Anime set in Hachioji
Spirited Away (Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi)
Spirited Away is an animated film produced by Studio Ghibli and was released in theater on July 10, 2001.
The animated film became Japan's all-time No. 1 box office hit and earned 30 billion yen in revenue.
The place where Chihiro and her parents moved to is said to be set in Hachioji.
The background surrounding the car that runs toward their new address features the cityscape of Hachioji.
Pom Poko (Heisei Tanuki Gassen Ponpoko)
Pom Poko is an animated film produced by Studio Ghibli and was released in theater on July 16, 1994.
The animated film takes place in Tama New Town that extends over Hachioji, Inagi and Machida.
The stronghold of the racoon dogs is modeled after a Buddhist temple in Horinouchi-cho, Hachioji.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica (Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magika)
This late-night anime was aired from January to April 2011.
One of the backgrounds in the anime features Bessho, Hachioji and Matsugaya Station.
Himouto! Umaru-chan
・This manga-based anime was aired on December 2014.
One of the backgrounds in the anime feature the areas surrounding JR Hachioji Station.
Celebrities and famous people from Hachioji
Saburo Kitajima
Known as "Sabu-chan" by his fans, this famous enka (traditional Japanese music genre) artist has been living in Hachioji for many years.
He is also appointed as Hachioji's tourism ambassador.
Yumi Matsutoya
Yumi Matsuoya is a Japanese singer-songwriter who is affectionately called as "Yuming."
She is the second daughter of the owner of Arai Gofukuten, a long-established draper shop in Hachioji.
The draper shop is located in Yoka-machi, Hachioji and still operates in the present.
FUNKY MONKEY BABYS
This very popular group was formed in Hachioji in 2004.
It is one of the famous group from Hachioji as many of its songs make reference to the group members' hometown.
Unfortunately, they disbanded in 2013, though many of its fans visit Hachioji even today.
