Meiji announced the long-awaited results of the 2019 National Election for Meiji’s long-selling chocolate brands Kinoko no Yama and Takenoko no Sato on December 17 and held an event to showcase a new commercial.
The election ran for almost four months from August 5, 2019 and saw people of Japan casting their vote for their favourite of the two Meiji chocolate snacks: Kinoko no Yama and Takenoko no Sato, represented by Jun Matsumoto (the leader of the New Kinoko Party) and Akihiro Miwa (the leader of the New Takenoko Party) respectively. A total of 10,587,785 votes were cast.
The New Kinoko Party won 6,021,986 votes while the Takenoko Party received 4,565,799 votes, marking a difference of 1,456,187 votes between the two. At the event, the leader of the winning party Jun Matsumoto said: “The New Takenoko Party has finally been beaten this time around at this 3rd National Election. It’s no doubt thanks to all of the citizens of this country who came together as one team and voted. I thank you all.”
Akihiro Miwa also commented on his first loss, saying: “Ah, this is disappointing. Really disappointing. But my love for Takenoko no Sato remains unchanged, and I want the same for the people of this country—for them to continue loving Takenoko no Sato.”
The two party leaders held a discussion after results were announced. Matsumoto said to Miwa, “I’m glad you were able to recover,” commenting on Miwa’s unfortunate bout of ill health. Miwa came right back with, “No matter what happens when it comes to myself, I’ll resurrect like a phoenix.”
At the end of the talk, the event moved on to the topic of Meiji having revamped their two chocolate products for the first time in 40 years. The two party leaders taste tested both and compared their delicious tastes.
This election closes the books on battle between Kinoko no Yama and Takenoko no Sato which has taken place for nearly 40 years. To celebrate this, the “Kinoko no Yama & Takenoko no Sato National Election No Side Association” (きのこの山・たけのこの里国民総選挙ノーサイド協定) was formed. Both party leaders signed the papers to make it official, after which Jun Matsumoto announced his retirement as party leader. “Following our first win, I can now retire from the New Kinoko Party without worry. The New Kinoko Party will forever be eternal!” Matsumoto said, and he placed down his microphone and sash and left the stage.
A campaign is being held to promote the Kinoko no Yama & Takenoko no Sato National Election No Side Association where you can win the chocolate products. Get involved by signing up below.
Information
Kinoko no Yama & Takenoko no Sato National Election No Side Campaign
Running: December 17, 2019 at 12:00 (JST) to January 25, 2020 at 23:59 (JST)
Sign-Up
Online Applications:
1. Visit the special site and click “Webで応募” (sign-up online) to fill out the form.
2. After entering your details click “応募する” (finish sign-up) to complete your application
Twitter Applications:
1. Follow @kinoko_meiji or @takenoko_meiji on Twitter
2. Retweet the application Tweet of either account (here or here). Or, post the following hashtags when following the respective accounts: for the New Kinoko Party it’s #きのこたけのこ国民総選挙ノーサイド and #きのこの山, and for the New Takenoko Party it’s #きのこたけのこ国民総選挙ノーサイド and #たけのこの.
Prizes
・One each of Kinoko no Yama (74g) and Takenoko no Sato (70g) with No Side packaging
・2 party original QUO cards with ¥500 each on them
・Kinoko no Yama and Takenoko no Sato squishies
*40 sets available for 40 people
Special Site: http://sousenkyo.kinotake.jp/?link=kie19071102
Kinoko no Yama & Takenoko no Sato
Brand Website: https://www.meiji.co.jp/sweets/chocolate/kinotake/
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