In a heartwarming display of family ties and culinary celebration, Tadayoshi Okura, a member of the popular idol group SUPER EIGHT, made a significant appearance at the 40th anniversary press conference of the yakitori chain "Torikizoku" on April 21, 2025. This event marked a historic first for the Okura family as Tadayoshi co-starred with his father, Tadasu Okura, the founder and CEO of Torikizoku, in a public setting.
During the event held in Tokyo, Tadasu Okura, who opened the first Torikizoku restaurant in Osaka on May 1, 1985, expressed a mix of emotions about this unique collaboration. He remarked, "This is my first collaboration with my son, and I have fresh feelings, complex feelings, and various emotions mixed together." Tadayoshi, who was born just 15 days after the opening of the first restaurant, shared his own sentiments, saying, "I am very happy to be involved in Torikizoku's 40th anniversary in the year that I myself will turn 40."
The collaboration was inspired by a recent interaction on social media, where Tadayoshi suggested the revival of the first Torikizoku store, which had closed in 2008. He explained, "I thought it would be nice to revive it since the first store had disappeared." This idea resonated with Tadasu, who had never received such a direct comment from his son before, leading to the exciting collaboration.
As part of the anniversary festivities, the duo announced a limited-quantity menu that Tadayoshi supervised, which will be available starting May 1, 2025. The menu features two special items: "Kushi-Negget Green," incorporating Tadayoshi's member color, green, and topped with green onions on eight chicken skewers, and "Nira-Tama Green," which includes grilled chicken thigh with chives and a half-cooked egg. Each dish will be offered in a limited quantity of one million servings.
Tadayoshi humorously noted, "I like alcohol very much. I thought it would be a win-win situation if people who don't know me thought, 'Ah, it's green,' because I'm a son of an izakaya and alcohol goes well with it." His father, Tadasu, added a touch of humor as well, saying, "The Kushi-Negget has 8 skewers because it’s SUPER EIGHT. It’s so voluminous. I was hesitant to do it because I thought it would be a loss if it sold too well, but I was pushed into it."
The event was filled with light-hearted banter, showcasing the warm relationship between the father and son. Tadayoshi's playful comments about growing up watching his father prompted Tadasu to jokingly retort, "Bakayaro!" (You idiot!), adding to the jovial atmosphere.
In addition to the limited menu, the collaboration includes the release of a dialogue video featuring both Tadayoshi and Tadasu, as well as a campaign to distribute 40th-anniversary novelty goods. The original Torikizoku store, Imazato, will also be revived for a limited time on May 1, 2025, at 5 PM, with the interior designed to reflect its original state.
Tadayoshi expressed his pride in being part of this milestone for his father's company, stating, "I am very proud that my father's company has grown so big and that he has chosen me this time. I also think it's wonderful that they have continued for 40 years, and I feel deeply grateful to be able to collaborate with them at this timing, and I hope I can be of help."
The father-son duo's collaboration is not only a celebration of Torikizoku's legacy but also a testament to their strong familial bond. Tadasu reflected on the significance of this partnership, noting, "I always watched his talent activities on TV. At that time, I saw him not as my son but as a talent. But now, collaborating with him is a little complex and very special for me."
As the press conference concluded, Tadayoshi encouraged fans to visit the stores and participate in the celebrations, emphasizing the importance of this anniversary. He said, "I want both the regular customers of Torikizoku to recognize it and my group's fans to eat it."
This collaboration between Tadayoshi Okura and Tadasu Okura exemplifies how family ties can enhance business endeavors, creating a unique blend of personal and professional milestones that resonate with fans and customers alike.
