Obama rama

I’ve tried to keep this blog Japan-centric, but now allow me to digress into American politics. Mostly because that’s what many of my students have opted to do recently. Over the past month or so, many people here in Japan have been swept up in Obama-mania. I’d like to claim it’s because of an astute interest in international politics, but it’s actually just an issue of nomenclature.

Down the coast, in my neighbouring prefecture, lies the city of Obama, Fukui.

Recently, this obscure fishing town, previously famous for chopsticks, has been pumping out merchandise (including sweet bean cakes in the man’s likeness) and holding rallies to support the Democratic nominee.

The most enjoyable aspect of this situation however, is that all of my students are convinced Obama will definitely be the next president, and it seems no one has ever even heard of John McCain. I’m sure it mirrors my own ignorance of Asian politics, and I appreciate their willingness to discuss the American election. Besides, no one here cares much about the war in Iraq either. So for those of you who are still wondering, America’s influence may be far reaching, but it isn’t the center of the universe.

More: Obama, Japan, roots for accidental namesake