Obama, Japan Goes Crazy For Obama (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

The fishing village of Obama, Japan has it bad for Barack. The local 'Obama Girls' specialize in hula dancing to honor his birthplace. The town sells Obama chopsticks and Obama red bean cakes and 'Obamaburgers' made of fish. The streets are lined with Obama banners. Villagers gather to watch Obama campaign coverage on TV. Obama Girls backup dancer Saturo Wada "would like to dance with him, together" and hotel owner Seiji Fujihara, who has organized an Obama support group, plans "to visit the White House when the ceremony is held to inaugurate this President."

Scroll down for video, pictures, and a letter to the town's mayor from the man himself.

WATCH:

SLIDESHOW:

• • • • • • • • The Obama Girls shout "Yes, we can!" during a rally on May 21st after Obama declared he was 'within reach' of the Democratic nomination. (Getty)

Here's a transcript of the letter Barack sent Obama's mayor.

February 21, 2008

Dear Mayor Marakami,

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I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the city of Obama for your support and encouragement, and thank you for your thoughtful gifts.

I understand that Obama is a city of rich culture, deep traditions, and natural beauty. As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, it is exciting to hear that you are engaged in debates that reach beyond your shores. We share more than a common name; we share a common planet and common responsibilities. I look forward to a future marked by the continued friendship of our two great nations and a shared commitment to a better, freer world.

I am touched by your friendly gesture, and I wish you all the best.

[Something in Japanese],
Barack Obama

**Read more about Obama, Japan.**

-OR-

Read about the very small town of McCain, North Carolina.

Comments

[kyarochan]

Of course, this has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that this small Japanese town relies almost entirely on tourism, since the disappearance of its fishing industry. Call me cynical...

[GetoffMylawn]

Japanese people are so tired of Japanese people, they love other cultures. Great place to visit.

[Takae]

Excuse me? I'm not tired of "my" people and I know a lot of people feel the same way I do!

Yes, they enjoy other cultures. No different from people enjoying Japanese culture (sushi, anime, manga, and some other stuff) as well as other cultures from around the world.

[nippyfan]

Yeah, "Get off my lawn", that was a McCain supporter like comment.

[KQuarksSuperKollider]

This shows that Obama has already changed the world. If the country does not vote for Obama all the world will be disappointed.

[The Lorax]

I love Japanese people!

[VivaMariaElena]

In EU is it OBAMAMANIA.

[indepavoter9]

I love it...

[vwoom]

The Obama-sans goes "hyper-American" for Obama...

[majormoderate]

this is creepy. but, wouldn't it be nice to have a president that the world loves?

[LeftLeanWing]

Creepy is that smile of McCain which looks like you're opening a bucket of cottage cheese with pineapples.

[elroybug]

LOL!!!

[carlgt1]

Do Bill Maher cover Japan as a country to move to if Obama loses? ;-)

[MichelleB]

He is bringing peoples together, what a great man! Go out and vote today

[NKR]

The small town of McCain, North Carolina is basically a prison and the largest turkey processing plant in the U.S. http://weekendamerica.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/10/25/obama_japan/?refid=00). Obama, Japan definitely wins that competition.

[blue102983]

You are right about McCain NC. I drive through it everyday on my way to work. It's basically a town to no where.

[NKR]

Then maybe we should get millions of dollars from congress to build a bridge to it, and then say nah, screw it, lets just keep the money. And then claim we are mavericks.

[zelator]

Wow a whole town of Islamic Socialists in Japan? Who knew...

(just kidding - sheesh!)

[ratcity]

LOL

[hogoza]

I am in Tears. What a wondeful people. I hope Obama wins and he make his first trip to Japan and to Obama City, instead of UK ( as all USA presidents do )

[Katsura519]

Yes, a Beautiful People indeed. I was in Japan in February, where taxi drivers, innkeepers, and a friendly barber all wanted to know about Obama. Their collective question seemed to be, "Will America really live up to its credo that all are created equal?" They were hopeful and very interested.

This was a far cry from the reserved welcome I got on a previous visit, just after "W" began his war. At that time, one uncharacteristically candid Japanese gentleman asked me, "Do you know how your country looks to the rest of the world?" I was tempted to feign Canadian citizenship.

The world is waiting for us to elect our "Transformational Figure." Go Barack!!!

[bob8788]

Hopefully we are going to have our very own obama land here in the united states

VOTE , VOTE , STAND IN LINE IF YOU HAVE TOO, VOTE ,STAY HOME FROM WORK TO VOTE, THEN DRIVE PEOPLE TO THE POLES IF NEED BE , WHATEVER YOU MUST DO , GET IT DONE


http://barackobamacans.blogspot.com/

[biichama]

The Japanese bit on the letter says "your [something] person." (I only took a year and a half of Japanese, so I don't know the second to last character.)

[Takae]

Roughly, friend of yours, so it's "your friend" with the tone of "yours in friendship". But Japanese people don't usually have that in their letters, but it's a very nice gesture.

[Takae]

Oh sorry you want it in Japanese. It's あなたの友人

[ZimboChick]

cooooool

[mediumFries]

It means "Your friend" (anata no juujin).
Go vote!