LOCAL FOOD FIGHT IN TOTTORI, held in Japan’s Tottori Prefecture last weekend, was expected to attract 50,000 visitors. Reports suggest the actual turnout was only around 500 to 1,000, leaving vendors furious and thrusting the event into the spotlight.
Rica Matsumoto, the actor and voice behind Ash Ketchum in the Pokémon anime, also posted on X about the microphone, sound system, and other equipment problems she encountered at the event. Still, she remained upbeat, saying she believed she had managed to connect with the audience. Her response prompted many users to criticize the local organizers for treating a performer of her caliber so disrespectfully.
LOCAL FOOD FIGHT IN TOTTORI, where Matsumoto was scheduled to perform, had projected an attendance of 50,000. Instead, reports claimed that only several hundred people showed up. The venue was largely deserted, while equipment failures and inadequate preparations fueled mounting criticism of the organizers’ handling of the event.
Footage of Matsumoto’s performance also sparked discussion on social media. The venue appeared extremely basic, and Matsumoto repeatedly had to cue the technical crew as the sound system malfunctioned. She was left to carry the entire atmosphere by herself in the makeshift performance area, while even her microphone appeared to have problems.
As criticism mounted over the organizers’ “disrespectful” treatment of Matsumoto, her own gracious response earned widespread praise. Opening with the words “Passing smiles along in Tottori,” Matsumoto shared photos of the coastline and the event.
Looking back on the day, she wrote: “The microphone suddenly cut out, the music would not play, and all kinds of things happened, but I turned every one of them into laughter.” She also thanked the audience, adding, “I think I managed to connect with everyone on a heartfelt level.” She even made time to praise the local cuisine: “And just as everyone said, the beef-bone ramen really was delicious!”
The photos show Matsumoto performing not on a stage, but on what appears to be a flat stone walkway. Facing the gathered crowd, she raises her right hand and throws herself into the performance.
Responding to Matsumoto’s post, one local resident who said they lived near the venue wrote:
“We are incredibly grateful that you still came and performed under such terrible conditions. As a local resident, I feel deeply sorry and extremely angry with the event organizers. Your performance moved not only your local fans, but even people who had not been fans before. Thank you so much.” Matsumoto replied, “Next time, I hope I can properly share my songs with everyone at a real indoor venue.”
Another user, who appeared to have attended the event, commented: “Thank you so much for coming all the way to Tottori! You delivered an incredible performance despite those sound conditions. It showed me what true professionalism looks like.” Matsumoto personally responded, “Thank you, everyone!”
Another user left a lengthy message:
“If it had been me, I probably would have started complaining. I would have thought, ‘I’m a professional! What kind of setup is this?’ That is why I have so much admiration for you, Rica, and for the way you stayed positive and shared such a wonderful post. Your reason for taking the stage, your desire to ‘pass smiles along,’ and that manmaru spirit of wholeness and harmony all come through in your words. Your unwavering conviction is truly moving. That is what I love most about you!”
Delighted by the heartfelt message, Matsumoto replied, “I got an ‘I love you’!”
Despite one unexpected problem after another, Matsumoto remained cheerful and composed. Rather than taking her frustration out on the audience, she did everything she could to give them a memorable experience. Her professionalism and warm approach have since earned widespread praise online.