Starting April 14, 2026, the major Japanese convenience store (Konbini) “FamilyMart” will release a new collaboration bento, “Red & Black Curry,” to celebrate the large-scale music festival “VIVA LA ROCK 2026.” This dish is a passionate two-tone curry inspired by “Saitama Stadium 2002,” one of Japan’s premier soccer stadiums, and will be available at approximately 2,000 stores across the Kanto region.
Recreating the Holy Ground: A Collaboration of Passionate Red and Deep Black
The “Red & Black Curry” is designed to bring the excitement of “VIVA LA ROCK 2026,” held during Japan’s “Golden Week” holidays in May, straight to your dining table. Developed as the 8th installment of FamilyMart’s community-focused project, this product features both a high-impact appearance and authentic flavor.
Experiencing Stadium Excitement through Sight and Taste
This curry recreates the scenery of “Saitama Stadium 2002,” known as a “Holy Ground” for soccer, within its container.
- Yellow Rice Center: Represents the vast “pitch” (field) of the stadium.
- Tomato Red Curry: Inspired by the Main Stand. It features the umami and refreshing acidity of tomatoes, balanced with spices for an easy-to-eat yet flavorful profile.
- Spiced Black Curry: Inspired by the Back Stand. Built on a foundation of deep beef richness, this is an authentic, spicy curry crafted with selected spices.
With two types of curry surging from both sides of the rice “pitch,” the composition creates a sense of unity—much like a high-stakes soccer match—where you can enjoy a different flavor with every bite.
Basic Product Information
- Product Name: Red & Black Curry
- Price: 539 yen (approx. $3.55 USD) (Total with tax: 582 yen / approx. $3.85 USD)
- Release Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
- Available Regions: Saitama Prefecture, and parts of Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Chiba, and Tokyo prefectures in Japan.
A One-Year-Only “Outdoor Fest” is the Key Concept
While “VIVA LA ROCK” is a popular annual festival typically held at the “Saitama Super Arena,” one of Japan’s largest indoor venues, 2026 marks a special occasion.
Due to renovation work at the main venue, the 2026 festival will be held exceptionally at a special outdoor site surrounding “Saitama Stadium 2002.” This unique “one-year-only outdoor festival” situation served as the inspiration for this two-color curry.
The dish was supervised by Atsushi Shikano, the festival’s producer who also serves as its “Food Director.” It is filled with playful touches designed to recreate the stadium’s feverish energy through taste.
The History of FamilyMart and “Viva La” Since 2019
The collaboration between FamilyMart and VIVA LA ROCK began in 2019, with unique menus appearing every year.
- 2025: “VIVA LA ROCK! Ai-Mori Don (Dual Topping Bowl)!”
- 2024: “VIVA! Buta-Bara! Viva-Ro Don!?”
- 2023: “VIVA LA Plate! Dreamy Chicken Cutlet Turkish Rice,” “Curry Melon Pan”
- 2022: “VIVA! Buta-Bara! Spicy Cold Pork Udon”
- 2021: “Stamina Ankake Fried Rice”
- 2020: “VIVA LA Fried Rice Cutlet Curry”
- 2019: “VIVA LA Grilled Double Miso Pork Bowl”
From rice bowls to udon and bread, these collaborations have entertained music fans through a variety of genres typical of Japanese convenience stores.
Test Your Luck at the Festival! Try the “Viva Gacha”
This “Red & Black Curry” comes with a special bonus for fans. By collecting 5 stickers attached to the product, you can participate in a limited event held at the festival venue.
Overview of Viva Gacha (Capsule Toy)
Bring 5 stickers from eligible products to the special booth at the festival site to try the “Gacha” (a Japanese capsule toy lottery) and win prizes.
- Event Period: May 3 (Sun, Holiday) – May 6 (Wed, Holiday), 2026
- Prizes: Limited T-shirt-shaped keychains, special stamps, etc.
- Note: Participation at the special booth is open even to those who do not have a festival performance ticket.
This is a uniquely Japanese experiential project that bridges the gap between the daily routine of a convenience store and the special event of a festival.
“VIVA LA ROCK 2026”: The Rock Festival in Saitama
Finally, a quick look at the festival itself, the source of this curry’s inspiration. During Golden Week 2026, Saitama Stadium 2002 will transform into a temple of music.
- Dates: May 3 (Sun, Holiday) – May 6 (Wed, Holiday), 2026
- Venue: Special Outdoor Stage around Saitama Stadium 2002
- Times: Doors Open 9:30 / Show Starts 11:00
- Official Website 🇯🇵
- Ticket Sales Site 🇯🇵
Tickets can also be purchased via multi-copy machines inside FamilyMart stores, providing a community-rooted support system for the event.
The acidity of tomatoes, the richness of beef, and the kick of spices—the dynamic flavor of this “Red & Black Curry” perfectly mirrors the festivals where artists give their all. This spring, be sure to experience this “rocking” taste at FamilyMart stores in the Kanto region.
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