by The original TV anime Turkey! is celebrating the first anniversary of its broadcast with a series of special events in Chikuma City, Nagano Prefecture—the real-life setting of the anime. Fans can look forward to an anniversary celebration featuring cast appearances, exclusive commemorative items, themed station melodies, and a spectacular music fireworks collaboration at one of the city’s biggest summer festivals.
The anniversary event highlighted the strong connection between the anime and Chikuma City, showcasing how the series has become an important part of local tourism and community promotion since its debut in 2025.
Turkey! Marks One Year Since Its TV Anime Debut
Originally produced by BAKKEN RECORD, Turkey! premiered during the Summer 2025 anime season, airing on Nippon TV and other Japanese television networks.
Unlike many sports anime that focus solely on competition, Turkey! combines bowling, friendship, and coming-of-age storytelling while celebrating the scenic beauty and culture of Chikuma City.
The series follows five high school girls who belong to a bowling club, balancing daily school life with teamwork, personal growth, and their shared passion for the sport. Its heartfelt storytelling, colorful characters, and authentic portrayal of Chikuma City’s landmarks have helped the anime build a loyal fanbase over the past year.
To celebrate this milestone, an official first-anniversary event was held in Chikuma City, bringing together fans, cast members, and local officials.
Cast and Staff Reunite at Anniversary Event
The celebration featured appearances from several members of the anime’s main cast, including:
- Hana Hishikawa (voice of Mai Otonashi)
- Kana Ichinose (voice of Rina Godai)
- Yuki Tenma (voice of Nozomi Mitaka)
Joining the voice actors was Airi Takekawa, the anime’s character designer and chief animation director, who shared behind-the-scenes stories about the production and reflected on the series’ first year.
During the event, the cast looked back on memorable moments from the anime, discussed their favorite scenes, and expressed gratitude to fans for supporting the original series since its premiere.
The reunion created a warm and nostalgic atmosphere, celebrating both the anime’s achievements and its growing connection with the local community.
Chikuma City Mayor Joins the Celebration
Adding a unique local touch to the event, Chikuma City Mayor Shuichi Ogawa also took the stage.
Rather than simply delivering opening remarks, the mayor personally interviewed the cast members and asked questions about the anime, its production, and the experience of portraying the characters.
The conversation highlighted how Turkey! has helped introduce Chikuma City to anime fans across Japan and overseas, making the anniversary celebration especially meaningful for local residents.
The collaboration between the production team and city officials demonstrates how anime can contribute to regional tourism and cultural promotion.
Exclusive Turkey! Manhole Cards Announced
One of the biggest announcements made during the event was the release of official Turkey! manhole cards.
Japan’s famous manhole cards have become popular collectibles that celebrate local landmarks, culture, and artwork. The new Turkey! edition features designs inspired by the anime while incorporating elements unique to Chikuma City.
Each collectible card includes:
- An illustration based on the anime-themed manhole cover
- Information explaining the artwork
- The installation year
- Exact map coordinates of the manhole’s location
These cards encourage fans to explore the city while collecting exclusive memorabilia.
Distribution Details
- Start Date: July 31
- Location: Kamiyamada Cultural Hall
- Availability: First-come, first-served while supplies last
Because many anime-themed manhole cards quickly become collector’s items, fans are encouraged to arrive early.
Anime-Themed Station Melodies Coming Soon
Another exciting announcement confirmed that station melodies inspired by Turkey! will be introduced at local railway stations.
Station melodies are short musical themes played when trains arrive or depart, and they have become a beloved tradition throughout Japan.
Although detailed information—including participating stations and the featured music—has not yet been revealed, organizers confirmed that additional announcements will be made in the near future.
The initiative is expected to further strengthen the connection between the anime and its real-world setting while creating a memorable experience for visitors traveling through Chikuma City.
Turkey! Music Fireworks Collaboration Confirmed
Perhaps the most anticipated announcement is the special music fireworks collaboration scheduled for the 95th Shinshu Chikuma City Chikuma River Summer Fireworks Festival.
Event Details
- Festival: 95th Shinshu Chikuma City Chikuma River Summer Fireworks Festival
- Date: August 7
- Location: Chikuma City, Nagano Prefecture
During the event, fireworks will be synchronized with the anime’s opening theme song, “Hyakunichisou” (“Zinnia”), creating a spectacular audiovisual performance.
The combination of music and fireworks is expected to deliver one of the festival’s signature attractions, offering fans a unique opportunity to celebrate the anime under the summer night sky.
Why Chikuma City Plays Such an Important Role
One of Turkey!’s defining features is its strong connection to Chikuma City.
Many of the anime’s locations are based on real places throughout the city, allowing fans to enjoy an authentic “anime pilgrimage” by visiting the streets, parks, and landmarks featured in the series.
Through collaborations such as themed events, collectible manhole cards, station melodies, and fireworks displays, Chikuma City continues to embrace the anime as part of its tourism and community initiatives.
These projects not only celebrate the series but also encourage visitors to experience the city’s history, scenery, and local culture firsthand.
More Projects Planned for the Future
Organizers also confirmed that the anniversary celebration is only the beginning.
Although no additional projects have been announced yet, the production team stated that more Turkey! collaborations and special events are already being planned.
Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for future announcements regarding:
- New collaboration campaigns
- Additional commemorative merchandise
- Tourism initiatives
- Seasonal events
- Other anniversary celebrations
The continued support from both the anime’s creators and Chikuma City suggests that the franchise will remain active well beyond its first anniversary.
Final Thoughts
The **first anniversary of Turkey! is being celebrated with an impressive lineup of events that highlight the anime’s lasting impact on both fans and its real-world setting. From the reunion of the cast and staff to the introduction of exclusive manhole cards, upcoming station melodies, and a breathtaking music fireworks performance at the 95th Shinshu Chikuma City Chikuma River Summer Fireworks Festival, the celebration showcases the deep bond between the series and Chikuma City.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the bowling-themed anime or planning your first visit to Nagano Prefecture, these anniversary activities offer a wonderful opportunity to experience the world of Turkey! beyond the screen. With even more collaborations and announcements expected in the coming months, the future looks bright for both the anime and the city that inspired it.
