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Sanuki City - Kagawa Part4

 I enjoyed a little sightseeing in Takamatsu City. I went to Tamamo Park, a short walk from the ferry terminal. Here you can see Takamatsu Castle, also known as Tamamo Castle.

Ambassadorial Pokémon

According to the official website, Pokémon Local Acts aims to promote Japan’s various localities by highlighting their well-known and not so well-known charms.

Some prefectures have “Ambassadorial Pokémon,” whose characteristics match those of their respective localities.

Kagawa × Slowpoke

Slowpoke’s involvement with Kagawa Prefecture dates back to 2015, but it was in December of 2018 that this Pokemon was officially charged with promoting the prefecture as a member of “Team Udon-ken PR.” The Pokémon’s name “Yadon” sounds similar to “Udon,” the noodle dish that has long been recognized as the prefecture’s iconic comfort food. Slowpoke, a Pokémon who is said to summon rain and has a tail that secretes sweet sap from the tip, is a perfect match for the prefecture, with its low precipitation and an institute that researches a substance called rare sugar.

Hokkaido × Alolan Vulpix & Vulpix

Appointed in November 2018 as the leader and deputy leader of the “Hokkaido Aficionado Expedition,” Alolan Vulpix and Vulpix have been promoting Hokkaido in their respective capacities. Alolan Vulpix is known as the Fox Pokémon and thrives in snow mountains. It was chosen to promote Hokkaido, one of Japan’s snowiest regions. Vulpix, also in the Fox Pokémon category, assists Alolan Vulpix with showcasing the best of what Hokkaido has to offer residents and visitors.


Tottori × Sandshrew & Alolan Sandshrew

In December 2018, Sandshrew and Alolan Sandshrew were appointed the “Tottori Furusato Ambassador,” put in charge of promoting Tottori to prospective visitors from all over the world. They have made their appearances in scenic spots and events. Sandshrew is a desert dwelling Pokémon, a perfect fit for the prefecture known for its sand dunes.

Miyagi × Lapras

In July 2019, Lapras was appointed the “Miyagi Support Pokémon,” and has been making appearances at various events. Being the waterborne “Transport Pokémon,” Lapras evokes for many people the perfect image of breezy sails along the prefecture’s shores, which suffered extensive damage in the 2011 earthquake. This gentle Pokémon would have loved to boost Miyagi’s tourism by doing what it enjoys—ferrying people across oceans.

Fukushima × Chansey

In February 2019, Chansey was appointed the “Fukushima Support Pokémon.” This Pokémon is said to bring happiness, so it echoes the etymology of Fukushima, as “Fuku” means luck. Just as Chansey’s delicious and nutritious eggs are part of its image as an auspicious Pokémon, Fukushima’s image is closely tied to its auspicious name and the many variety of fresh produce it offers to residents and visitors.

Iwate × Geodude

Geodude was appointed in May 2019 the Iwate Support Pokémon, put in charge of galvanizing support for the prefecture and its reconstruction efforts. Geodude is a Rock-type Pokémon, which is one of the 18 elemental types represented in various Pokémon. The prefecture name, Iwa-te (rock-palm), is a perfect match for the Pokémon with a boulder body with two sturdy arms extending from it.

Miyazaki × Exeggutor & Alolan Exeggutor

Appointed in October 2020, Exeggutor is now the Support Pokémon of Miyazaki Prefecture. Also called the “Sunny Spot of Japan”, Miyazaki Prefecture is known for its yearly warm climate, and the official prefectural tree happens to be the “Phoenix” palm tree. It is for this reason that Exeggutor - which resembles a palm tree and is also known as “The Walking Jungle” - is the perfect match for the role of Support Pokémon. Miyazaki Prefecture takes advantage of its warm climate to grow Mangos, hyuganatsu, kumquats, cucumbers, green peppers, pumpkins and other agricultural produce - and going forward Exeggutor will optimize its synergy with Miyazaki Prefecture to make appearances and really get things rolling.

Mie × Oshawott

Appointed in December 2021, Oshawott is now the Support Pokémon of Mie Prefecture. The Japanese characters for Mie can also be read “Mijuu,” which fits with Oshawott’s Japanese name, “Mijumaru.” The yellow seashell Oshawott carries on its stomach, known as a “scalchop,” calls to mind Mie’s bountiful shellfish, including oysters like the Akoya pearl oyster. This makes Oshawott the perfect Pokémon to represent and support Mie Prefecture. Going forward, Mie Prefecture and Oshawott will be working together to showcase the very best of Mie for you to discover.


The images is quoted from https://local.pokemon.jp

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