- 14 Mar 2002
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Miyazaki Prefecture in Kyushu uses anime and manga to boost tourism through collaborations between the public and private sectors. One such effort is in Takachiho, a mountainous town northwest of the prefecture, where a campaign featuring exclusive merchandise draws global fans of the popular anime Oshi No Ko (推しの子). To attract a younger demographic beyond its current visitor base, which primarily consists of people in their 30s to 50s, the prefecture is embracing oshikatsu—a term referring to fan-driven activities related to anime and manga.
Photo credit: Yasukawa Hiroyuki
A key location for Oshi No Ko enthusiasts is Michi-no-Eki Takachiho, a roadside rest stop near the picturesque Takachiho Gorge. On weekends, fans visit in search of limited-edition goshuincho, special notebooks used to collect goshuin—unique stamps with calligraphy obtained at shrines and temples. In Takachiho, these goshuin can be collected from three shrines, including Amanoiwato Shrine.
Nobeoka, in northern Miyazaki, is promoting the city through the manga Hamayama Pentagon (浜山ペンタゴン), created by local artist Hiroo Kashima. The comedy series follows a hamster living in an Asahi Kasei housing complex alongside its owner, a student whose father works at the company's factory. In November 2023, Nobeoka partnered with the Anime Tourism Association to attract manga fans.
Meanwhile, in southern Miyazaki, Nichinan gained attention in 2022 as a possible setting for Makoto Shinkai's hit anime film Suzume (すずめの戸締まり Suzume no Tojimari). Inspired by the movie, Nichinan High School's art club created a door and chair, now displayed at Michi-no-Eki Nango, which has become a popular photo spot for visitors. Nobeoka is also promoting Hamayama Pentagon through social media and public relations efforts. Since December, a special section at the Nobeoka Castle Naito Memorial Museum's photo exhibition has showcased the manga's history, featuring original magazines and autographs from Kashima. Meanwhile, central to the manga, the Asahi Kasei housing complex is undergoing demolition, with only four of the original nine buildings remaining.
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Photo credit: Yasukawa Hiroyuki
A key location for Oshi No Ko enthusiasts is Michi-no-Eki Takachiho, a roadside rest stop near the picturesque Takachiho Gorge. On weekends, fans visit in search of limited-edition goshuincho, special notebooks used to collect goshuin—unique stamps with calligraphy obtained at shrines and temples. In Takachiho, these goshuin can be collected from three shrines, including Amanoiwato Shrine.
Nobeoka, in northern Miyazaki, is promoting the city through the manga Hamayama Pentagon (浜山ペンタゴン), created by local artist Hiroo Kashima. The comedy series follows a hamster living in an Asahi Kasei housing complex alongside its owner, a student whose father works at the company's factory. In November 2023, Nobeoka partnered with the Anime Tourism Association to attract manga fans.
Meanwhile, in southern Miyazaki, Nichinan gained attention in 2022 as a possible setting for Makoto Shinkai's hit anime film Suzume (すずめの戸締まり Suzume no Tojimari). Inspired by the movie, Nichinan High School's art club created a door and chair, now displayed at Michi-no-Eki Nango, which has become a popular photo spot for visitors. Nobeoka is also promoting Hamayama Pentagon through social media and public relations efforts. Since December, a special section at the Nobeoka Castle Naito Memorial Museum's photo exhibition has showcased the manga's history, featuring original magazines and autographs from Kashima. Meanwhile, central to the manga, the Asahi Kasei housing complex is undergoing demolition, with only four of the original nine buildings remaining.
Paywall alert:
Japan's Miyazaki prefecture leverages anime and manga for tourism
Town of Takachiho attracts "Oshi No Ko" pilgrimages from abroad
asia.nikkei.com
