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Unofficial, Yet It Even Has LINE Stickers! Have You Met 'Muroran-kun'?
Find the Muroran-esque Motifs Muroran-kun is Showing Off!
Muroran-kun is adorned with six Muroran-esque motifs. From that thing you saw in history textbooks to that local gourmet dish, and even something not yet widely known, he seems to be promoting them with his entire being. Let's take a closer look!
I have a feeling his head is already covered in motifs.
1. Manufacturing Factories
The factory complex, which has supported the foundation of Japan's manufacturing industry, including steelmaking, is one of Muroran's symbols. The smoke from the chimneys is mostly water vapor.
2. Steel Bolts
When you think of Muroran, you think of the "city of iron," a fact even mentioned in textbooks. The bolts sticking out of his head, Frankenstein-style, represent this iron industry.
3. The Uninhabited Daikoku Island
Daikoku Island and its lighthouse, floating in the sea, once served as a guide for many ships. The silhouette of Daikoku Island against the sunset is a truly heart-stirring view.
4. Hakucho Bridge
This is the longest suspension bridge in eastern Japan, boasting a total length of 1,380 meters. In recent years, tours that allow visitors to climb the main towers have become popular among participants.
5. Muroran Yakitori
This is the soul food of Muroran's citizens. The three essential elements of Muroran yakitori are "pork," "onions," and "karashi mustard." It's said that the yakitori Muroran-kun holds has a will of its own...
6. Factory Nightscape
Muroran City is the only city in Hokkaido to be a member of the "Council of Night View Cities," which collaborates with factory towns nationwide. The glittering lights of the factories have a different charm from a typical night view.
Here's where the six motifs were located.
How did you do? There are still many more famous things like "Muroran Curry Ramen," "Kurosoi (black rockfish)," "the Mt. Sokuryo light-up," and "the spectacular view from Cape Chikyu," but you can't fit everything on one character.