AYAKA Named PR Ambassador for Kushikatsu Tanaka
Ayaka has been appointed as the PR ambassador for the kushikatsu restaurant chain Kushikatsu Tanaka.
Ayaka attended the Kushikatsu Tanaka Rebranding Press Conference held in Tokyo yesterday, where her appointment as the chain's official PR ambassador was announced.
Her contract runs from September 4 through November 3. During that period, she is expected to appear on the company's official website, in-store posters, social media, and other promotional materials.
Kushikatsu Tanaka is an izakaya chain specializing in kushikatsu, a popular Osaka specialty. Kushikatsu is a casual dish made by skewering meat or vegetables, coating them in batter, deep-frying them, and dipping them in a sweet and savory sauce. In Osaka, it has long been popular as an inexpensive and filling meal for factory workers.
The chain opened its first restaurant in Setagaya, Tokyo, in December 2008 and has since expanded to more than 300 locations across Japan.
Ayaka has been a devoted customer for more than 10 years and is officially recognized by the chain as "the biggest Kushikatsu Tanaka fan in the entertainment industry."
She reportedly first became acquainted with the restaurant when she was around 20 years old, after a friend began working there part-time.
She has repeatedly talked about the restaurant on her podcast, "Sasaki Ayaka no 0100," and also appeared in the opening interview of the book "Kushikatsu Tanaka FAN BOOK Kiwami," published by Takarajimasha in January 2026, representing the chain's fans.
The company's president introduced her by saying, "She talks about our restaurants during concerts and on the radio, so all of our employees and part-time staff know about A-rin's love for Kushikatsu Tanaka."
Ayaka appeared at the event wearing the chain's new uniform and said with a smile, "I've been active with Momoiro Clover Z since my school days, so I've never had a part-time job before. I'm happy to finally get to wear a uniform."
Her favorite kushikatsu is tarako, or cod roe. "It's moist and crispy, and you can just keep eating them. I always eat six or seven skewers," she enthusiastically explained.
At the venue, she sampled kushikatsu along with a highball offered at the chain's new price (110Yen!). "Is it really okay to drink in front of everyone? I'm getting embarrassed," she said shyly before taking a hearty drink.
Ayaka also revealed that Momonofus often visit Kushikatsu Tanaka for after-parties following concerts.
"Many people come here almost as if they are coming to see A-rin. I think the fans are even happier about this announcement than I am. I'm looking forward to searching my own name online after the press conference," she said.
The news has been covered by many media outlets. Below is an automatic translation link to modelpress, which appears to have published the largest number of photos among the coverage.
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