On "journeys in japan," our reporter Julian ventures to Ishinomaki City in Miyagi Prefecture, about 400 kilometers north of Tokyo. Ishinomaki prospered as a fishery town, but recently has become known for promoting Japanese comics. Manga City-Ishinomaki was developed in homage to local manga legend, Shotaro Ishinomori (1938-1998), through the joint efforts of fans and fellow artists. Ishinomori had long dreamed of creating a town where people were exposed to manga on a daily basis. On weekends and holidays, the colorful "Mangattan Liner," which is decorated with famous characters from Ishinomori's work, runs between Sendai and Ishinomaki. Employees, dressed as famous hero characters, greet passengers getting off at Ishinomaki station. Life-size manga figures are also displayed in the station-the gateway to Mangaland-and other characters appear on the façade, as well as stained glass windows. "Manga Road" is lined with 20 full-scale manga characters. Manhole covers, benches and even letterboxes feature manga motifs. The nearly one-kilometer-long "Manga Road" ends at a large river. Its sandbar has been nicknamed "Mangattan" by local residents. The Ishinomaki Mangattan Museum is located here. It houses Ishinomori manga, anime and original artwork. There are game and library areas. The museum promotes the understanding of manga culture and history. Not far from Ishinomaki port is Tashiro-jima Island. Ishinomori adored this island for its low-key atmosphere and gorgeous scenery. At one point, he had planned to relocate his family and entire studio and staff to the island. Now, "Manga Lodges" have been built on the island. Each of the cat-shaped cottages has been painted by leading manga artists, featuring their famous characters. The people of Ishinomaki and Tashiro-jima, in conjunction with leading manga artists, have collaborated to fulfill Shintaro Ishinomori's dreams.