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Japanese Gov't Prints English Map to Anime Locales

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) announced on Friday that it published an English-language "Japan Anime Map" that highlights the locales in the country with ties to anime.

The printed map measures 60 by 40 centimeters (about 24 by 16 inches), or 10 by 22 centimeters (4 by 9 inches) folded up. JNTO commissioned a print run of 10,000 copies, but the map is also available for downloading.

The map features the following:

• Info on the real-life settings for Lucky Star, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, True Tears, Summer Wars, and other titles
• Anime-related museums and theme parks such as Sanrio Puroland and the Kyoto International Manga Museum
• Info on anime-related shopping areas such as Tokyo's Akihabara, Nagoya's Osu Electric Town, and Osaka's Nipponbashi
• Info on otaku culture topics such as cosplay, figures, and games
• Info on anime-related events such as Comic Market and World Cosplay Summit
• Recommended goods for souvenirs such as Gundam plastic models, soft vinyl toys, and Nendoroid figures

JNTO had previously produced an Animation in Japan guide, and it collaborated with the Hakone Tourist Association to produce the "Evangelion Hakone Instrumentality Map: English Version," and the "Cool Japan Poster: Hakone" to cover the town of Hakone near Tokyo. However, the new map will be the first nationwide map with a focus on anime.