"Kochi Prefecture's 'Share the Good Stuff' Event @ Yurakucho" Has the "Bonito Man" returned?

Kochi Prefecture has been running its "Kochike" PR campaign since 2013. Under this name, which expresses the warm, family-like nature of its residents once you meet them, the prefecture aims to promote local products to outside markets, boost tourism, and encourage relocation through various information initiatives. This year, its second, the theme is "Let's share all the great things from Kochi Prefecture." In line with this, the Kochi Prefecture Local Products Overseas Sales Corporation held the "Kochi Prefecture Great Things Sharing Event @ Yurakucho" on October 19th at the Yurakucho Station Plaza in Tokyo.

(Images other than stage photos = Reproduced from Katsuo Ningen Facebook)

 

 

The corporation's special assignment section chief character, "Katsuo Man," traveled to Tokyo to promote the prefecture's PR video "Katsuo Man: The Movie 2 - Katsuo, Currently on Business Trip" and to attend the event. However, he left a note at the Ginza antenna shop "Marugoto Kochi" and went missing. The question remained: Would he return in time for the event? This plot twist was set up, and over the week leading up to the event, the story of his whereabouts was shared as a narrative on Facebook ( https://ja-jp.facebook.com/katsuo.ningen ).

         

The event stage recreated a traditional Japanese living room, featuring guest actress Mizuki Kuwahara (Kochi native: former SKE48 member). Deputy Director Dai Yoshimura from the Prefecture's Industrial Promotion Division introduced the three major specialties: bonito, yuzu, and ginger. He and Kuwahara engaged in lively discussion about the prefecture's "great products," covering how to eat bonito and delicious vegetables. The Katsuo Man also made an appearance, reclining on a raised platform. Apparently, he had been fishing off the coast of Kochi after being pestered by a woman who begged, "I want to eat returning bonito!"

The event featured "sharing samples of local delicacies," a bonito dissection show, and Yosakoi dance performances. Nearby at "Marugoto Kochi," a lottery draw and other activities were also held.

  Bonito Man: The Movie "Let's Meet at Harimaya Bridge" ( http://www.marugotokochi.com/katsuoningen/) is followed by Movie 2 "Bonito, Currently on Business Trip." ( http://katsuoningen.jp/ ), which depicts the interactions between the Bonito Man and local specialty producers. The first episode was released on the day of the event. Kochi Family Official Website: http://www.kochike.pref.kochi.lg.jp/~top/index_ie.html