Anne & Japan?

Japanese women have a surprising affinity for Prince Edward Island, as much for Lucy Maud Montgomery's fictional character Anne as the beautiful scenery. Many Japanese have become aware of the story of Anne of Green Gables from its inclusion until recently in the national junior high school curriculum. This led to the strange Canadian World theme park in northern Japan in which PEI featured prominently -- must more than it does in Canada itself! Much has been written about how Anne personified a sense of freedom for Japanese women, and a longing to live in simpler times closer to nature. The interest among Japanese in this tiny island on the east coast of Canada half a world away is surprising, but while there are many other things to occupy our minds these days, it appears that the interest in Anne is not fading.

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