The whole world was very much tuned in to the most recent US elections and Japan was no exception. One city in Japan has been most specially attentive and no wonder because this city’s name is OBAMA. Yes, just like the current US President Barack Obama’s name. Note though that the city of Obama long long before Barack Obama was even in diapers.
The city of Obama, which means “little beach” in Japanese, in fact used to depend mostly on fishing for its main source of income. Now it has a thriving tourist industry thanks to world class products like the Wakasa lacquer ware, agate accessories, Wakasa paper, tiles, and their famous lacquered chopsticks. There are also plenty of sights to see with the city boasting more than 130 temples and Buddha statues that were made in the Heian and Kamakura eras.
We of course can not disregard the influence of the Obama name in drawing attention to this city, which gave their all out support for President Obama. This is town in fact is so enthusiastic about how things have turned for their favourite US president that the mayor has declared November 4 to be an annual holiday and even plans on putting up Obama’s statue in front of the city hall. Now, how’s that for being a huge fan?