Technology

Kura Sushi partners with anime series for swag

Provided

February 1, 2023

Kura Sushi USA, a technology-enabled restaurant concept serving Japanese cuisine through a revolving sushi service model, is elevating the prizes in its table-side vending machines by collaborating with My Hero Academia, a Japanese manga and anime series streaming on the subscription-based platform, Crunchyroll.

Available at U.S. restaurants through March 31, the My Hero Academia and Kura Sushi Bikkura Pon prize collection includes a lanyard, acrylic keychains and can badges — each featuring My Hero Academia characters such as Izuku Midoriya, Katsuki Bakugo, Ochaco Uraraka and Shoto Todoroki, according to a company press release.

The limited-time collectibles are dispensed from Kura Sushi USA's proprietary Bikkura Pon Prize System, an integral part of the brand's interactive and tech-driven dining experience. The system is comprised of a prize machine, touch panel and plate disposal slot located at every table in the restaurant. Connected via sensors, the touch panel registers the number of plates dispensed into the plate disposal slot. For every 15 plates inserted, a My Hero Academia x Kura Sushi Bikkura Pon prize is automatically dispensed from the prize machine. The prize collection is also available for individual purchase in-store and online at https://order.kurasushi.com, while supplies last.

"It's absolutely thrilling to be working with the My Hero Academia and Crunchyroll team to create a one-of-a-kind collaboration," Sally Kurosaki, promotions and licensing manager of Kura Sushi USA, said in the release. "We hope our guests have a memorable dining experience, surrounded by their favorite heroic character decorations, receiving exclusive collectibles and Plus Ultra."

Kura Sushi rewards members are also eligible to receive a limited-edition My Hero Academia x Kura Sushi graphic T-shirt or a tote bag for every $80 spent in the restaurant on select days. Guests can receive the shirts through Feb. 3, and the tote will be given March 1-3.

"Anime fans love to enjoy their favorite series on the go, and we're excited to present this new My Hero Academia collaboration with Kura Sushi USA Inc., Anna Songco Adamian, VP of consumer products at Crunchyroll, said in the release. "Now, fans can enjoy the chance of winning one of their favorite characters in Kura's Bikkura Pon Prize system while spending time with friends and families."

Kura Sushi USA has 43 locations in 14 states.