Tohoku region

Do you know the catchphrase for the six Tohoku prefectures? Introducing the origins of unexpected catchphrases

When you buy a product, have you ever been attracted by a catchy slogan and then bought it?

Catchphrases and catchphrases are not just attached to products. There are catchphrases all over the country, and even in the six Tohoku prefectures

What kind of catchphrases are there to represent the prefecture?

We will introduce in detail the catchphrases of each of the six Tohoku prefectures and their meanings. We will also introduce some interesting catchphrases from cities in Tohoku, although this is based on our own personal opinions

If you come across a catchphrase that catches your eye, why not go and check out the city in question?


Did you know that not only products but also prefectures have catchphrases?

Tohoku Shinkansen Hayabusa (E5 Series Shinkansen)
Tohoku Shinkansen Hayabusa (E5 Series Shinkansen)

A catchphrase or catchy phrase describes a product in one word, and it also has the effect of increasing purchasing desire

The reason prefectures have catchphrases and catchphrases is that, just like with products, they provide a simple explanation of what kind of city the prefecture is

Beautiful cherry blossoms, Mount Fuji view, rivers, and mountains

The aim is to get people interested by clearly explaining the characteristics of the area in which they live

The catchphrases given to prefectures often have content that can be used for promotion, and the catchphrase can help you understand what kind of city it is


What are the catchphrases and catchphrases of the six Tohoku prefectures?

Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture
Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture

Of course, the six Tohoku prefectures also have their own catchphrases and catchphrases

People living in the Tohoku region may be familiar with these phrases, but those from other prefectures may be new to them. We will introduce them along with the origins of the catchphrases

Aomori Prefecture "Katsusai Aomori"

Aomori Prefecture Tourism and Product Center ASPAM
Aomori Prefecture Tourism and Product Center ASPAM

"Katsusai Aomori" is a catchphrase created to improve the image of Aomori Prefecture. It expresses the hope that people will make their lives more colorful and fulfilling by taking advantage of the diverse charms of Aomori Prefecture in various areas, such as its people, nature, and culture, and that Aomori Prefecture will be one that receives applause from both inside and outside the prefecture

Reference: Aomori Prefecture (Enhancing the image of vibrant Aomori)

Incidentally, the image of Aomori prefecture residents seems to be that they are "patient," "serious," "caring," and "conservative," so perhaps there is an intention to change this image as well

Akita Prefecture "Akita Vision" "Anbei Iina Akita Prefecture"

Kakunodate Samurai Residences Street
Kakunodate Samurai Residences Street

As you can see when you read the name "Akita Bijon," it is a play on words of "Akita Beauty," and was created to improve Akita's image, attract tourists, and increase consumption of local products, and to draw attention to Akita from all over the country

The catchphrase reads,
"At first glance, it looks like 'Akita Bijin,' but if you look closely, you'll see that there's humor in the word 'Akita Bijon.' It aims to catch the viewer's eye (an eye-catcher, so to speak), making them wonder, 'What is this?', and to turn on the communication switch in those who see it."
There are sure to be many people who are drawn to this slightly amusing catchphrase.

"Anbei na Akita" means there are many "anbei" (just right) places. "Anbei" may be a difficult expression to understand for people from other prefectures, but it has a local flavor and feels very Akita-like

Reference: Beautiful Country Akita Net (Please use the Akita Vision logo, Akita Prefecture's communication design)

Iwate Prefecture "Iwate, the Land of Gold."

Iwate Bank Red Brick Building
Iwate Bank Red Brick Building

Iwate Prefecture has a lot to be proud of, including Hiraizumi, history, culture, nature, agricultural, forestry and fishery products, as well as traditional performing arts and crafts

This catchphrase expresses these ideas, and expresses the overall richness of Iwate, with its beautiful nature, high-quality, safe and secure agricultural, forestry and fishery products, traditional culture and traditional crafts handed down in each region, and the desire to invite people to visit Iwate as a utopia that was once visited and admired by Marco Polo, Saigyo Hoshi, and Matsuo Basho

In recent years, Iwate Prefecture has been gaining recognition from around the world, and with the number of tourists expected to increase even more in the future, it looks set to become a place worth checking out

Reference: Iwate Prefecture (Golden Land Iwate Attractions Information)

Miyagi Prefecture "A stylish trip where smiles bloom"

Matsushima, one of Japan's three most scenic spots
Matsushima, one of Japan's three most scenic spots

The title of the official website of the Sendai/Miyagi Tourism Campaign Promotion Council is "A stylish journey where smiles bloom," and Musubimaru, the prefecture's PR mascot, introduces tourist information (it even includes information about Musubimaru's battles, which shows how popular he is both within and outside the prefecture)

