Issued in August 2019
In Abiko, there’s a “Shirakabaha Boom” happening, where fans of the popular online game “Bungo and Alchemist” visit places like the Shirakaba Literature Museum to buy souvenirs related to the Shirakabaha literary group, order and photograph Shirakabaha’s curry. Ms. Yukiko Ikeda from Abiko Information Center (nicknamed “Abishirube”) is working on revitalizing the region by planning events related to “Bungo and Alchemist,” inspired by the literary figures of the Shirakabaha.
Curiosity about Abiko led me to Abishirube
When I first moved here, I didn’t have much interest in Abiko City. I originally wanted to become a game designer and attended school for that. However, I ended up leaving my job for various reasons. Later, I started working part-time at a bookstore in Abiko City and while performing my duties, I talked to local residents and noticed that there were many books about the history of Abiko City in the local history section. This made me want to learn more about Abiko City, and that’s when I saw a job posting for Abishirube and decided to apply. Now, I can interact more closely with the local community and find fulfillment in my work.
Enjoying cosplay on tours
On a regular basis, I handle reception and customer inquiries. Additionally, I utilize my knowledge of game design to create event posters and flyers. I even designed the “Abiko Cherry Blossom Campaign 2019” poster that was displayed all around the city!
Though our staff is small, we work together to plan and organize events. Last year, we organized a bus tour around the city, and I came up with the idea of a tour where participants could enjoy cosplay at cultural heritage sites. It was well-received by many people, and with a “let’s try anything” spirit, I’m constantly taking on various tasks to introduce Abiko City to as many people as possible.
Popular game, “Bungo and Alchemist” Event
Since I had always wanted to become a game designer, I’ve been a fan of anime, games, and manga since childhood. Even as an adult, I always paid attention to the games announced by various game companies. It was during this time that I learned about “Bungo and Alchemist,” which featured characters related to Abiko City such as “Shiga Naoya” and “Mushanokoji Saneatsu.”
Recently, there’s been an increase in fans visiting locations featured in anime, games, or manga, known as “pilgrimage to sacred places.” I myself have visited several “sacred places” before. Through this experience, I realized the significant economic impact a region can gain from becoming a “sacred place.” I thought it would be great if Abiko City could become a “sacred place” that attracts the younger generation, so I sought to somehow invite “Bungo and Alchemist” to our city. With the help of various people, we created panels for three Shirakabaha literary figures, “Shiga Naoya,” “Mushanokoji Saneatsu,” and “Arishima Takeo,” and exhibited them at the “Abishirube Festival” and the “Shirakaba Literature Museum.”
Thanks to everyone’s support, many people visited Abiko City during the exhibition period (I spoke with a few of them, and some even came from as far as Hokkaido and Kyushu!). Additionally, I saw comments online like “Abiko City is a wonderful place, I want to visit again,” which I believe has contributed to promoting Abiko City.
Promoting the Good Points of Abiko
Of course, it’s essential to promote Abiko City as a “sacred place” for “Bungo and Alchemist.” However, I also believe that Abiko City has plenty to be proud of on its own, aside from its association with the game. It boasts a long history, rich nature, various birds throughout the seasons, and friendly people. Among these attractions, the Shirakabaha’s curry is a dish that recreates the curry once eaten by the Shirakabaha literary figures who lived in Abiko 100 years ago, and I think it holds historical value unique to Abiko City.
What is “Bungo and Alchemist”?
“Bungo and Alchemist” is a popular PC and smartphone game app available on “DMM GAMES.”
[In a peaceful time filled with a modern atmosphere, an abnormal phenomenon occurs where literary books suddenly turn completely black. To deal with this, individuals with special abilities known as “Alchemists” arise and revive literary figures with the power of literature to protect these books.]
(from the official “Bungo and Alchemist” website)
As a player, you act as an “Alchemist” with special abilities and reincarnate various famous literary figures to restore the corrupted literary books to their original state. The reincarnated literary figures have become “handsome” characters and have gained popularity primarily among young women, leading to merchandise and even stage adaptations.
Yukiko Ikeda:
Ms. Yukiko Ikeda has been working at Abiko Information Center (Abishirube) for five years. She was born in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture. She spent her early childhood, up to the second grade of elementary school, in Kansai. Afterward, her family moved to Kashiwa City, and she has been living in Abiko City for the past 12 years, making it the place where she has lived the longest.
https://www.abikoinfo.jp