The fresh air of Yamaguchi Prefecture may be far removed from Tokyo, but stepping inside Oidemase Yamaguchi Kan (Welcome-to-Yamaguchi Building), its outpost in the Nihonbashi business district, can make a visitor feel half-way there.
"A laid-back atmosphere represents the character of the people in Yamaguchi, so we wanted to create space for visitors to feel this," said Takeshi Maeda, assistant section chief. The outlet is officially known as the Tokyo office for Yamaguchi Trade and Tourism.
This laid-back concept is found directly outside the entrance to the shop, which leases space inside a building. Two tables set in a spacious area allow passersby to relax, while a monitor on the wall shows videos depicting life in Yamaguchi. Currently on view is a guide to cooking fugu, a local specialty.