Interest
Yamanashi Prefecture Sees Spike in Tourism Earnings Thanks to Laid-Back Camp
posted on by Lynzee Loveridge
Afro's Laid-Back Camp manga and subsequent anime series has had a profound economic effect on the real-life Yamanashi prefecture. Fans of the series have flocked to the area to try out winter camping and participate in local events to see the world of Rin and Nadeshiko.
Survey results published on February 20 gave a closer look at the actual monetary gains of the prefecture thanks to the series. Both the University of Yamanashi and Yamanashi Chuo Bank Management Consulting issued the survey and performed interviews in the area to gauge Laid-Back Camp's effect on the economy. The survey found that five events held in 2018 brought in 85 million yen (US$765,000) in earnings and visitors spent 40% more than the tourism average in the past. Approximately 83% of Minobu residents credited Laid-Back Camp for the increase.
Concertgoers at a 2018 event spent twice the average, approximately 24,000 yen (US$215) per person.
University of Yamanashi will hold a symposium next month to further discuss the survey results.
Rin, Nadeshiko, Aoi, Ena, and Chiaki will return for a second anime season, movie, and short anime. The first anime premiered in January 2018, and Crunchyroll streamed the 12-episode series as it aired. The anime's home video release in Japan included an "episode 0" anime.
Thanks to Michael Vito for the news tip.
Source: NHK
