#Japan #Shinagawa #Hatachi no Ryoma #Kuroshio-kun #Sakai Hoyamaru

A Touristic Showdown Between Characters: Hatachi no Ryoma, Kuroshio-kun, and Sakai Hoyamaru

In an exciting initiative aimed at boosting tourism, the character 'Hatachi no Ryoma', a budding tourism ambassador from Shinagawa, has teamed up with Kochi's mascot 'Kuroshio-kun' and Fukui's Sakai City character 'Sakai Hoyamaru' for a captivating short video challenge. This collaboration showcases the unique attractions of each locality and aims to engage viewers through creative visual storytelling.

The Birth of Hatachi no Ryoma

'Hatachi no Ryoma' was introduced in 2018 during a promotional project commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Meiji era. Inspired by the historically significant figure Sakamoto Ryoma, this character symbolizes the rich heritage of the Shinagawa area. Sakamoto Ryoma is known for his association with Shinagawa, where he is said to have participated in coastal guards against foreign vessels. The area even boasts a statue of him at Tachiaigawa, further highlighting this connection.

Collaborative Tourism Promotion

Shinagawa Ward has established mutual cooperation agreements with Kochi Prefecture in 2018 and with Fukui's Sakai City in 2019, allowing for collaborative tourism projects. This year, they have launched new promotional videos that feature scenic locations across these regions, aiming to capture the beauty and allure of local tourism attractions.

The campaign includes three short videos that pit 'Hatachi no Ryoma' against 'Kuroshio-kun' and 'Sakai Hoyamaru' in a friendly competition, allowing each character to showcase their respective tourist spots.

Video Clash with Kuroshio-kun

In the first video, viewers can witness Kochi's 'Kuroshio-kun' as he explores the scenic Asaoshinika Bridge, a popular filming location for movies. Meanwhile, 'Hatachi no Ryoma' shares captivating views from the Gotenyama Garden, which is also featured in Utagawa Hiroshige's woodblock prints.

The Kochi character introduces viewers to 'Shamo-nabe', a local delicacy cherished by Sakamoto Ryoma, before showcasing the creative space at Actland, famed for its human-powered Ferris wheel. On the other hand, 'Hatachi no Ryoma' presents a charming book café nestled on the Old Tōkaidō road, where he indulges in delicious hot dogs and freshly made scones, before highlighting a unique tile-breaking experience at Togoshi Ginza and exhibits at the Nikon Museum.

Watch this exhilarating video here: Shinagawa & Kochi.

Video Showdown with Sakai City

The second video features Fukui's 'Sakai Hoyamaru', who takes viewers on an adventure across the mystical island of Uo Island near Tojinbo, while 'Hatachi no Ryoma' displays the allure of Oi Racecourse, known for more than just racing excitement.

Sakai's mascot indulges in famous crab dishes from the Tojinbo shopping district and participates in crab peeling challenges. The video also includes breathtaking views of the national natural monument, Tojinbo, from a sightseeing boat as well as sight-seeing in traditional attire around the historic Mikuni Port.

Conversely, 'Hatachi no Ryoma' starts from a retro café located within a historical shopping street, enjoying traditional café offerings, experiencing rare jet piloting, and exploring the lively flea market held at Oi Racecourse.

Experience the charm of this video here: Shinagawa & Sakai City.

DLE's Commitment to Local Communities

DLE Inc., headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, is dedicated to creating an array of relatable characters that resonate with a diverse audience. Through various projects with local governments, DLE aims to uniquely communicate the attractions of local areas, thus contributing to revitalization efforts.

Company Details:

• - Ticker Symbol: 3686 (TSE Standard)
• - CEO: Ryo Ono
• - Founded: December 27, 2001
• - Website: DLE Inc.

With its roots in intellectual property (IP) development, including characters from productions like 'The Secret Society of the Taka', DLE has also expanded into areas such as anime and K-POP. In anticipation of a dynamic future, DLE plans to integrate AI technologies with existing IP to further enhance its operations by 2025.