In the world of anime, it has become a trend for fans to embark on “holy pilgrimages” to locations featured in their favorite shows. Some enthusiasts have even taken it a step further by choosing to live in these areas. This unique phenomenon has caught the attention of one municipality, which is now offering relocation consultations specifically tailored for anime fans. This innovative approach to regional development is gaining popularity.
One such fan who took advantage of this opportunity is Kotaro Kumamoto, a 28-year-old who works on an olive farm on Shodoshima island in Kagawa Prefecture. He made the move from Okayama Prefecture in April 2022 after falling in love with the setting of the anime “Karakaijozu no Takagi-san” (Teasing Master Takagi-san). The island served as the backdrop for this popular romantic comedy manga turned TV anime series.
Kumamoto was captivated by the interactions between two main characters, Takagi-san and Nishikata, and wanted to continue following their story. His first visit to Shodoshima was during his time as a student at Okayama University in 2018. He was amazed by how closely the scenery resembled what he had seen in the anime, including landmarks like their school and a shrine they passed by on their way home. During his visits, Kumamoto also discovered his love for olives, which are a specialty product of the island.
After graduating from university and working at a strawberry farm in Okayama Prefecture for two years, Kumamoto decided to make Shodoshima his permanent home. Through his frequent visits as an anime fan, he had gained insight into how people lived on the island and felt that he could enjoy himself there indefinitely.
The concept of visiting “sacred places” associated with anime and other productions can be traced back to fans of “Lucky Star,” who flocked to a shrine featured in the show located in Kuki, Saitama Prefecture back in 2007. Another example is Oarai, Ibaraki Prefecture, which serves as the setting for “Girls und Panzer,” an anime about high school girls participating in tank warfare competitions. The town has seen an influx of residents due to its connection with this popular series.
Akira Osato from Oarai Tourist Association welcomes these newcomers with open arms and highlights how some have integrated into local life by opening coffee shops or becoming volunteer firefighters. Similar success stories can be found elsewhere too; Numazu organized its first relocation consultation event specifically targeting fans of “Love Live! Sunshine!!,” resulting in several groups considering moving there permanently.
Takeshi Okamoto from Kindai University explains that while this trend may seem newsworthy now, it’s not entirely surprising given that many anime fans feel deeply connected to these fictional settings just like outdoor enthusiasts might want to live near mountains or ski resorts they adore.
However exciting this phenomenon may be for some individuals and communities alike, it hasn’t been without its challenges either. Complaints have arisen from local residents regarding disruptive behavior exhibited by some overzealous fans taking pictures or causing traffic disturbances while trying to capture scenes reminiscent of their beloved shows.
Okamoto emphasizes that local governments should play an active role by providing comprehensive information about living conditions while seeking understanding from existing residents so that newcomers can integrate seamlessly into these communities long-term without any major issues arising.
