AKB48 7-11 Promotion

A large number of companies have utilized AKB48′s rising fame to their benefit in all assortment of advertising. While the girls certainly benefit from the additional exposure, it was only a matter of time before things started getting out of hand.

The month of July, sees the girls of AKB48 decked out in 7-11 uniforms promoting their new line of takeaway food. Just a few months ago, fans could sample some AKBJuice so surely someone must had dreamed of having a bite of AKB48?

The group’s first collaboration with the giant convenience store chain will see AKB48 themed food in all 12,746 outlets throughout the country for the next 3 weeks. Details can be found over at the official Japanese website .

During the 3 weeks, 2 food items will be introduced each week: one onigiri (rice ball) and a pastry. The items are being marketed as chosen items that the girls would like their fans to eat and are packaged in their signature tartan patterns. 7-11 outlets have set up displays of the girls with handwritten thoughts from the girls on why you should eat the snacks.

Amakara Sauce Friend Chicken Mayo Onigiri.

Strawberry and Whipped Cream Melon Bun

This week, fans were treated to a “Team B” Amakara (sweet and salty) Sauce Friend Chicken Mayo Onigiri and a “Team A” Strawberry and Whipped Cream Melon Bun.

Komatsuna Onigiri.

Mango Cream Bun.

Next weeks items seem to be a “Team A” Komatsuna (mustard) Onigiri and a “Team K” Mango and Whipped Cream Melon Bun.

Beef Onigiri.

Pineapple Cream Bun.

Finally, week 3 will see the handmade “Team K” Karubi Beef Onigiri and a “Team B” Pineapple Whipped Cream Melon Bun.

There will also be AKB48 cupped ramen, fruit jelly and Ponytail to Shushu themed ice cream cones sold until the end of the month.

The main draw for fans will be the additional lucky draw attached to this promotion. Spending 700 yen in a single receipt will entitle shoppers a chance to win 1 of 48 exclusive AKB48 Bearbricks designed by the members. Other prizes include AKB48 themed Nanaco cards (the 7-11 equivalent of the Suica), iPods and some other paraphernalia. All of these items are bound to sell well on the secondary market. Purchases will also go toward earning you special cellphone wallpapers of the girls in the store’s uniform.

Commercials for the event have been airing on Japanese TV. They feature a new AKB jingle for the store called “Lucky 7″.

I’m guessing that some people will still need to get quick bites from 7-11 regardless of whether the items were given the AKB48 branding. But stores will probably see a rise in sales from obsessed Wotas not unlike the Evangelion fiasco at their oulet in Hakone.

Special thanks to 7&i Holdings for the press release.