Lawmakers hear proposal to turn Saipan into anime, gaming pilgrimage site

A Japanese delegation associated with entertainment producer Nelke Planning presented lawmakers last Jan. 9 on Capitol Hill with an expansive proposal to turn Saipan into a global hub for anime-, gaming-, and pop culture–driven tourism, pitching the CNMI as a destination where the entire island becomes an immersive entertainment experience.

Rep. Blas Jonathan Attao, chair of the House Committee on Federal and Foreign Affairs, said the presentation grew out of discussions with members of the Japanese community who live in the CNMI and have been exploring new investment opportunities tied to tourism and cultural promotion.

Attao said the proposal is unfolding against a broader geopolitical and economic backdrop, noting Japan’s commitment to invest heavily in the United States and its territories.

“There’s an understanding with the people of Japan and the government of Japan at the time through their negotiations that they’re pushing to invest about $550 billion into the U.S. and U.S. soil, so these territories,” Attao said.

Because of Saipan’s proximity to Japan and its existing cultural ties, Attao said the CNMI was seen as a natural testing ground for creative, pop culture-based tourism concepts that could attract younger travelers while also tapping into nostalgia among older generations.

“They see Saipan as a true destination,” he said, citing ideas such as Pokémon-themed island hunts, Mario Kart-style experiences, and other gaming-based attractions. “These are low-lying fruit and opportunities for them.”

Attao added that while no specific investment figures were presented for Saipan, the delegation emphasized partnerships with local government and tourism agencies, particularly the Marianas Visitors Authority, to package experiences for overseas markets.

One of the strongest endorsements came from Rep. Julie Ogo, who said the presentation stood out for its creativity and boldness in a social media post.

“Today’s presentation in the House of Representatives chamber was nothing short of wonderful—and honestly, star-struck is the perfect word for it,” Ogo said. “We are truly grateful that Japan is transitioning into investing in our local economy, and even more grateful that these investors are thinking boldly with us.”

Ogo said the proposals challenged conventional thinking about economic development.

“The ideas shared today reminded us that economic development doesn’t always have to look ‘traditional’ to be powerful,” she said. “Imagine Godzilla rising from our shoreline every hour for a quick, unforgettable glimpse. Imagine visitors landing at our airports and being welcomed by a giant robot—something Transformer-like—standing proudly as a landmark.”

She also highlighted the potential of location-based gaming to draw repeat visitors.

“Imagine a Pokémon Go experience where special Marianas characters can only be captured physically here,” Ogo said. “This is literally thinking outside the box—and it’s the kind of creative vision that can set the Marianas apart on the world stage.”

Ogo said she has encouraged the MVA to engage directly with the group. “The Marianas is far from ordinary. Why not? Let’s do it, Marianas!”

Rep. Marissa Flores said the proposal resonated with her personal and professional background and could help reshape how the CNMI presents itself to the world.

“This effort is personal to me, given my family’s long involvement in the entertainment and food and beverage industries,” Flores said. “I believe these industries are a powerful way to [create] meaningful experiences for our community.”

Flores credited Attao’s committee leadership for helping move the discussion forward.

“Under the leadership of our chairman of Federal and Foreign Affairs, Rep. BJ Attao, these discussions will be strengthened and guided with purpose,” she said. “His leadership will help move ideas into action and open the door to partnerships that bring family entertainment, food, interactive experiences, art, and pop culture from our sister islands of Japan to the CNMI.”

House Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez described the meeting as a positive first step.

“It was a good courtesy meeting,” Villagomez said. “The ideas presented were really good, and I hope we’re able to make them come to fruition.”

Asked whether the concepts could clash with the CNMI’s traditional tourism branding centered on beaches and natural beauty, Villagomez said the proposals could complement existing strategies rather than replace them.

“I think it can add to it,” he said.

Key ideas in Nelke’s proposal include major attractions such as a life-size Gundam exhibit, a recurring Godzilla emergence from the sea, island-wide Pokémon Go-style hunts, Mario Kart–-nspired sightseeing activities, Ninja Warrior-type facilities, Naruto and Ninja-themed forests, Capcom World experiences, Dragon Quest–themed townscapes, Monster Hunter adventures, Sanrio Puro-Island Saipan, anisong beach festivals, food-themed “Matsuri” parks, and an island-wide arts festival.

The proposal also outlines specific anime-driven tourism campaigns, including themed travel packages and events based on Blue Lock (soccer training camp in Guam), Spy x Family (family-oriented Saipan vacation missions), Haikyu!! (beach volleyball tournament), My Hero Academia (hero training activities), The Prince of Tennis (training camp), and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure (AR and art installations), each targeting different age and gender demographics.

Nelke emphasized its experience exporting Japanese entertainment overseas and said preliminary discussions with major Japanese content holders—such as Shueisha, Nippon TV, LDH Japan, STARTO Entertainment, and Japan Expo organizers—have been positive, contingent in some cases on Japanese government cooperation.