Interest
Sengoku Basara's Sanada Yukimura to Promote Tourism in Wakayama Prefecture
posted on by Eric Stimson
On July 13, CAPCOM announced that it will allow Wakayama Prefecture to use the likeness of the Warring States (Sengoku) Era warlord Sanada Yukimura from its video game and anime series Sengoku Basara to promote tourism there.
The rail pass
In real life, Sanada hailed from the region south of Osaka where Wakayama Prefecture is today. The prefecture hopes to capitalize on his recent popularity with a "stamp rally" that guides visitors to locations like Kokawa Temple and the Wakayama History Museum. West Japan Railway Company (JR WEST.) will also issue a pass allowing passengers to travel on either the Wakayama Line, the Kishigawa Line, or Wakayama buses for two days as much as they'd like (2,400 yen/US$23 for adults, 1,200 yen/US$11.50 for children).
The tourist pamphlet (front and back)
Sengoku Basara's version of Sanada will appear on the cover of a pamphlet listing tourist attractions and restaurants in the prefecture. Nankai Electric Railway and Yutaka Transport Co. will also adorn their trains and taxis, respectively, with Sanada's visage.
The stamp rally will be held from August 1 to October 2; the rail pass will be valid from August 1 to October 3 and goes on sale on July 29.
Sengoku Basara's popularity, especially among women, has led to an increase in interest in the Warring States Era among Japanese youth. Sanada's stature has further risen thanks to the currently airing Taiga (historical fiction) drama, Sanada Maru.
Sanada Yukimura will star in another Sengoku Basara game, Sanada Yukimura-Den ("The Legend of Yukimura Sanada"), with a release date of August 25.
Sources: Capcom IR and 4Gamer.net
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