Yokocho Hosts Event To Remember Tohoku Tragedy

Chicken Teriyaki ($7.77 event special)

In honor of the victims, survivors and those who helped with the relief efforts stemming from the devastating earthquake and tsunami that affected the Tohoku region of Japan seven years ago, the team at Waikiki Yokocho Gourmet Alley wants to ensure that those involved in the tragedy are “never forgotten.”

On today’s anniversary of the disaster in 2011, Waikiki Yokocho is offering a collection of lunch specials as well as live entertainment. During Sunday’s event only, two hour parking validations will be available for those utilizing the Hyatt Centric Waikiki lot across the street from Waikiki Shopping Plaza (on the corner of Seaside and Kuhio Avenues) with qualifying purchases of $20 or more. Additionally, Kirin beer will be on special for just $1.99 all day, and live entertainment will be offered by musicians Yoko Matsuda of Japan (6-7:30 p.m.) and Randy Allen (8-10 p.m.) later that evening.

Karaage Teishoku ($7.77 event special)

Diners also can look forward to superb dining specials during the memorial event available at Waikiki Yokocho’s Beniya Sushi and Washoku restaurant for just $7.77 apiece (while supplies last) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The lunch specials, which are served as meal sets with rice and fresh side dishes, are: Chicken Teriyaki prepared with a savory sauce; Karaage Teishoku featuring deep-fried tender pieces of chicken; Saba Shioyaki, tender white fish cooked to perfection; and Shrimp Tempura, a classic deep-fried favorite. As a reminder, the special prices of $7.77, which signifies the seventh anniversary of the Tohoku disaster, are available on Sunday only.

Shrimp Tempura ($7.77 event special)

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“We wanted to set aside a day to honor those who played a role in the recovery in and revival of Tohoku,” says Harold Watanabe, general manager of Waikiki Yokocho. “It’s a great time for local families to check out Waikiki Yokocho as, in addition to the food specials, we’ve also decorated the area with cherry blossoms to coincide with the season. You really get the feel of being in Japan as you enjoy the experience, whether you’re having a drink and pupu, or an entree and dessert.”

With a collection of 15 food-and-beverage establishments arranged like a small village on the Waikiki Shopping Plaza’s lower level, Waikiki Yokocho Gourmet Alley allows diners an opportunity to enjoy cuisine from Japan’s quaint alleys laden with restaurants and bars, all in one location.

Saba Shioyaki ($7.77 event special)

Local diners are encouraged to discover the incredible value at the aromatic “alleyway” of dining destinations, as the eateries within Waikiki Yokocho offer both happy hour and kamaaina discounts throughout the day and night; these price savings are available daily throughout the year and, in many cases, can even be combined for even greater deals. Lunch specials and happy hour meals are available starting at just $9.99 at most of the eateries.

“Come and experience the authentic look, feel and taste of Japan here in Waikiki — with no passport necessary!” says Watanabe. “All of our tenants here also have restaurants in Japan, so they provide a true taste of Japan. Each has its own identity and unique style and approach to food.”