Hong Kong★Obihiro Promotes Tourism Through Manga at Hong Kong Book Fair

Welcome to the world of "Silver Spoon"! — Obihiro City, Hokkaido, made its debut appearance at the 26th Hong Kong Book Fair (organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council), an international book fair held for seven days starting July 15 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in Wan Chai. The city promoted tourism through the manga "Silver Spoon," set in the Tokachi region of eastern Hokkaido.

The city showcased "Silver Spoon," a school manga set in a Hokkaido agricultural high school, created by manga artist Hiromu Arakawa, who hails from the Tokachi region. The anime adaptation of this work is also broadcast in Hong Kong, drawing many visitors to the booth.

A local university student, a big fan of "Silver Spoon," said, "It's very popular in Hong Kong too. I want to see the nature-filled scenery from the manga in person." Hong Kong visitors are the second-largest group of foreign tourists visiting the Tokachi region after Taiwanese visitors, raising expectations for the "manga effect."

This year's Hong Kong Book Fair featured 580 companies and organizations from 33 countries and regions. The Japanese contingent opened the Japan Pavilion again this year.