Japan unveils anime ‘pilgrimage trail’ to lure foreign fans
The Anime Tourism Association of Japan has mapped out 88 locations across Japan to be included as an anime ‘pilgrimage trail’ for tourists.
The association has selected the cities, towns and wards after a global vote from a shortlist of 150 sites.
It hopes the anime circuit will attract anime fans from overseas to visit the locations, many of which are well off the mainstream tourist trail.
They include Shinjuku Ward in Tokyo and Hida in Gifu Prefecture, which are related to current blockbuster movie ‘Kimi no Na wa’ (Your Name).
The town of Oarai in Ibaraki Prefecture is also included as the setting for the ‘Girls and Panzer’ series.
Fumiyuki Kakizawa, head of public relations for the Anime Tourism Association said there are many anime fans keen to see the real life locations but there has been a lack of information available in foreign languages.
He said the list of places will be renewed annually.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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