Saga Prefecture's Sagaprise! project announced in December that it is partnering with the Yuri!!! on Ice anime to promote protagonist Yūri Katsuki's home prefecture. The Sagaprise! website announced details of the first wave of the Saga!!! on Ice campaign on Thursday.

The "Ice Castle Hasetsu" ice skating rink will let fans fulfill their dream of skating on the same rink as Yūri from March 6 to March 12. Tokyo's Meiji Jingu Gaien Skating Rink will host the special rink inspired by the one that Yūri uses in his hometown of Hasetsu in the anime. The rink will feature special illustrations and have a photo spot during the promotion.

Yūri's anime hometown of Hasetsu is based on the real-life city of Karatsu in Saga Prefecture. The campaign will offer local specialties, a Yuri!!! on Ice-themed food menu, and original goods in Karatsu from March 3 to May 7.

Karatsu's official website offers side-by-side comparison images of Hasetsu in the anime and Karatsu in the real world.

Yuri!!! on Ice co-creator Mitsurou Kubo traveled to Karatsu earlier this month. She left behind custom signed illustrations and said that she wants to come back again. Fans apparently visit Karatsu daily as an anime pilgrimage site.

Source: Animate Times