Twins Savor California State Fair Delights for Japanese TV

The Hungry Twins Take on the California State Fair

It was mid-afternoon at the California State Fair when Ako and Kako Ono, known in Japan as the "hungry twins," prepared for their latest challenge: eating large amounts of food on camera. Their unique lifestyle and moniker have made them a popular duo in Japanese media, particularly through their participation in eating competitions and their YouTube channel, "Harapeko Twins."

The pair, both 33 years old, were accompanied by a seven-person crew that set up cameras and arranged a variety of dishes on a red plastic tablecloth under a large canopy. The menu included a hamburger with cotton candy, beef tallow french fries, a drink in a hollowed-out watermelon, and a funnel cake topped with strawberries. The goal was to capture their reactions as they tackled these unusual food items, which would later be featured on the Japanese television show "Sekai Kurabete Mitara," meaning "let's compare to the rest of the world."

The production team chose the California State Fair for its size and variety of food, aiming to create content that would showcase the differences between American and Japanese culinary experiences. According to Ryan McCune, the on-site production coordinator, the footage from the fair could fill multiple episodes of the show, which is expected to air in the fall. The show will feature various Japanese celebrities exploring different cultures through food and other experiences.

Ako and Kako’s visit to the fair was not just about eating—it was also about connecting with local visitors. As the crew moved around the fairgrounds, they captured interviews with fairgoers who were intrigued by the twins’ presence. One such encounter involved Ryan Martindale, a 47-year-old from Rocklin, who approached the Onos for a selfie. He and his family were later interviewed by the production staff, who asked them to estimate the twins’ weight.

Janine Martindale, Ryan’s wife, recalled the conversation. “I said maybe 119 pounds,” she said. “They told me they’re about 90 pounds. That makes it so much more impressive.”

For Janine, the experience was more than just a fun interaction. She hoped that Japanese viewers of the show would see an authentic side of American life, one that isn’t always portrayed in global politics. “We’re seen as superior, but this fair shows people that we’re just trying to have a good time,” she said.

As the twins sat down for their meal, the crew captured the moment with cameras rolling. Ako and Kako began their meal with the traditional Japanese expression “itadakimasu,” a sign of gratitude before eating. Ako picked up the cotton candy burger, while Kako took the beef tallow-fried burger. Within minutes, the table was cleared of all the dishes, leaving behind only the memories of a day filled with food, laughter, and cultural exchange.

The California State Fair provided a unique opportunity for the Onos to explore new flavors and share their experiences with a global audience. Their journey highlighted not only their love for food but also the joy of discovering new cultures through shared meals.