Obama Loves Obama!

By Rachel Turner | Thursday, Mar 6, 2008

The city of Obama, Japan, lies in Fukui Prefecture. It’s not exactly a bustling metropolis. The population hovers around 32,000, and the main industry is fishing. There are some temples, some shrines, some seaside terraces, and not a lot else. This little city didn’t really have a claim to fame…until Barack Obama began his run to be the Democratic nominee for president of the United States.

These days Barack Obama is everywhere in Obama, Japan. His face adorns signs. “I Love Obama” t-shirts are a hot seller. Products ranging from candy to chopsticks bear his name. A little over a year ago, the mayor of Obama sent the senator a care package. It included a DVD of the city, a set of lacquer chopsticks (which the city is famous for), and a well-wishing letter. On Tuesday the town received a response from the presidential hopeful, who thanked the mayor for his kindness. On Wednesday, March 5th, over a hundred residents gathered to show their support for the candidate. They sang, they danced, they ate Obama Hamburgers, and they tried to cheer the candidate up after his recent primary defeats in Texas and Ohio.

Although Barack Obama has never been to Obama, Japan, the residents there hope that will change once he becomes president. Barack certainly has some die-hard Japanese supporters. Businesses display signs reading “Gambare Obama!” The local pachinko parlor, the President, has renamed itself “The President Obama,” and holds “Super Tuesday” events every week. There has been more than one “primary party” organized where visitors and residents watch the Democratic primary results on television. It’s not for nothing that the citizens there are throwing their support behind Obama for president. The city hopes that if their famous namesake becomes the leader of the free world, they might benefit from a tourism boom.

Want to be the first on your block to visit the senator’s namesake city? The train ride on JR West will take about five hours from Tokyo. Check out hyperdia.com for train times and ticket information. While there, be sure to load up on Obama kitsch and nosh on an Obama cutlet roll. Go for a leisurely stroll along the shore of Wakasa Bay and check out some of the city’s temples (Hagaji Temple comes recommended). The city is called “Nara by the Sea,” and it’s not a bad place to spend a few relaxing days. Just remember when you hit it big at the President Obama, who tipped you off. I’ll be looking for my “I Love Obama” souvenir from you in the mail.

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Rachel's articles have appeared in publications all over Japan. Check out her blog at www.amateurfatalist.com

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