Welcome to this week’s review of notable instances of public transit use and urban design, as well as discussion of place identity and culture, through anime currently broadcast or screening in Japan and simulcast internationally via the web. This review also documents seichijunrei (聖地巡礼 sacred site pilgrimage) and butaitanbou (舞台探訪 scene hunting)—on this website referred to collectively as anime pilgrimage—which are forms of place-based engagement induced by the use of real locations in show settings.
Media and General Interest
SunFes! 10
Though participation was dampened by ongoing concerns regarding Covid-19, Sunrise Festival 10 (サンライズフェスティバル10)—commonly referred to as SunFes! (サンフェス！)—was held August 30 at Miyako Messe in Kyoto. This is a dōjinshi event specifically targeting Hibike! Euphonium derived contents. Several butaitanbou-sha circles exhibited publications, but the undisputed highlight of the event was the public debut of tobidashi Natsuki. No word yet on whether or where she might be headed for permanent installation.
遅まきながら本日のお品書き。新作「クミコ酒」、限定一品復活ステンレスボトル、既刊「宇治のたしなみ」です。宇治のたしなみは今回で終売です。 pic.twitter.com/B23X8lDcaY
— 夷（ゑびす）@聖地移住本制作中 (@ye_bi_su) August 30, 2020
設営完了！
それでは本日はサンフェス！10 みやこめっせ第一展示場B-27『探これ with くるみ屋本舗』でお待ちしております！ pic.twitter.com/KjyiCvWke0
— セキ (@seki_saima) August 30, 2020
可愛いかった！
夏紀パイセン！！！サンフェスでお金が溶けた旦那は
当分私に節約と言えないはず(笑) pic.twitter.com/tZiw58xT0m— 稀莉 (@chihopooh525) August 30, 2020
Yuyuyu character birthday
Fans of Yūki Yūna wa Yūsha de Aru traveled to Kan’onji, Kagawa Prefecture on August 30 to attend birthday celebrations for character Nogi Sonoka at michi-no-eki Toyohama (道の駅 とよはま). Media coverage: Shikoku Shimbun, Shikoku Shimbun (print)
そのっちおめでとう！ (@ 道の駅 とよはま – @toyomichi1 in 観音寺市, 香川県 w/ @hiro_tan3) https://t.co/Trqm6XKBKq pic.twitter.com/AX8MQfP4rN
— リジス (@lidges) August 30, 2020
Manga City Tokyo exhibit
The National Art Center (国立新美術館) in Roppongi, Tokyo launched a very interesting exhibition with a very long name, Manga City Tokyo: Japan’s Manga, Anime, Games, Special Effects 2020 (ＭＡＮＧＡ 都市 ＴＯＫＹＯ ニッポンのマンガ・アニメ・ゲーム・特撮 ２０２０). The special exhibition was first held in France in 2018 and features about 550 items that illustrate how the city has been portrayed in works of popular culture, including material on manga, anime and seichijunrei. Access to the exhibition requires advance registration and will be available until November 3. Media coverage: Comic Natalie, Sankei Shimbun
Chichibu Soraao map
The Chichibu Anime Tourism Executive Committee (秩父アニメツーリズム実行委員会) published an official location map for Sora no Aosa o Shiru Hito yo. Media coverage: Tokyo Shimbun
Kōbe Fate collaboration
The Kōbe Tourism Bureau (神戸観光局) launched a marketing collaboration with Fate/stay night: Heaven’s Feel that will run from August 8 to October 18. The campaign includes a stamp rally, special events, augmented reality app featuring characters at various locations, Twitter posting campaign, original posters in the Kōbe Municipal Subway, and limited run original goods. Media coverage: Go Guy Net
Yakunara Mug Cup Mo
Yakunara Mug Cup Mo is a serialized manga launched in 2012 as a vehicle for machi okoshi (町おこし town revitalization) in Tajimi, Gifu Prefecture, supported by the citizens group Cheerful Tajimi Executive Committee (元気な多治見実行委員会). An animation adaptation was announced in February. The manga includes detailed depiction of commercial districts in Tajima and promotes the local pottery industry. Media coverage: Comic Natalie, Anime News Network, Gifu Shimbun
Past Season Pilgrimage
@kimamanidance made a pilgrimage to Umezato, Suginami Ward, Tokyo Metropolis for SSSS.Gridman.
@ritu01238 made a pilgrimage to Chōfu Airport in Chōfu, Tokyo Metropolis for Shirobako.
@Tsurutaro_7thR made a pilgrimage (post 1, post 2) to Kamakura and Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture for Tari Tari.
@Roan_Inish made a pilgrimage to Akashi, Hyōgo Prefecture for Fate/Zero.
@hiro_senritu made a pilgrimage to Asakuchi and Sōja, Okayama Prefecture for Tenchi Muyō! Ryōōki.
