[INTERVIEW] “Wait, What!?” — Chikuma Mayor Reacts to Turkey! Anime’s Sengoku Time-Travel Twist

The original anime Turkey!, set in Chikuma City, Nagano Prefecture, began airing in July and has quickly gained attention across Japan. The story features a high school girl who time-travels from a youth bowling club to the Sengoku era. Mayor Shuichi Ogawa shared his thoughts in an interview, reflecting on the city's involvement, local reactions, and his personal impressions of the series.

“I Was Surprised We Were Chosen”—How the Collaboration Started

Q: The anime Turkey! is set in Chikuma City. As mayor, how do you feel about this?
Ogawa:
It’s been about a month since the broadcast began in July, and both online and locally, there's been a lot of excitement. I'm genuinely happy. So many people are analyzing the show, and I can really feel their interest.

Q: How did Chikuma City become the setting?
Ogawa:
We signed a comprehensive partnership agreement with Pony Canyon Inc. to promote regional revitalization, and during that process, they proposed setting the anime here. I was surprised—like, “They chose us?” It made me very happy. Since the show started airing, residents have realized, “Our hometown has such beautiful places!” I believe it’s helped strengthen local pride.

“Wait, What?”—Initial Reaction to the Time-Travel Plot

Q: How did you feel when you learned it wasn’t just a youth bowling anime, but involved time travel to the Sengoku period?
Ogawa:
As mayor, I had seen the proposal and script in advance, but when I found out, I thought, “Wait, what!?” That said, I’m of the generation that enjoyed movies like G.I. Samurai and Back to the Future, so it really struck a chord with me. I was genuinely thrilled—grateful, even. (laughs)

Q: Stories involving time travel are intriguing, aren’t they?
Ogawa:
Yes, I’ve always found time-travel stories fascinating. This region also has historical ties to the Sengoku period—it's where Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin clashed. I was glad to see that historical connection reflected in the anime.

Q: You’re referring to the Battles of Kawanakajima, correct?
Ogawa:
Exactly. Parts of the city were also used as filming locations for the taiga drama Fuurinkazan.

“I Was Smiling to Myself”—Reactions at the Advance Screening

Q: You had to keep the plot secret for a long time, didn’t you?
Ogawa:
Of course! It was all under wraps, so I held back from talking about it. (laughs) I was looking forward to seeing everyone’s reactions once the show aired, so I feel relieved now.

Q: When was the secret revealed?
Ogawa:
At the advance screening held in Chikuma City. The audience was stunned—there was a moment of silence, then a collective “What!?” I was smiling to myself. (laughs)

Q: How was the turnout for the screening?
Ogawa:
We promoted it widely to locals, and despite being a weekday event, it filled up in just one day. We had attendees across generations—some even came as families of three generations. There were also many passionate fans from outside the prefecture.

Q: So the audience included many local residents?
Ogawa:
Yes. We’d been working on this for about three years. Ever since we featured a key visual of Obasute Station on the city bulletin, residents kept asking, “When is it coming?” So expectations had really built up.

Local Fans Recognize the Real Locations

Q: Some fans might’ve been shocked the story quickly jumped to the Sengoku period!
Ogawa:
Not at all. Local residents were very welcoming. They’ve shared their thoughts on the plot and expressed their excitement. When they watch, they recognize local spots—saying things like, “Isn’t that building over there?” It’s sparked real enthusiasm. (laughs)

Q: How do you watch the show personally?
Ogawa:
I usually watch with my wife. We’re at episode 5 now. The blend of the bowling club and the Sengoku period might seem odd at first, but the characters are portrayed with such care, and the dialogue is so well written. The music is also excellent. I’m not familiar with many other anime, but I’ve been truly impressed. It made me realize anime is a form of comprehensive art.

Q: It even has serious moments—might there be a big emotional ending?
Ogawa:
I was already moved by episodes 4 and 5. I’ve become more emotional lately, so I was teary-eyed while watching. I rewatch each episode three times every week. (laughs)

Source : ORICON NEWS