On this day, I visited Kumamoto Prefecture in the Kyushu region for work.
The PR mascot character "Kumamon" welcomed me, and I could see the enhancement of the regional brand power through its unique character. During my three-day stay, I truly felt that "Kumamon is loved by the residents." Kumamon goods are decorated all over the city, and by creating especially rare items, they have become highly sought after, enhancing the brand's value.
Additionally, Eiichiro Oda, the creator of 'ONE PIECE,' is also from Kumamoto City in Kumamoto Prefecture. As part of the recovery efforts following the Kumamoto Earthquake in 2016, he sent a message saying, "I will definitely come to help." Currently, there are statues of the Straw Hat Pirates, including Luffy, installed throughout the prefecture, serving as tourist attractions (e.g., Usopp statue at Michi-no-Eki Aso, Jinbe at Sumiyoshi Beach Park, and Luffy at the Kumamoto Prefectural Office).