Eel and Caviar?! "Where's the Rice?" Reactions of Surprise as Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Post Sparks Buzz with "Unseasoned Roasted Eel Shows True Connoisseur Taste"

On the official X account for Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, a photo of a plushie in front of unseasoned roasted eel (shirayaki) and caviar was posted alongside the message "Frieren of the Midsummer Day of the Ox," sparking a buzz on social media.

What was posted was a brief phrase, "Frieren of the Midsummer Day of the Ox," along with a photo of a Frieren plushie peering into a lacquered bento box filled with unseasoned roasted eel (shirayaki). The post date of July 26 coincided with the Midsummer Day of the Ox (Doyo no Ushi no Hi). Rather than a standard menu served over rice like unaju or unadon, it was a choice for true connoisseurs—opting specifically for unseasoned roasted eel. Furthermore, a small side dish placed next to it featured a generous serving of caviar on a shiso leaf accompanied by a silver spoon, creating a luxurious combination that caught people's eyes.

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is an "aftermath" fantasy depicting what happens after the party of heroes defeated the Demon King. It follows Frieren, an elf mage who has lived for over a thousand years, as she sets out on a journey to "know people," triggered by the death of her former companion, the hero Himmel. The unique flow of time and the delicate portrayal of human relationships with the people she meets on her journey with new companions have earned the support of many readers and viewers.

In response to this unexpected menu choice for the Midsummer Day of the Ox, social media was flooded with playful banter and surprised reactions, such as "Wait, there's no rice?! And caviar?", and "Unseasoned roasted eel—now that's connoisseur taste!" Additionally, words of appreciation for getting through the severe heat were posted, including "Everyone who worked hard in the summer is a warrior," and "Build up your stamina and get through the intense heat!"

(C)Kanehito Yamada, Tsukasa Abe/Shogakukan/ "Frieren"Project