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Copyright © 1996-2009 Philbert Ono. All rights reserved.
PhotoGuide Japan is a trademark of Philbert Ono
Transmitting from Tokyo, Japan

Online since March 1996.


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Obama Girls

I've never witnessed such a popular US president in my lifetime. I'm proud too, because he was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, not far from where I went to high school. He's wildly popular in Hawaii, and we think of Obama as one of us, a local boy. Ironically, during the presidential campaign in 2008, Hawaii's top political brass (our Republican Governor and senior Senator) did not favor Barack (the Gov wanted McCain and Daniel wanted Hillary). Goes to show how out of touch with the people politicians can be. During Christmas 2008, we were happy to see the President-elect vacationing in Hawaii (it was an annual tradition for him). Too bad he didn't wear an aloha shirt nor any flower leis.

A real twist in the story is happening in Japan, as the city of Obama in Fukui Prefecture started riding on the coattails of Barack's namesake. I visited Obama on Inauguration Day on Jan. 20 when they held a special event that included hula dancing by the Obama Girls. Made up of local women from Obama, they aim to promote their city which happen to have the same name (or same pronunciation) as the US president. They cite Barack's Hawaii connection as their reason for forming their hula troupe.

These women spend their own money traveling around Japan and even to Hawaii to promote their hometown. I took pictures and videos of them dancing in an ancient temple where they held the event. The city's main streets are decorated with banners with Barack's likeness. Souvenir shops sell Obama goods too. It's great how a little imagination and effort can revitalize a city or at least bring a lotta PR to itself.

In Japanese, "Obama" means small beach. And it is a small fishing town with a small swimming beach. It made headlines in 2002 as one place where North Korea abducted a Japanese couple (the Chimuras) in 1978. Obama city now hopes that Barack will someday visit them. Wouldn't that be something, a real media frenzy too. Hey Barack, drop by Obama in Fukui (and maybe even Obama Onsen Spa in Nagasaki) when you can.

Cover photo and page design:
© Philbert Ono
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