Today, on Monday, May 17th, 2021, major Japanese potato chip maker Koikeya Co., Ltd. launched a new version of their JAPAN PRIDE Potato Roasted Nori and Soy Sauce flavor potato chips, along with a campaign aimed at reducing marine waste.

In 2018, Koikeya launched this potato chip series to celebrate the registration of the "Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region" (of northwest Kyūshū) in the UNESCO World Heritage List the year before. Since 2019, Koike has also been participating in Munakata City's "Save the Sea" activities to protect the marine environment in the region.

These chips feature a trio of ingredients made in Kyushu. Conger eel from the Kanesaki Fishing Port in Munakata City, which boasts the largest catch of conger eel in Fukuoka Prefecture, roasted nori seaweed harvested from the Ariake Sea, which is rich in minerals and has a mellow flavor, as well as sweet and umami-rich soy sauce from Maruyoshi, a Munakata-based brand which continues to produce soy sauce in the traditional way. Combined with the flavor of the Japanese potatoes, this blend of quality ingredients creates a flavorful chip that embodies the pride of Koikeya.

"Save the Sea" campaign: reducing marine waste

In addition to donating one yen per bag to the "Save the Sea" campaign, Koike will also donate to Munakata City through a Twitter campaign (see below).

Furthermore, in 2021, Koike will work together with the citizens of Munakata City and local fishing cooperatives to develop sustainability promotion activities aimed at recycling marine trash washed ashore. Their new partner in this effort is TerraCycle, a global pioneer in the recycling of hard-to-recycle materials which also provides products made from marine plastics.

Koike plans to recycle marine plastic washed ashore on the coast of Munakata City, and use it in packaging for future products (from 2022).

JAPAN Pride Potato with Roasted Nori and Soy Sauce goes on sale in convenience stores nationwide today, May 17th, 2021 and in supermarkets and other sales channels from May 24th, 2021.

For more information, visit the websites of Munakata City, Fukuoka Prefecture, and Munakata, Okinoshima Island and related heritage sites.

"Your Retweet will Save the Sea of Munakata" Campaign

In this campaign, for every retweet, 1 yen will be donated to the conservation activities of the natural marine environment of the Munakata coastal area. (500,000 yen will be donated for every 100,000 retweets or more). In addition, 20 people who participate in the campaign by following and retweeting the post will be selected by lottery to receive a box (12 bags) of JAPAN Pride Potato with Roasted Nori and Soy Sauce.

• How to apply: Follow Koikeya [Official] (@koikeya_cp) and retweet the campaign tweet.
• Application period: Friday, May 14, 2021, 13:30 PM - Thursday, May 20, 2021, 12:00 PM
• Present prize (for 20 people): JAPAN PRIDE Potatoes, Yaki Nori Shoyu (1 box/12 bags)