I've never been to Japan, but the thing I envy most about Japanese culture is

Rather than anime or AV and things like that,
it's their diverse festival culture
and excellent character branding.
Korea also has many local festivals,
but since character branding hasn't developed much yet,
they remain the kind of festivals that only certain people know about.
In Japan, it seems like even if a potato grew between the cracks in the asphalt,
they would turn that potato into a local mascot character
to try and attract people's attention.
Is it because I've consumed so much Japanese manga?
I don't know how things are these days,
but looking at the politics in Kunimitsu, they even put their lives on the line
and prepare intensely for local fireworks displays...
And they also depict people born in the countryside living without complaint,
working, eating, and sleeping there until they die, without feeling the need to move to a big city..
In Korea, it's only recently(?) that popular mascots like Goyang City's have appeared,
and it's good to see other local governments trying to create unique characters for their regions.
It would be even better if festivals that reflect local characteristics were also revitalized.
Since Busan City has successfully characterized the Busan Shark this time,
I hope it establishes itself as a part of the culture.