Visiting the Hometown of Hunter x Hunter

Who doesn’t know Hunter x Hunter? This single anime shaped so much of the Arab 90s-2000s psyche that its opening lyrics are pretty much etched into our hearts. I have yet to meet another Arab person who does not remember the lyrics to the song as soon as it plays, as if to summon a memory that still lingers in our heart to this day. Of course, many have also tuned in to enjoy the remake of the series in 2011, which continued the story of Gon and his friends as they journey to become the greatest hunters they could be.

  Fans of Hunter x Hunter and works by author Mr. Togashi Yoshihiro can also make their own journey to the city of Shinjo located in Yamagata prefecture. It is a beautiful countryside city that houses a lot of history and love for the artists that hail from there. In fact, it is more than just a city for Hunter x Hunter fans, as the place itself has ties to other popular series like March Comes in Like a Lion and even Detective Conan. So let us explore Shinjo City!

1. Arriving at Shinjo Station

Upon arriving at the station, you can immediately see the influence Mr. Togashi has had on the city. From the get go, you will see a tengu figure drawn in a recognizable art style- a mascot for the city created by author Togashi himself!

There is also a huge float in the entrance of the station, and this is actually the same float used in the autumn festival held yearly in Shinjo City, which attracts many visitors. Apparently, the float itself changes yearly!

Manga and anime fans can quickly find a must-see spot within Shinjo Station, the Tourist Information Center where different original artworks by various authors are displayed. One being Togashi-sensei’s Hunter x Hunter and Yu Yu Hakusho!

It’s interesting to see that most of the artworks from Yu Yu Hakusho are of Kurama and Hiei, really showcasing the popularity of these two.

There is also artwork for other manga authors that have ties to Shinjo. Author Umino Chica’s mother is actually from Shinjo City as well, hence why you can find artworks from March Comes in Like a Lion displayed here! It seems that the author herself came to visit Shinjo quite a lot, hence the dedication.

The toursit information center also has a "Wa Rock" area which caught my eye. The staff working there were kind enough to explain what it was- a system spread throughout stations in Japan where you exchange rocks! These rocks are hand painted by visitors, and once you paint one, you exchange it by picking another and continue your journey. What stood out to me is that there is a Tsubaki Neko rock, one of the mascots from Goto Island, which I covered in my blog before! The person who exchanged it must have come all the way from Kyushu, showing just how popular this practice is.

Of course, Shinjo being the hometown of Mr. Togashi meant that many painted the dog mascot that the author uses to represent himself.

Outside the Tourist Information Center, you will find a local store selling regional handmade crafts and delicious fruits. During summer, Shinjo is famous for its cherries, which are absolutely delicious. There are also Japanese handbags crafted in the traditional style that are absolutely gorgeous, each with its own defined pattern and color scheme.

For a first stop, Shinjo Station already offers a lot to its visitors, making it a perfect place to disembark on your journey.

Access Information Shinjo Station JR Address: Tamonmachi, Shinjo City, Yamagata 996-0024, Japan

2. Exploring the world of Hunter x Hunter

   
   

Around Shinjo City, you can find many spots that have memorabilia for Hunter x Hunter fans. One of these is the cafe Ｎokurasi, a beautiful quiet spot to enjoy lunch. The cafe offers delicious drinks and an array of food, including crepes and handcrafted beverages. The interior is a converted traditional-style home, and there is a gorgeous furnace there. I would definitely love to visit in winter to experience it.

The cafe also has a special exhibit- original artworks by the authors of Shinjo City! Right upon entering, you will find a narrow hallway decorated with different artworks hand drawn by various authors, including Mr. Togashi's Hunter x Hunter and Yu Yu Hakusho. These are all original drawings designed specifically for the cafe, making it a rare opportunity to see it. The artwork featuring the Yu Yu Hakusho characters depicts the float from the yearly summer tradition, really tying Mr. Togashi back to his roots.

In a previous post, we explored Detective Conan town located down south of Japan, and yet here in Yamagata Prefecture far far away, we also see original artwork of Conan- so what is the series' connection to Shinjo? Well, author Mr. Yutaka Abe is actually from Shinjo, and his artworks are the ones that grace the manga adaptations of the Detective Conan movies!

It’s quite surprising to see how many famous creators come from this city, but in all honesty I can understand why. When you’re surrounded by such beautiful nature, it is a given that your mind would fantasize and you would want to pick up a pencil and draw.

Access Information Ｎokurasi (ノクラシキッサトジムショ) Address: 5-16 Banbacho, Shinjo City, Yamagata 996-0028, Japan Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 11 - 16:30, Saturday to Sunday 11 - 16 Link: https://nokurasi.site/

3. The Flower shop with Anime Displays

   
   

Not far from the cafe, I head to the next destination collaborating with manga and anime creators in Shinjo- a flower shop known as Hanaya Hanaten. The place is absolutely colorful with a variety of flowers that grab your attention. I was greeted by the owners of the store, who were absolutely a delight to talk to. Upon finding out that I was from the Middle East, to my surprise they welcomed me... in Arabic!

Hanaya Hanaten's owners welcome visitors from around the world, all eager to come view their beautiful arrangements and manga displays. The artwork featured in this store belongs to famous shoujo, or romance, manga artists and assistants in the industry. These were carefully arranged alongside the flowers, harmonizing with the colors. There are even manga for you to read, and you can see a plush of the tengu mascot that Mr. Togashi designed.

For those visiting Hanaya Hanaten from abroad, the owners are extremely welcoming and encourage you to place a pin of your own hometown!

Access Information Hanaya Hanaten Co., Ltd. (ハナヤ花店) Address: 3-36 Banbacho, Shinjo City, Yamagata 996-0028, Japan Opening Hours: 9 - 19 PM (Closed on Sundays) Link: https://hanayahanaten.hanatown.net/?utm_medium=gmap

4. Conclusion

Hunter x Hunter is a staple in Middle Eastern culture, shaping our imagination as children and forming a pillar of support and inspiration well into our adulthood. For those who want a taste of the environment that bred Mr. Togashi and many other creator's wonderful imaginations, visiting Shinjo, especially during the summer festival, is a definite bucket list for any otaku.