A group of local residents around the Nation of Japan had established a plan to issue “I Conquered Nation of Japan” certificates to people for 500 yen (US$5) a copy. The plan was a small way to help promote tourism to the area. However, when the news broke, people from all over the country wrote in, protesting the scheme and calling it “inappropriate.”
The schedules were set to be released from 5 May, which is the beginning of mountain climbing season. However, as a result of the outpouring of anger, the group announced that they were changing it three days after their initial announcement.
Nation of Japan is the name of a 555 meter tall mountain that sits between Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture and Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. Some say that is was named by then-shogun Iemitsu Tokugawa after a general presented him with a hawk caught in the area. Another theory is that it was named after the Emperor Sushun’s son, Prince Hachiko, whose grave is located nearby. The group renamed the certificate “Nation of Japan’s Summit” and will have them ready in time for the 5 May deadline.
Source: MSN (Japanese)
Image: Niigata Prefecture
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japanese hair salons going bankrupt in record numbers
Foreign tourist needs ambulance to pick him up at Mt. Fuji after hiking closed trail
Is Mister Donut’s all-you-can-eat Donut Buffet still worth it?
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japanese hair salons going bankrupt in record numbers
Foreign tourist needs ambulance to pick him up at Mt. Fuji after hiking closed trail
Is Mister Donut’s all-you-can-eat Donut Buffet still worth it?
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Beard Papa goes beyond just matcha with its new premium green tea cream puffs
Looney Tunes is now an adorable anime series with Looney Tunes Gokko[Videos]
Shogun Cultural Experiences merges a walking tour, sweets, and the music of traditional Japan
Seaweed bread is one of the most unusual baked goods in all of Japan
Uniqlo’s high-end sunglasses are a fashion minefield for anyone who isn’t Mr. Sato
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Studio Ghibli releases crystal glass paperweights featuring Totoro and the Catbus
Samurai Coffee: Try Edo period coffee once enjoyed by Japanese warriors
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
Sega opening 65th anniversary store in downtotn Tokyo with deep-cut game merch
Viral tweet suggests Japanese convenience store ripping off customers with donuts, so we investigate
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Beard Papa goes beyond just matcha with its new premium green tea cream puffs
Looney Tunes is now an adorable anime series with Looney Tunes Gokko[Videos]
Shogun Cultural Experiences merges a walking tour, sweets, and the music of traditional Japan
Seaweed bread is one of the most unusual baked goods in all of Japan
Uniqlo’s high-end sunglasses are a fashion minefield for anyone who isn’t Mr. Sato
Japan’s rice warehouse stockpile rate hits record high as consumers, restaurants reject high prices
Art Fire Festival lights up the night at a unique venue in the mountains of Japan
Samurai Coffee: Try Edo period coffee once enjoyed by Japanese warriors
Eating cheap sushi in a narrow building in Tokyo is an adventure for bold diners
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Hayao Miyazaki’s Whisper of the Heart concept art revealed in new Ghibli illustration book
Studio Ghibli releases crystal glass paperweights featuring Totoro and the Catbus
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines