【Silver Spoon】Silver Spoon Obihiro City, Hokkaido
“Silver Spoon” (Gin no Saji Silver Spoon), known for “Fullmetal Alchemist,” is an agricultural youth manga by Hiromu Arakawa. Set at the fictional Ezo Agricultural High School in Hokkaido, the story depicts the growth of the protagonist Yūgo Hachiken, a city-raised student, as he confronts agriculture. Since serialization began in 2011, this work has captivated many fans.
The setting for this story is the Tokachi region, centered around Obihiro City, Hokkaido. This article thoroughly introduces the charm of Obihiro City as deeply connected to the work, pilgrimage spots, exhibition information, and the background of agricultural culture depicted in the story.
The Deep Connection Between “Silver Spoon” and Obihiro City
Author Hiromu Arakawa’s Connection to Tokachi
Arakawa Hiromu is from a dairy farming family in the Tokachi region of Hokkaido and has actually graduated from an agricultural high school. Having been involved in agriculture since childhood and helped with livestock care and farm work, her experiences are reflected throughout “Silver Spoon.” The depictions of agriculture, interactions with animals, and the daily lives of farmers in the work all have the realism based on the author’s own experiences.
The Model School for Ezo Agricultural High School
The “Ezo Agricultural High School” that serves as the setting for the work is modeled after Obihiro Agricultural High School. Located at 1-chome, Inada-cho West, Obihiro City, this historic agricultural high school was founded in 1907 (Meiji 40) and features departments including Agriculture, Dairy Science, and Food Science.
Obihiro Agricultural High School is one of the leading agricultural education institutions in the Tokachi region, equipped with extensive practice fields and livestock facilities where students learn practical agricultural techniques. Many of the practical training scenes and school events in the work are based on actual activities at this school.
Characteristics of Obihiro City and the Tokachi Region
Obihiro City is the central city in the eastern part of Hokkaido, with a population of approximately 160,000. Located in the center of the Tokachi Plain, it is known as one of Japan’s leading agricultural regions.
Characteristics of Agriculture in Tokachi:
- Field Crop Agriculture: Large-scale cultivation of wheat, potatoes, beans, beets, and other crops
- Dairy Farming: Active milk production from cattle raising
- Livestock: Beef cattle and pig farming are also conducted
- Vast Agricultural Land: Farm management area is approximately 10 times the national average per farm
The “butadon” (pork rice bowl) depicted in the work also exists as a famous Obihiro specialty, with numerous pork bowl specialty restaurants throughout the city.
Complete Guide to Silver Spoon Pilgrimage Spots
For fans of “Silver Spoon,” Obihiro City is a “sacred site” itself. By visiting real locations featured in the work, fans can experience the world in which the characters lived.
1. Obihiro Racecourse (Ban’ei Tokachi)
Location: 1 Nishi 13-jo Minami 9-chome, Obihiro City, Hokkaido
This is the world’s only racecourse where “ban’ei racing” (horse racing with heavy sleds) can be enjoyed. It appeared in Episode 9 of the work, “Hachiken Bewildered by Pork Bowl,” where heavy-breed horses compete in pulling heavy sleds.
Highlights:
- Thrilling ban’ei racing spectacles
- Petting zoo where you can interact with horses
- Obihiro specialty pork bowls at food vendors
- Free admission (on race days)
Ban’ei racing is a tradition continuing from Hokkaido’s pioneer era, originating from strength competitions among horses that worked as agricultural animals. The work depicts the deep relationship between agriculture and horses.
2. Obihiro Shrine
Location: 1 Higashi 3-jo Minami 2-chome, Obihiro City, Hokkaido
Said to be the model for the shrine featured in the work, it is famous for its horse-shaped ema (votive plaques). It appears in scenes where Hachiken and others visit for New Year’s prayers.
Features:
- Historic shrine founded in 1910 (Meiji 43)
- Horse-motif ema distinctive to the agricultural region
- Panoramic view of Obihiro city from the grounds
- Close to the Tokachi River basin, ideal for walking
3. Tokachi River Basin
The Tokachi River basin near Obihiro Shrine appears in scenes where characters have meaningful conversations in the work. The vast basin and grand natural scenery are symbolic of the Tokachi landscape.
How to Enjoy:
- Walking along the cycling path
- Summer fireworks festival venue
- Beautiful snowy landscape in winter
4. Obihiro City Green Park (Midori-ga-oka Park)
Location: 2 Midori-ga-oka, Obihiro City, Hokkaido
This park appeared in Episode 8, “Hachiken Makes a Blunder.” It features the world’s longest bench (402.6 meters total length), which has been recognized by Guinness World Records, and serves as a gathering place for Obihiro residents.
Facilities:
- Extensive grass lawn
- Boat rental
- Par golf course
- Barbecue facilities
- Adjacent Obihiro Zoo
- Hokkaido Obihiro Museum of Art
The Hokkaido Obihiro Museum of Art has also hosted the “Silver Spoon Exhibition” mentioned later, making it doubly significant for fans.
5. Agricultural Landscape in the Tokachi Region
The areas surrounding Obihiro are covered with farmland as far as the eye can see, allowing visitors to experience the very scenery depicted in the work. Particularly from summer to fall, visitors can enjoy different agricultural landscapes each season: the golden color of wheat fields, potato flowers, and beet fields.
Recommended Driving Routes:
- Agricultural areas along Route 236
- Roads heading toward Shihoro Town
- Crop cultivation areas in Memuro and Shimizu towns
6. Pork Bowl Restaurant Tour
The “pork bowl” appearing multiple times in the work is the soul food of Obihiro City. With many pork bowl specialty restaurants throughout the city, dining here is essential for pilgrimage.
Famous Restaurants:
- Pancho (original pork bowl restaurant)
- Ippin
- Ton-den
- Butadon no Buta Hage
A simple but profound dish featuring pork flavored with sweet-spicy sauce, charcoal-grilled and served over rice.
“Silver Spoon Exhibition” Exhibition Information and History
Obihiro Venue Hosting (Concluded)
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of serialization of “Silver Spoon” and as part of Obihiro City’s 140th pioneer anniversary and 90th municipal anniversary celebration, an exhibition was held at the Hokkaido Obihiro Museum of Art.
Exhibition Overview (Concluded):
- Venue: Hokkaido Obihiro Museum of Art (2 Midori-ga-oka, Obihiro City)
- Period: July 17, 2021 (Saturday) to September 5, 2021 (Sunday)
- Exhibition Content: Approximately 200 original drawings, various materials, video exhibitions
- Admission: General ¥1,200, High School/University ¥600, Middle School and Under Free (Tokachi region high school students also free)
Exhibition Content
The exhibition primarily featured original drawings by Arakawa Hiromu and introduced the world and appeal of “Silver Spoon” from multiple perspectives.
Main Exhibits:
- Approximately 200 key original drawings from serialization to conclusion
- Character design materials
- Interview photographs and materials
- Anime adaptation and live-action film materials
- Actual farm equipment and materials featured in the work
- Video corner recreating famous scenes from the work
The original drawing exhibition was particularly valuable for fans, allowing them to examine up close Arakawa’s meticulous detail work, panel arrangement techniques, and character expression changes.
National Touring Exhibition
Following the success of the Obihiro venue, the exhibition toured nationally.
Touring Schedule:
- Obihiro Venue (Hokkaido Obihiro Museum of Art): July 17 – September 5, 2021
- Sapporo Venue (Sapporo Art Museum): September 18 – November 7, 2021
- Osaka Venue: 2022
- Tokyo Venue: 2022
Each venue featured special exhibitions and related events tailored to the region, providing fans nationwide the opportunity to experience the work’s world.
