Hannō, Saitama: Where Nature Meets Animation

A common view in the mountains around Hannō. (© Gianni Simone)

Anime decorations along the Hannō Ginza street. (© Gianni Simone)

An old-fashioned shop on the Hannō Ginza. (© Gianni Simone)

The white elephant in Kannonji. (© Gianni Simone)

Ema expressing the prayers of anime fans in Kannonji. (© Gianni Simone)

Mikaeri-zaka, the path leading to the top of Mount Tōnosu. (© Gianni Simone)

The Astro Boy bronze statue, one of only a handful in the world. (© Oku Musashi Hannō Kankō Kyōkai)

Noguchi Isao, at right, stands before the “Noguchi no Tane” storefront. (Courtesy of Noguchi no Tane)

Noguchi Isao, at left, and the “God of Manga” Tezuka Osamu at the unveiling of the statue. (Courtesy of Noguchi no Tane)

The brilliant red Wariiwa Bridge. (© Gianni Simone)