On June 8, the area around Lake Kizakiko in Omachi
was filled with fans to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the anime series
“ Onegai Teacher .”
This series, set in the picturesque town of Kizakiko, has maintained a fervent
fan base since its broadcast in 2002 and 2003. The event, organized by a
committee made up of local campers and the rights holders of the series, managed
to raise funds through an online campaign, reaching its goal of 1.5 million yen
in a matter of minutes and amassing an impressive total of 14.12 million yen.
The celebration was attended by director Yasunori
Ide, originally from Matsumoto, who shared anecdotes and his deep affection for
the work. “ Onegai Teacher ” (2002) and “ Onegai Twins ”
(2003) are stories of love and adolescence centered on high school students,
with faithfully rendered settings of the seasons and mountains around Lake
Kizakiko. These locations have made the area a popular destination for
fans making “sacred pilgrimages” to visit iconic locations from the series.
At the twentieth anniversary event, held at the
Taira Civic Center, around 500 people attended and were able to enjoy a new
short film directed by Ide, partially financed with the funds raised. In
addition, the event included a talk with the popular seiyus Kikuko Inoue and
Ayako Kawasumi, who gave life to the beloved characters of the series.
The “Onegai☆” franchise has
remained relevant over the years due to its mix of comedy, romance, and sci-fi
touches, which has created a strong emotional connection with its audience. The
series is notable not only for its charming narrative, but also for its
detailed depiction of Kizakiko's landscapes, which has increased tourism in the
region.
During the talk, when asked about the future of the
characters, director Ide jokingly commented that he preferred not to think
about it, since "if they are happy, there is no drama." However,
he hinted at the possibility of a continuation, which generated great
enthusiasm among those in attendance.
The “Onegai☆” series has left a
lasting legacy in the anime industry, not only for its beloved story and
characters, but also for its impact on local culture and its ability to attract
new visitors to Kizakiko. An example of this impact is
Kensuke Morita, a 41-year-old office worker from Chiba, who fell in love with
anime and has visited the lake repeatedly since, enjoying the serenity and
scenery of Kizakiko.
The franchise remains a testament to
anime's power to inspire and connect people to special places and moments ,
and events like this anniversary show that its popularity and relevance are far
from fading.
Source: Otakomu
