Japanese Town of Obama Has New Hero

TOKYO, Japan, Feb 8, 2008— -- Covering Japan probably was not part of the campaign strategy for either Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton. But the heat is on among some supporters in Japan who feel a somewhat unusual connection with each candidate.

The residents of Obama City in Fukui Prefecture in central Japan cannot contain their excitement about the prospect of having someone named "Obama" being the U.S. president. And the employees of a farming and construction machinery maker in southern Japan are cheering for the candidate whose first name is the same as one of the transportation machines they build and sell: the "Hillary."

In the coastal city of Obama, about 300 miles northwest of Tokyo, some residents formed a support group called "Group that Supports Barack Obama Voluntarily" in early February. Of course, none of the group's original 18 members in this city, with a population of a little more than 32,000, are qualified to cast a vote in the election.

"But we wanted to do something because Mr. Obama does not feel like a stranger to us. We both carry the name Obama, and he is like a relative to us," said Seiji Fujihara, the group's secretary general.

The group members gathered and monitored the results of Super Tuesday primaries as many Japanese TV stations gave a blow-by-blow report of the voting.

"He is a good public speaker. I love his voice, too. I am sure he will bring a breath of fresh air to the American political system," said Fujihara. "Two elderly farmers called me after Super Tuesday and said they wanted to join the group. I think our support base will keep growing."

The group set up an ad-hoc headquarters, including a banner and a caricature of Barack Obama, at a hotel where Fujihara works. It is planning to make head bands and even Japanese "manju" sweets — Japanese steamed cake with red bean paste filling spelling out "Obama."

Fujihara said the group will gather to watch the results of the March 4 primary voting as well.

"If Mr. Obama becomes the president, we will form a delegation and try to visit him at the White House. That would be awesome," said Fujihara.