With Tokyo Game Show 2026 just around the corner, many game developers are announcing their highly anticipated titles.
As excitement builds across the gaming and anime industries, foreign tourists interested in Japanese culture and visiting Japan are steadily increasing.
Amid this growing interest, the Committee for the Promotion of Orderly Inbound Tourism, operated by the non-profit organization Public Policy Research Institute, carried out the Akita Prefecture Project on Friday, September 4, and Saturday, September 5, 2026.
Chinese-speaking influencers Fu Yumeng (付 玉蒙) (WEIBO) and Zhang Qianqian (張倩倩) (REDNOTE) participated to cover the attractions and cultural appeal of Akita Prefecture.
Chinese-Speaking Influencers Visit Akita Prefecture to Experience Its History, Culture, and Cuisine
As local municipalities have promoted inbound tourism initiatives, opportunities for cultural exchange between foreign visitors and local residents have increased.
However, friction and misunderstandings have also arisen due to cultural differences and insufficient mutual understanding across regions.
In response, the non-profit organization Public Policy Research Institute established the Committee for the Promotion of Orderly Inbound Tourism in 2025.
To date, the committee has promoted regional charms and tourism etiquette across four locations—Chichibu, Nasu, Yamanashi, and Nara—through influencers.
As the fifth installment, the committee carried out the Akita Prefecture Project over two days on Friday, September 4, and Saturday, September 5, 2026, across Kakunodate, Akita City, and Oga to raise awareness of local cultures.
Welcoming inbound tourism expert Fumihiro Sato as an advisor, Chinese-speaking influencers Fu Yumeng (付 玉蒙) (WEIBO) and Zhang Qianqian (張倩倩) (REDNOTE) toured Akita Prefecture, which boasts rich tourism resources including the Namahage tradition.
Day 1: Exploring Food Culture While Touring Historic Streets in Kakunodate, Semboku City, and Akita City
The reporting tour began in Kakunodate.
While touring historic samurai residence streets by rickshaw, the influencers visited the Kakunodate Historic Village Aoyagi Samurai Manor, which preserves authentic samurai residences to this day, and Ando Brewing Main Store, founded during the Edo period in 1853.
Reflecting on the area's rich history, the two influencers then covered Kakunodate's distinct culinary culture at traditional restaurant Inaho.
On the same day, they moved to Akita City to report on Akita's culinary culture at Toppinpararinopu, a restaurant specializing in local sake and open-hearth cuisine.
Day 2: Oga City: Moved by the Power of Namahage and Nyudozaki
Traveling from Akita City to Oga City, the two immediately began their coverage at the Namahage Museum.
By connecting with the traditional culture passed down through generations and learning about its background, they gained a deeper firsthand appreciation of Akita's appeal.
After enjoying fresh seafood and Oga specialties at Namahage Goten (New Hatakane) in Nyudozaki, they toured the grand scenic vistas at the Nyudozaki Lighthouse and shared its beauty on social media.
Toward a Society Where Inbound Tourists and Local Residents Respect One Another
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Reflecting on their reporting tour, the influencers remarked: "By actually visiting, we were able to deeply experience the unique charm of Akita, including Kakunodate's historic streetscape, samurai culture, and the food culture rooted in the community," and "Learning about the distinct cultures and customs in each area, such as Oga's Namahage, is essential for foreign travelers visiting Japan to travel while respecting local communities."
They also expressed their enthusiasm for future content creation: "We want to continue sharing Akita's charm with the Chinese-speaking world through social media, while also introducing local culture, food, and tourism etiquette."
The Committee for the Promotion of Orderly Inbound Tourism plans to continue promoting initiatives like the Akita Prefecture Project to foster mutual understanding between foreign visitors to Japan and local communities.
Their future activities will be well worth watching.
