Makoto Furuno

KUMAMOTO — Kumamoto Prefecture’s mascot Kumamon celebrated the 15th anniversary of his 2010 debut in March. Kumamon is one of Japan’s most beloved characters for regional promotion. The prefecture is now working toward attracting fans from overseas. Kumamon was born on March 12, 2010, a year before the Kyushu Shinkansen line fully opened. The character gained popularity through events at home and abroad, including the Yuru-Kyara Grand Prix contest.

By Makoto Furuno / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer TAKETA, Oita — As Oita Prefecture touts itself as the top destination in Japan for onsen hot springs to lure visitors, one city is promoting its unique local waters to take advantage of the national movement toward “health tourism.” The city of Taketa promotes the health aspect of its Nagayu hot springs, which has a quality that is rare even in Japan, and hopes to take some of the spotlight from well-known hot spring resorts such as Beppu and...