Significance of the Exhibition
The Obihiro venue hosting held special meaning as an exhibition of the work’s setting held in that location. For local Tokachi residents, it became an opportunity to reconfirm pride that their daily lives and culture were depicted as a nationally popular work. For work fans, it was a rare chance to view original drawings at the sacred site.
Agricultural Culture Depicted in the Work and Actual Obihiro
Reality of Agricultural High School
“Silver Spoon” is highly evaluated for its realistic depiction of daily agricultural high school life.
Characteristics of the Agricultural High School in the Work:
- Full Dormitory: Many students live in dormitories
- Practice-Centered: Abundant hands-on training in livestock, crop cultivation, food processing, etc.
- Early Morning Work: Livestock care begins early in the morning
- Confronting Life: Education involving meat processing is included
- Specialization: Specialized departments such as Dairy Science, Animal Husbandry, and Agricultural Civil Engineering
At Obihiro Agricultural High School and other Hokkaido agricultural high schools, such education is actually conducted, and the work’s depictions are extremely accurate.
Tokachi’s Dairy and Livestock Industries
Dairy and livestock farming, important themes of the work, are core industries of the Tokachi region.
Characteristics of Tokachi Dairy:
- Large-Scale Operations: Average farm operates over 100 dairy cattle
- Free Stall/Free Barn Method: Livestock raising allowing cattle to move freely
- TMR (Total Mixed Ration) Feeding: Feed design considering nutritional balance
- Raw Milk Production: Tokachi region produces approximately 10% of Japan’s total
The work depicts in detail the process of the protagonist Hachiken raising a pig, “butadon,” and shipping it as meat. This is exactly the “education about life” conducted in actual livestock training.
Reality of Crop Agriculture
The Tokachi Plain is Japan’s largest field crop region, and the landscape of vast fields frequently appears in the work.
Major Crops:
- Wheat: Produces approximately 40% of Hokkaido’s wheat
- Potatoes: Ranks among the nation’s top for both starch-source and table potatoes
- Beans: Small red beans, soybeans, kidney beans, etc.
- Beet (Sugar Beet): Sugar source
- Nagaimo (Long Yam): Tokachi specialty product
The work depicts cultivation and harvesting of these crops season by season, conveying both the hardship and joy of agriculture.
Agricultural Machinery and Technology
The work features large tractors and combines. Large-scale agriculture in Tokachi employs the latest agricultural machinery and GPS-based precision farming.
Characteristics of Modern Tokachi Agriculture:
- GPS auto-steering system-equipped tractors
- Crop health diagnosis via drone
- Smart agriculture adoption
- Sixth-sector industrialization (integrated production, processing, and sales)
Impact of the Work on Obihiro City and the Tokachi Region
Contribution to Tourism Promotion
The popularity of “Silver Spoon” has led to Obihiro City and the Tokachi region becoming a “sacred site” visited by numerous fans.
Tourism Effects:
- Increased young adult tourism
- Growing interest in agricultural experience programs
- Nationwide recognition of regional food culture (pork bowls, etc.)
- Increased use of accommodations and dining establishments
The local tourism association also implements promotional activities utilizing the work, creating tourist maps and model courses for “Silver Spoon” fans.
Promotion of Agricultural Understanding
The work’s accurate and appealing depiction of agriculture has heightened understanding and interest in farming.
Educational Impact:
- Increased applicants to agricultural high schools
- Growing agricultural interest among young urban residents
- Use as educational material for food education
- Awareness-raising on agricultural successor issues
Reports indicate that during serialization, applications to agricultural high schools nationwide increased.
Reconfirmation of Regional Identity
For local Tokachi residents, having their daily lives and culture become the setting for a nationally popular work became an opportunity to reconfirm pride in their region.
Regional Impact:
- Pride and confidence among agricultural workers
- Improved local settlement consciousness among young people
- Reassessment of regional culture
- Community activation
Anime Adaptation and Live-Action Film and Obihiro City
Anime Version’s Faithful Reconstruction
The television anime “Silver Spoon” aired in 2013 for Season 1 and 2014 for Season 2. During production, staff conducted actual research in Obihiro City and the Tokachi region to faithfully recreate landscapes and buildings.
