Let's Explore the Charm of Sakaidemaro and Sakaide! - [Official] Sakaide City, Kagawa Tourism & Travel Guide | Odekake Kakehashi Sakaide

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Let’s Explore the Charm of Sakaidemaro and Sakaide!

Let’s Explore the Charm of Sakaidemaro and Sakaide!

Sakaidemaro is the mascot character (yuru-chara) of Sakaide City.
A cute and unique character who time-slipped from the Heian period to modern times.
We'll introduce you to Maro's charm in detail and help you experience the appeal of Sakaide at the same time.
This information is perfect for those planning a trip, yuru-chara fans, and families!

INDEX

What Kind of Character is Sakaidemaro?

There’s a little secret behind the birth of Sakaidemaro, who is the PR Strategy Section Chief of Sakaide City.
Believe it or not, Maro is a character who time-slipped from the Heian period to modern times!
Guided by the sound of Sanukite (a type of stone), Maro wandered into Sakaide. After a fateful encounter with the mayor, Maro took on the role of revitalizing Sakaide City.
Now Maro is loved by many fans as Sakaide’s idol. Maro’s mission is to connect history with the present and spread the charm of Sakaide.

Sakaide Maro Story
Sakaide Maro Story
About 855 years ago, Sakaide Maro lived near the Sanuki provincial office in what is now Fuchu-cho, Sakaide City.
About 855 years ago, Sakaide Maro lived near the Sanuki provincial office in what is now Fuchu-cho, Sakaide City.
One night under a beautiful full moon, when he stepped outside his house entranced by the moon's beauty, an otherworldly beautiful sound came from somewhere.
One night under a beautiful full moon, when he stepped outside his house entranced by the moon's beauty, an otherworldly beautiful sound came from somewhere.
Kira-rin Kira-rin... Following that melody, he walked along and his surroundings changed to an unfamiliar landscape.
Kira-rin Kira-rin... Following that melody, he walked along and his surroundings changed to an unfamiliar landscape.
Sakaide Maro had arrived at a Sanukite concert venue held on Shamijima Island in Sakaide City during the Setouchi International Art Festival in spring 2013!
Sakaide Maro had arrived at a Sanukite concert venue held on Shamijima Island in Sakaide City during the Setouchi International Art Festival in spring 2013!
The source of the beautiful sound was a mysterious stone called
The source of the beautiful sound was a mysterious stone called "Sanukite."
Not understanding what had happened to him, Sakaide Maro was about to shed tears of loneliness.
Not understanding what had happened to him, Sakaide Maro was about to shed tears of loneliness.
Spotting the mayor in the familiar costume, Sakaide Maro immediately rushed over and was taken under the mayor's protection.
Spotting the mayor in the familiar costume, Sakaide Maro immediately rushed over and was taken under the mayor's protection.
Although Sakaide Maro had wandered into the modern era, he quickly adapted to his new life and now enjoys a life full of excitement.
Although Sakaide Maro had wandered into the modern era, he quickly adapted to his new life and now enjoys a life full of excitement.
Because he referred to himself as
Because he referred to himself as "maro, maro," everyone came to call him Sakaide Maro.
Learning that the place he had traveled across time and space to was a world 850 years after Emperor Sutoku's death, he was happy to see that Emperor Sutoku,
Learning that the place he had traveled across time and space to was a world 850 years after Emperor Sutoku's death, he was happy to see that Emperor Sutoku,
always been kind to him, was still beloved by modern people.Sakaide Maro grew to love the people of Sakaide very much.
always been kind to him, was still beloved by modern people.Sakaide Maro grew to love the people of Sakaide very much.
He wants to tell the Emperor about the modern world first thing when he returns to the Heian period.
He wants to tell the Emperor about the modern world first thing when he returns to the Heian period.
At the end of 2013, he casually entered Sakaide City's official character election and won, so he decided to stay in the modern era for a while.He is not actually a Sanuki provincial governor but a boy who aspires to be one.
At the end of 2013, he casually entered Sakaide City's official character election and won, so he decided to stay in the modern era for a while.He is not actually a Sanuki provincial governor but a boy who aspires to be one.
He requested to learn about modern politics alongside the mayor, and with the mayor's approval, he was officially appointed as the PR Strategy Officer of Sakaide City this spring.
He requested to learn about modern politics alongside the mayor, and with the mayor's approval, he was officially appointed as the PR Strategy Officer of Sakaide City this spring.

