“We want to deliver Tsuitachi-Mochi to everyone even during the coronavirus pandemic!” Utilization of digital tools by the long-established store “Akafukumochi” started with a strong desire

Recommended points for using Akafukumochi ’s digital tools
・With the newly introduced numbered ticket distribution system, you can shop while avoiding the Three Cs.
・ You can check congestion information on your smartphone, so you can choose a free time and enjoy coffee.
・ Even if you can't come to Ise, you can purchase various Akafukumochi products online.



Closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Utilizing digital tools to sell Hassaku Awamochi

◆The pink exterior that everyone knows. Akafukumochi is one of the symbols of Ise.

Akafukumochi mochi is a popular souvenir from Ise and Mie prefectures. When visiting Ise, you can eat freshly made food at the store, and the main store in front of Okage-yokocho is always busy.
Akafukumochi was also greatly affected by the spread of the new coronavirus infection in 2020, and decided to close from April to May. Since resuming operations, we have taken measures to prevent infectious diseases, such as thorough disinfection and efforts to avoid crowds, and have operated with a system to ensure safety and security.

◆Thorough hygiene management at both stores and factories. We are continuing efforts to avoid crowds in our daily work.

In Ise, there is a custom of visiting the shrine early on the first day of each month, called ``Tsutachi-mairi,'' and Akafukumochi welcomes worshipers by preparing ``Tsutachi Tsuitachi-Mochi,'' or ``first-day rice cakes.'' Many people line up from early morning to buy the extremely popular Tsuitachi-Mochi, making it difficult to avoid crowds, so sales of Tsuitachi-Mochi have been suspended from May onwards. However, there was a strong desire among employees to restart the event, especially from August's ``Hassaku Awamochi'', which is known as ``Hassaku Shrine'' and is attended by many worshipers.

◆Tsuitachi-Mochi which is especially popular among Sakubi rice cakes

Is it possible to sell Tsuitachi-Mochi without crowding? We will investigate and consider a system that can eliminate the lines that occur, and introduce digital tools tailored to the actual situation of the store by issuing paper tickets divided into 30-minute time slots according to the sales status of Tsuitachi-Mochi. I was able to do that.
And the sale of Tsuitachi-Mochi in August. With the support of the person in charge of the company that developed the system, we were able to issue and operate the numbered tickets without any problems. Since then, there has been no confusion among customers, and they have continued to sell the historic Tsuitachi-Mochi while avoiding crowds.

◆Time-specific numbered ticket issuing system. The numbered ticket itself is handed out in paper form.





Expanding the scope of use of digital tools step by step and utilizing them to prevent infectious diseases

The system introduced after the resumption of sales Tsuitachi-Mochi is also being used at Akafukumochi main store and another store across the street. As the number of people visiting the cafe increases and the cafe gets crowded, numbered tickets will be issued. In order to avoid crowds waiting to enter the store, we have adopted a system that allows us to spread out the number of people entering the store. Ticketing can be easily done using a tablet, so employees can respond quickly.

◆The appeal is that you can enjoy freshly made Akafukumochi mochi with bancha at the store.

We have also introduced a system that allows you to check the congestion situation on your smartphone. By checking before visiting, you can choose an available time to eat and drink.

◆The current congestion status of each store is communicated in real time.





Enjoy our specialties at home through our online shop

In response to the needs of people who want to enjoy Akafukumochi products even if they can't visit in person, Akafukumochi is increasing the number of products available at its online shop. Originally, Akafukumochi Mochi was sold online in the winter, but from December 2020, `` Akafukumochi Zenzai'', which was a coffee menu available only in winter at directly managed stores, can now be purchased at the online shop. It is a great service that allows people to enjoy Ise specialties at home while refraining from traveling, and the number of users of the online shop is increasing.

◆At the online shop, Akafukumochi Zenzai and other products are popular because you can enjoy the flavors you get at the store at home.

Responding to sudden travel restrictions and new normal. With the new power of digital tools, Akafukumochi will continue to convey the same deliciousness both locally and online.