Anime Characteristics:
- High-quality animation by A-1 Pictures
- Use of actual Tokachi landscapes as backgrounds
- Emphasis on agricultural depiction realism
- Accurate recreation of dialects and regional culture
Live-Action Film Locations
The 2014 live-action film version of “Silver Spoon” featured filming in Hokkaido.
Film Information:
- Director: Yoshida Keisuke
- Lead: Kento Nakajima (as Yūgo Hachiken)
- Filming Locations: Various locations in Hokkaido (primarily Tokachi region)
- Box Office: Approximately ¥700 million
The film featured filming at actual agricultural high schools and farms, with actors gaining firsthand experience with farm work during character preparation.
Access to Obihiro City and Tourism Information
Access to Obihiro City
Airplane:
- Approximately 30 minutes by car from Tokachi Obihiro Airport to city center
- Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes from Tokyo (Haneda)
- Approximately 40 minutes from Sapporo (New Chitose)
Train:
- Limited express from Sapporo via JR Nemuro Main Line: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
- Limited express from Kushiro: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Bus:
- Express bus from Sapporo: approximately 4 hours
Best Tourism Seasons
Spring (April–June):
- Snow melting and beginning of farm work
- Beautiful season of new greenery
Summer (July–August):
- Peak growing season for crops
- Lush green landscape
- Optimal climate for tourism
Fall (September–October):
- Harvest season
- Golden wheat fields
- Beautiful autumn leaves
Winter (November–March):
- Snowy agricultural landscape
- Winter agricultural activities
- Severe cold (winter gear essential)
Recommended Accommodations
Hotels:
- Business hotels around Obihiro Station
- Hot spring resort hotels
Farm Homestays:
- Stay with actual farmers and experience agricultural work
- Experience the work’s world more deeply
Obihiro Gourmet
Recommendations Beyond Pork Bowl:
- Rokkukaite: Famous sweets such as Marusei Butter Sandwich
- Ryūgetsu: Sweets like Sanpōroku
- Indian Curry: Curry chain originating in Obihiro
- Tokachi Milk and Dairy Products: Fresh dairy products
- Tokachi Wine: Regional wine from Ikeda Town
To Enjoy “Silver Spoon” More Deeply
Appeal of the Original Manga
“Silver Spoon” concluded over 15 volumes. Anime and film adaptations left out many elements; reading the original manga allows for deeper understanding of the work’s world.
Themes of the Work:
- Connection between life and food
- Growth amid the gap between dreams and reality
- Bonds between friends
- Hardship and joy of agriculture
- Differences in values between urban and rural areas
Related Publications
Reading other works by Arakawa Hiromu and books about agriculture and dairy farming further deepens understanding of the work.
Agricultural Experience Programs
The Tokachi region offers numerous agricultural experience programs for tourists.
Experience Content:
- Cow milking experience
- Tractor trial rides
- Harvest experience
- Cheese and butter-making experience
- Dining at farm restaurants
Through such experiences, visitors can feel firsthand the reality of agriculture depicted in the work.
Conclusion: The Future of “Silver Spoon” and Obihiro City
“Silver Spoon” is a groundbreaking work that communicated the agricultural culture of Obihiro City and the Tokachi region nationally and globally. Through the work, many people learned of agricultural reality, reconfirmed the importance of food, and discovered the charm of Obihiro City as a region.
Though serialization has concluded, the work’s impact continues. Obihiro City and the Tokachi region will continue to welcome numerous fans as the sacred site of “Silver Spoon.” The value of agriculture the work depicted will become increasingly important in the times ahead.
Visiting Obihiro City is not mere tourism but a journey to experience the “life and food,” “significance of agriculture,” and “regional culture” the work sought to convey. Please visit in person and experience the Ezo Agricultural High School world. The vast Tokachi Plain, fresh air, and warm people await you.
