Lake Kizaki Campground in Omachi, Nagano Prefecture, the setting for the Onegai anime series, to close on the 28th
It has been announced that Lake Kizaki Campsite in Taira, Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture, will close on the 28th. Lake Kizaki is a natural lake with crystal clear water. It is known as the setting for the anime series Onegai☆, which has many devoted fans. Approximately 15,000 people use the campsite every year. Many voices have expressed regret over the closure.
Opened in 2004
The campsite was opened in 2004 by the current manager, Toshihiro Arai (51), who signed a lease with the local property district. It is about 9,900 square meters and has a kitchen, hearth, simple flush toilets, and 16 bungalows.
Last June, an event was held to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the series.
Arai-san also manages the neighboring municipal parking lot and has been accepting overnight campers. With the broadcast of ” Onegai Teacher ” in 2002 and “Onegai Twins” in 2003, the number of fans visiting Lake Kizaki has increased. Arai-san became a fan after meeting director Yasunori Ide, who is from Matsumoto City and was involved in the 20th-anniversary event of the series, held around the lake in June last year.
“No responsibility for safety”
However, the facility has discovered empty bottles and cans that had once been buried underground on multiple occasions. Furthermore, last year, the red pine trees that lined the premises began to fall, leading to the decision to suspend the five-year contract renewal. The facility “cannot take responsibility for ensuring the safety of users.”
Announced on social media, voices of regret over the farewell continue.
Since the closure was announced on social media on the 16th, many people have regretted it, saying, “It’s boring without Arai-san.” Arai expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’ve met many different people, and I’ve made friends to whom I can say goodbye and welcome back.” He has not yet decided what to do with himself in the future, and it is unclear whether the campsite will reopen.