On June 8, the area around Lake Kizakiko in Omachi was filled with fans to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the anime series “Professor Onegai“. The series, set in the picturesque town of Kizakiko, has maintained a fervent fan base since its broadcast in 2002 and 2003. The event, organized by a committee made up of local campers and the series’ rights holders, managed to raise funds through an online campaign, reaching its goal of 1.5 million yen within minutes and accumulating an impressive total of 14.12 million yen.

The celebration was attended by director Yasunori Ide, a native of Matsumoto, who shared stories and his deep affection for the work.Teacher at Onegai” (2002) and “Onegai Twins“(2003) are stories of love and adolescence centered on high school students, with faithfully depicted scenes of the seasons and mountains around Lake Kizakiko. These locations have made the area a popular destination for fans who make “sacred pilgrimages” to visit iconic locations from the series.

The 20th anniversary event, held at the Taira Civic Center, was attended by about 500 people, who watched a new short film directed by Ide, partly funded by the profits. Additionally, the event included a talk by popular voice actors Kikuko Inoue and Ayako Kawasumi, who brought the series' beloved characters to life.

The “Onegai☆” franchise has remained relevant over the years due to its mix of comedy, romance, and sci-fi touches, which has created a strong emotional connection with its audience. The series is notable not only for its charming narrative, but also for its detailed depiction of Kizakiko's landscapes, which has increased tourism to the region.

During the lecture, when asked about the future of the characters, director Ide jokingly commented that he preferred not to think about it, because “if they are happy, there is no drama”. However, he hinted at the possibility of a sequel, which generated great excitement among the public.

The “Onegai☆” series has left a lasting legacy in the anime industry, not only for its captivating story and characters, but also for its impact on local culture and its ability to attract new visitors to Kizakiko. One example of this impact is Kensuke Morita, a 41-year-old office worker from Chiba, who fell in love with the anime and has since visited the lake repeatedly, enjoying the serenity and scenery of Kizakiko.

The franchise continues to be a testament to the power of anime to inspire and connect people to special places and moments.and events like this anniversary show that its popularity and relevance are far from fading away.

Source: Otakomu