By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
The Japanese restaurant chain Kura Sushi has released a clever and hilarious line of sushi boxes based on the instantly recognizable shapes from Tetris.
It’s another example of Tetris smartly using the shapes from the hit video game – called Tetriminos – in ways that resonate with its many fans. For example, TLL previously covered the release of stackable, Tetrimino food containers from Samsung, or the creation of a waffle maker from Fizz Creations that turns out Tetrimino-shaped waffles.
Now Kura Sushi is showing why it’s good to play with your food, with new sushi boxes in the four common shapes of Tetriminos. The S-shaped Tetrimino, for example, holds Nigeri and sushi rolls; the T-shaped Tetrimino contains all sushi rolls; the square Tetrimino features Chirashi; and the L-shaped Tetrimino features all Nigeri.
The fit also makes sense as Kura Sushi is a restaurant chain that relies on innovative food-serving technologies. The chain is a Japanese restaurant concept serving authentic Japanese cuisine through an engaging revolving sushi service model that brings the food directly to the customer, where they can choose what they want. The chain currently has 40 locations in 12 US states, but it’s also among the largest restaurant chains in Japan, with over 500 outlets.
Kura Sushi USA says it was thrilled to announce its newest Bikkura Pon collaboration with Tetris, which of course is also one of the most popular electronic games of all time. The Bikkura Pon program also provides a variety of prizes for customers, in addition to the sushi boxes that customers can keep and use again.
“Following the success of last year’s highly sought after Bikkura Pon collaboration, we are proud to partner again with The Tetris Company to celebrate a brand that has created a timeless game beloved by many generations across the globe,” said Sally Kurosaki, Promotions & Licensing Manager of Kura Sushi USA, Inc. “We love rewarding guests of all ages with fun prizes from our Bikkura Pon Prize System, and hope they find stacking up sushi plates just as satisfying as stacking up Tetriminos in the Tetris game!”
Available exclusively at Kura Revolving Sushi Bar U.S. restaurants through December 31, 2022, the Tetris x Kura Sushi Bikkura Pon prize collection includes a lanyard, temporary tattoos and can badges.
The unique collectibles are dispensed from the Bikkura Pon Prize System, an integral part of Kura Sushi USA’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 fifteen plates inserted, a Tetris 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 the brands did collaborate last year, this is the first time customers are able to directly purchase the Tetrimino sushi boxes for use at home. All four of the Tetrimino sushi boxes are available for purchase at participating Kura Revolving Sushi Bar locations for takeout and delivery with prices ranging from $16 to $19 for the Chirashi box.
“We’re delighted to be working again with Kura Sushi USA to activate yet another unique opportunity for both Tetris and sushi fans to get their hands on some exclusive prizes through the latest Bikkura Pon collaboration,” said Maya Rogers, president and CEO of Tetris. “Our partnership delivers an unmatched ‘eatertainment’ experience and we are excited to engage with Kura Revolving Sushi Bar guests in a fun and memorable way.”
Rounding out the Tetris collaboration items, Kura Sushi Rewards Members will be eligible to receive a limited-edition Tetris x Kura Sushi Graphic Tee for every $80.00 spent in the restaurant, although the dates for the Tetris x Kura Sushi Graphic Tee in-store giveaway are still to be released. Kura Sushi says, based on last year’s experience, there could be a run on the boxes and other items, so quantities will be limited and not guaranteed.
For more details about the Tetris x Kura Sushi Bikkura Pon Series 2 Collaboration, visit https://kurasushi.com/tetris-bikkura-pon-collaboration.