Ryo Narita and Riho Yoshioka took center stage on February 7, 2025, during the promotional event for the 'Valentine's Day Jumbo Lottery' and the 'Valentine's Day Jumbo Mini' held at the Nishiginza Chance Center in Tokyo. The event celebrated the launch of the lottery, featuring prizes totaling up to 3 billion yen, which captivated the audience and brought excitement among the attendees.
For the actors, the occasion was not just about the lottery, but also about sharing personal stories related to Valentine's Day. Riho Yoshioka reminisced about her childhood tradition of making handmade chocolates for her grandfather. "When I was in elementary school, I made handmade Valentine's chocolates for my grandpa, and he was really happy. After 5 or 6 years, I found my handmade chocolate still untouched at my grandma's freezer," she shared. This story not only tugged at the heartstrings but also evoked smiles among the audience, illustrating the sweetness of her memory.
Ryo Narita, on the other hand, shared his rather unexpected encounter with Valentine's treats. He recounted, with humor, the time he received chocolate shaped like a crocodile from one of his classmates. "When I was young, I was surprised to receive chocolate shaped like a very realistic crocodile from one of my classmates. Since then, I’ve been terrified of crocodiles!" Narita laughed, inviting the crowd to join him in the light-heartedness of his experience. It served as a humorous reminder of the sometimes quirky nature of childhood and the memories they leave behind.
This event marked Narita's first public appearance following his marriage announcement on December 29, 2024. Reflecting on this new chapter of his life, Narita noted how his perspective on family and responsibilities has shifted. The actor, who appeared cheerful and animated, shared insights on balancing personal happiness with his professional commitments. "To this day, no matter how many times I see it, I can't get used to seeing the 3 billion yen prize!" Yoshioka expressed, reflecting the astonishment shared by many over the immense prize.
Beyond nostalgic stories, the event also urged the actors to dream big about how they would spend the lottery winnings. Riho Yoshioka suggested plans for luxurious experiences reminiscent of the extravagant culture of Dubai. "If I win the 3 billion yen, I would go on luxurious trips, potentially trying out different types of chocolates there's available there!" she declared, adding excitement and aspirations to future celebrations.
Meanwhile, Narita's fantasy trip took him to the wild plains of Africa. "I really want to travel to Africa with the 3 billion yen! I’d borrow a private jet and explore the animals from the sky and learn about the culture and nature!" he stated, painting vivid images of adventure and exploration. Their enthusiastic discussions about potential winnings served to highlight the limitless possibilities the Valentine's lottery brings—not just material wealth, but dreams and aspirations.
This year's lottery event stands out not just for its staggering grand prize but also for the heartwarming stories shared by its ambassadors. Both Yoshioka and Narita brought their personal experiences and memories of Valentine's Day, creating connections with audiences—reminding everyone of the true spirit behind the holiday: love, family, and cherished memories. The event unveiled much more than lottery excitement; it rekindled nostalgia and illustrated the joy of sharing moments with loved ones, making Valentine's Day resonate beyond just chocolate and gifts.
With the lottery's ticket sales kicking off until March 10, the excitement surrounding the potential fortunes continues to build. The countdown is on as people eagerly anticipate not just the draw on March 18 at the Tokyo Lottery Dream House, but also the dreams and joys it could potentially fulfill.