Miyagi Prefecture is home to many historical sites and tourist attractions, including Matsushima, one of Japan's Three Great Views, and Takekoma Shrine, one of Japan's Three Great Inari Shrines, making it a great place for a fun trip. Travel to Miyagi Prefecture and bring lots of smiles to your faces

Reference: A stylish trip when a smile blooms

Yamagata Prefecture "Cherry Prefecture"

Illumination of Ginzan Onsen
Illumination of Ginzan Onsen

Since we have an udon prefecture and an onsen prefecture, it's only natural that we have a cherry prefecture! By using "cherries" as a catchphrase, which many people would answer if asked what Yamagata prefecture is, the image of Yamagata = cherries becomes stronger

In fact, there are many other delicious fruits and local specialties in addition to cherries, so why not visit Yamagata Prefecture...or rather, the Cherry Prefecture, to enjoy more than just cherries?

It doesn't seem like the prefecture is using it as a catchphrase, but the governor has said "Cherry Prefecture" on social media, so it's fine to call Yamagata Prefecture the Cherry Prefecture!

Fukushima Prefecture: "Realizing Fukushima, one thing at a time"

Tsuruga Castle (Aizuwakamatsu City)
Tsuruga Castle (Aizuwakamatsu City)

Fukushima Prefecture has made a strong declaration that it will bounce back from the Great East Japan Earthquake and nuclear disaster, and this catchphrase is intended to appeal to people both in Japan and abroad to see how each individual is beginning to take steps toward recovery

Until 2021, the theme was "Let's start from Fukushima," but 10 years after the earthquake, it has been changed

The meaning behind the name is that we will pool the strengths of each individual, connect each individual's thoughts, and work together to create something solid, one by one

Reference: One by one, Fukushima is realized


Interesting catchphrases and catchphrases from the Tohoku region

There are many catchy slogans and catchphrases that embody the characteristics and image of the prefecture and the feelings toward its residents, but sometimes there are some that make you burst out laughing and say, "What is this?"

We'll introduce you to catchphrases ranging from familiar ones to ones that might make you doubt your ears (or eyes)

Inakadate Village, Aomori Prefecture "It's the countryside, isn't it?"

Rice field art in Inakadate Village
Rice field art in Inakadate Village

Inakadate Village in Aomori Prefecture may not be a familiar village, but many people may think of it as a "rice field art village." This year marks the 30th anniversary of Inakadate Village's rice field art! It has been going on for 30 years, and this year's rice field art will be at its best around summer

Inakadate is the countryside, isn't it?

It certainly makes you think, maybe the countryside is okay! I was a little surprised by the naming sense, but it has a big impact

Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture "Sendai, the City of Trees"

Equestrian statue of Date Masamune at the Sendai Castle ruins
Equestrian statue of Date Masamune at the Sendai Castle ruins

This is a very well-known and familiar catchphrase, but many people may wonder why it is called "The City of Forests?"

Anyone who has visited Sendai will know that the center of the city is full of trees, and there are forests and other areas within a 30-minute drive from Sendai Station

Mori does not only refer to the trees and flowers that grow naturally in the mountains, but also to the lush greenery that has been cultivated over many years through the cooperation of the people who live in the town, and it is said that this "greenery" is imbued with the idea that it is Sendai's treasure

Reference: Sendai City (The origin of the name "City of Forests")

Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture "Fukushima City, where flowers and trees bloom"

Sabakoyu, a public bath in Iizaka Onsen
Sabakoyu, a public bath in Iizaka Onsen

It's a catchphrase that makes sense when you think about it, but it has a deeper meaning

Fukushima City has many famous cherry blossom viewing spots, and in the spring many tourists visit the city. Is Fukushima City just about flowers? No, there is much more to enjoy than just flowers, and the city is full of charm, including the fruit that bears the character "mi."

There are lots of great things to do in Fukushima City!

Reference: Fukushima City ("Hanamatsuri" also available in Fukushima City)


Summary: Catchphrases and taglines are like business cards

We introduced the origins and thoughts behind the surprising catchphrases of the six Tohoku prefectures

A catchphrase or catchphrase is like a business card for a prefecture. If people see the business card and are interested, they will want to go and check it out!

Some catchphrases capture the characteristics of each prefecture well, while others are a little funny. Each catchphrase is filled with the desire to "invite people to visit our prefecture (city, town, or village)."

In addition to the catchphrases introduced this time, each city and town has its own catchphrase, so why not check them out and visit the city or town that interests you?


Other articles