Set in the Kyushu region of Japan (a large island located in the southwest), the second phase of the “Community-Based Kyushu Support Project” by the popular idol group “HKT48” and the major convenience store chain “FamilyMart” (known locally as Konbini) officially launched on April 22, 2026. This project leverages the influence of idols to promote regional food assistance and reduce food waste. It represents a uniquely Japanese approach, blending entertainment and social contribution that goes far beyond the typical scope of a convenience store.
Donate and Hear Limited-Edition Idol Voices! A Unique Collaboration with “Famima Food Drive”
The highlight of this project is the specially designed “Famima Food Drive” donation boxes installed at select FamilyMart locations. A “Food Drive” is an initiative where individuals bring surplus food from home to the store to be donated to local food assistance networks. Based in Fukuoka City, HKT48 is providing vibrant support for this social contribution activity.
An Industry First! A Gimmick Featuring Thank-You Messages from Members
These collaboration-exclusive boxes feature a surprising mechanism never before seen in a convenience store. When you donate food into the box, a special thank-you message recorded by HKT48 members specifically for this project will play. It is a highly positive system that allows fans to enjoy “Oshikatsu” (supporting their favorite idols) while simultaneously contributing to society.
The following four members provided the voice messages:
- Cocoha Eguchi
- Kurumi Takemoto
- Aki Toyonaga
- Hina Yanase
By linking the act of goodwill—donation—to the “reward” of hearing a member’s voice, the project aims to appeal to younger generations who may not have been previously aware of food drive initiatives.
8 Carefully Selected Stores Covering Major Areas in Kyushu
These special collaboration boxes are limited to the following eight FamilyMart stores across the Kyushu region:
- Fukuoka Prefecture: FamilyMart Fukuoka Tenjin 4-chome
- Fukuoka Prefecture: FamilyMart Hakata Ekiminami 3-chome
- Fukuoka Prefecture: FamilyMart Fukuoka Tojinmachi
- Fukuoka Prefecture: FamilyMart Nishijin Chuo Shotengai
- Kumamoto Prefecture: FamilyMart Kumamoto Tsuboi 2-chome
- Oita Prefecture: FamilyMart Oita Chuomachi 1-chome
- Nagasaki Prefecture: FamilyMart Sasebo Miuracho
- Miyazaki Prefecture: FamilyMart Miyazaki Amy Road
the campaign runs from April 22 to August 31, 2026. Since stores were chosen in major cities across Kyushu, they are expected to become popular spots not only for local fans but also for travelers visiting the area.
“1-Day Store Manager” Event by HKT48 Members in Nagasaki Becomes a Hot Topic
To commemorate the start of the project, a major “1-Day Store Manager” event was held on April 22, 2026, at the FamilyMart Sasebo Katsuumicho store in Nagasaki Prefecture. A “1-Day Store Manager” is a popular event format in Japan where celebrities wear the store’s official uniform and actually handle customer service and the cash register.
Participating Members and the Enthusiastic Atmosphere
The following three members served as the 1-day managers at the Nagasaki store:
- Cocoha Eguchi
- Karen Fukui
- Ayane Ryuzu
The event was limited to two hours, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, for the first 80 people. The venue was filled with the smiles of the members and the excitement of the fans. Watching the members in their uniforms greeting customers with a bright “Irasshaimase!” (Welcome!) was a wonderful opportunity that perfectly symbolized FamilyMart’s brand message: “FamilyMart, Where You Are One of the Family.”
HKT48, Celebrating Their 15th Anniversary, Updates the Kyushu Region
HKT48, the project partner, will reach the significant milestone of their 15th anniversary in 2026. Based in Hakata, Fukuoka, their identity as “idols you can go and meet” is at the heart of their community-focused activities.
This project, developed under the keyword “With HKT48 at the Konbini,” is more than just an advertisement. It showcases a new form of social contribution where idols proactively participate in solving regional issues. While previous collaborations included wrapped stores and limited-edition printed goods, the “Voice-Enabled Food Drive Box” is one of their most creative ideas yet.
Japanese convenience stores are evolving into “places that support the region and make everyone smile,” powered by the energy of idols. If you find yourself in Kyushu, why not visit one of the participating stores and join the warm circle of donation?
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