World · East Asia & Pacific · 2 hrs ago
Ibaraki Passport draws 27,000 applications, prompting extra copies
Ibaraki Prefecture in Japan has received about 27,000 applications for a passport-style booklet promoting the region.
The prefecture initially planned to issue 10,000 copies, so it used a lottery to choose recipients.
It will now print additional copies and accept more applications through Oct.
16, with no limit on the number to be issued this time.
People who lost the first lottery do not need to apply again and will receive copies later.
The 44-page booklet covers local history, food, industries and places to visit, and includes a stamp rally across the prefecture’s 44 municipalities and roadside stations.
It was modeled on a similar booklet from neighboring Gunma Prefecture, which has gained popularity nationwide.
The prefecture hopes the booklet will build local pride and encourage tourism.
The Ibaraki Prefectural Government received about 27,000 applications for its Ibaraki Passport booklet, far exceeding the 10,000 copies initially planned.
The prefecture selected recipients by lottery and has decided to print additional copies.
Further applications will be accepted through Oct. 16, with no limit on the number of copies to be issued.
The booklet was designed to foster local pride and attract tourists to Ibaraki.
It contains 44 pages of information on the prefecture, including tourist attractions, history, cuisine and industries.
- Who
- The Ibaraki Prefectural Government received the applications.
- What
- About 27,000 people applied for the Ibaraki Passport, prompting the prefecture to plan additional copies.
- When
- The prefecture will accept further applications through Oct. 16, 2026.
- Where
- Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan.
- Why
- The booklet was designed to foster local pride and attract tourists.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Governor Kazuhiko Oigawa said he was pleased with the number of applications at a regular news conference.
The prefecture selected recipients by lottery because applications exceeded the 10,000 copies initially planned.
Mainichi EN reported that the prefecture had decided to print additional copies.
The prefecture will accept further applications.
- Applications
- About 27,000
- Initial planned copies
- 10,000
- Additional applications deadline
- Oct. 16
- Booklet length
- 44 pages
- Municipalities featured in stamp rally
- 44
What people are saying
I'm pleased that we received so many applications.
I hope this will give people an opportunity to deepen their understanding of and attachment to Ibaraki.
It was a clever idea for introducing Gunma's attractions in a concise way.
Sources
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