) have been inducted into the hall of fame as the "BIG3" due to their overwhelming popularity and recognition. They reign as the "ultimate taste" essential for fans and supporters visiting the stadium.
This election was held to discover "next-generation stars" who would stand shoulder-to-shoulder with these undisputed champions and collectively energize the stadium.
■ Only 16 Votes Apart! "Hitachinokuni Shirasu-don" Opened the Door to a New Era
From over 20 candidate menus, the top 3 selected by visitor votes are as follows:
[New Hero Award] Hitachinokuni Shirasu-don (Nakamachi Shopping Street)
[2nd Place] Katsu Curry (Emile)
[3rd Place] Shin Kashimashi Butadon (Kachidoki Shoten)
The difference between 1st and 2nd place was a mere "16 votes." Ultimately, "Hitachinokuni Shirasu-don," which encapsulates the bounty of Kashima's sea, won the close contest. This dish, generously using the local brand shirasu "Hitachinokuni Shirasu" and served with Ibaraki Prefecture-grown rice, was selected as a new signature menu to support the stadium alongside the BIG3.
■ Comment from Nakamachi Shopping Street (Award-winning shop): "We want to convey the charm of Kashima"
We are very happy to have been selected by everyone's votes. From the moment we learned about this event, we always thought, "We want to win the New Hero award." On the day itself, we were able to operate with a sense of fun and excitement!
--- Particulars of Shirasu-don ---
We use shirasu from the "Hitachinokuni Shirasu" brand, produced by Yasushige Suisan in Kashima City. We have been using it for about 10 years, and we believe that people enjoy it because the shirasu is delicious.
Regarding the rice we use, we primarily use Koshihikari from Kashima City and Ibaraki Prefecture, trying to use rice grown as close to the local area as possible. We hope this product continues to be one that allows people to get to know local Kashima City.
--- To customers who come to buy Hitachinokuni Shirasu-don ---
Thank you for always eating Hitachinokuni Shirasu-don. We will continue to make shirasu-don with plenty of shirasu and delicious rice, so please continue to support us.
Also, Kashima City has many people making delicious things, such as Yasushige Suisan and local farmers, so we hope you will visit Kashima City at various times, not just when watching soccer!
■ Crowned with the title "New Hero," appearing from the next match!
Nakamachi Shopping Street, the vendor of the splendidly crowned "Hitachinokuni Shirasu-don," will be provided with a POP bearing the "New Hero" title, which can be displayed from the next home game.
Kashima Antlers will continue to deliver the best experience to all visitors through stadium gourmet. Thank you for your many votes!
Please continue to enjoy the gourmet offerings at Mercari Stadium!
We are pleased to announce that after fierce voting, the first "New Hero" menu has been decided.
■ Discovering New Forces to Stand Alongside the Undisputed "BIG3"
Mercari Stadium boasts one of the J.League's best culinary lineups (stadium gourmet). Among them, the three items "Motsuni" (stewed entrails), "Hamu-yaki" (grilled ham), and "Harami-meshi" (skirt steak rice bowl) have been inducted into the hall of fame as the "BIG3" due to their overwhelming popularity and recognition. They reign as the "ultimate taste" essential for fans and supporters visiting the stadium.
This election was held to discover "next-generation stars" who would stand shoulder-to-shoulder with these undisputed champions and collectively energize the stadium.
■ Only 16 Votes Apart! "Hitachinokuni Shirasu-don" Opened the Door to a New Era
From over 20 candidate menus, the top 3 selected by visitor votes are as follows:
[New Hero Award] Hitachinokuni Shirasu-don (Nakamachi Shopping Street)
[2nd Place] Katsu Curry (Emile)
[3rd Place] Shin Kashimashi Butadon (Kachidoki Shoten)
The difference between 1st and 2nd place was a mere "16 votes." Ultimately, "Hitachinokuni Shirasu-don," which encapsulates the bounty of Kashima's sea, won the close contest. This dish, generously using the local brand shirasu "Hitachinokuni Shirasu" and served with Ibaraki Prefecture-grown rice, was selected as a new signature menu to support the stadium alongside the BIG3.
■ Comment from Nakamachi Shopping Street (Award-winning shop): "We want to convey the charm of Kashima"
We are very happy to have been selected by everyone's votes. From the moment we learned about this event, we always thought, "We want to win the New Hero award." On the day itself, we were able to operate with a sense of fun and excitement!
--- Particulars of Shirasu-don ---
We use shirasu from the "Hitachinokuni Shirasu" brand, produced by Yasushige Suisan in Kashima City. We have been using it for about 10 years, and we believe that people enjoy it because the shirasu is delicious.
Regarding the rice we use, we primarily use Koshihikari from Kashima City and Ibaraki Prefecture, trying to use rice grown as close to the local area as possible. We hope this product continues to be one that allows people to get to know local Kashima City.
--- To customers who come to buy Hitachinokuni Shirasu-don ---
Thank you for always eating Hitachinokuni Shirasu-don. We will continue to make shirasu-don with plenty of shirasu and delicious rice, so please continue to support us.
Also, Kashima City has many people making delicious things, such as Yasushige Suisan and local farmers, so we hope you will visit Kashima City at various times, not just when watching soccer!
■ Crowned with the title "New Hero," appearing from the next match!
Nakamachi Shopping Street, the vendor of the splendidly crowned "Hitachinokuni Shirasu-don," will be provided with a POP bearing the "New Hero" title, which can be displayed from the next home game.
Kashima Antlers will continue to deliver the best experience to all visitors through stadium gourmet. Thank you for your many votes!
Please continue to enjoy the gourmet offerings at Mercari Stadium!