Sakaidemaro's Profile

Name: Sakaidemaro (Real name is a secret)

Birthplace: A home at the foot of Omusubi Mountain in Sakaide

Birthday: December 4th, 8:00 AM (ancient times)

Personality: Energetic and lively. Loves the people of Sakaide.

Hobby: Dancing

Catchphrase: Gradually adapting to modern speech, but still refers to himself as “Maro.” Sometimes says “Sakaide, the town of ancient romance (maron).”

Favorite food: Shocked by the deliciousness of “San-Kintoki” (which didn’t exist in the Heian period), carries them around to take back to the Heian period anytime. Surprisingly good at cooking as he often helped at home.
*San-Kintoki: Holds “Kintoki Sweet Potato” and “Kintoki Carrot,” with “Kintoki Mandarin” on his head

Job: Making everyone he meets a fan of Sakaide. Believes his mission across time and space is to convey the good points of both modern and Heian periods to people. Appointed as Sakaide City PR Strategy Section Chief on April 1, 2014.

Frequent spots: Places where people gather. Gets excited to make friends especially when there are many children. Kinomaru Palace where he learned waka poetry from Emperor Sutoku, and places where the sound of Sanukite can be heard.

Lucky item: A hat given to him by Emperor Sutoku, who taught him waka poetry.

Other (Relationships):
Has a pet dog that looks just like Shio-ossan, and takes care of Shio-ossan in modern times.
Sometimes receives homework from his home tutor Sakadede.
The fairy Idemaru reports Sakaidemaro’s current situation to his parents.
Imo-maro occasionally appears in dreams to give Sakaidemaro mysterious messages.
Met Seto-no-hashi for the first time during the general election, and always tries to take him back to the Heian period because of his unusual nature, but always fails.
(*All characters are friends who competed in the citizens’ general election)

Available Only Here! Enjoy Sakaide More with Sakaidemaro Merchandise

2025 Sakaidemaro New Year’s postcards are now on sale! Sakaidemaro New Year’s postcards will be available from December 9th!

These popular annual postcards are limited in quantity!

Sales location: Sakaide City Tourist Information Center (inside Sakaide Station)
Price: 120 yen per card (tax included)
Inquiries: Sakaide City Tourist Information Center (0877-45-1122)
*No reservations available.

Various other Sakaidemaro merchandise Many Sakaidemaro goods are available to make your Sakaide sightseeing more enjoyable!

Create memories with Maro through these original items.

[Sales locations/Available items]
-Sakaide City Tourist Information Center (1-1-1 Motomachi, Sakaide City, inside JR Sakaide Station) MAP
Maro can badges/Maro ballpoint pens (red, black, blue)/Maro sticky notes/Maro sticky notes (3-pack)/Maro hand towels/Clear files/Maro pin badges

-Seto Ohashi Memorial Hall (6-13 Bannosu Midorimachi, Sakaide City) MAP
Maro pin badges/Maro ballpoint pens (red, black, blue)/Clear files

Want to Know More About Sakaidemaro! Events, Coloring Pages, and Dance Information

“Sakaidemaro” works to spread the charm of Sakaide. Why not feel closer to Maro through events and special experiences? There’s plenty of content to enjoy with family and friends!

Check the schedule of events where you can meet Maro and go see him in person!

There are chances to meet Sakaidemaro at events held in and around Sakaide City!
You can take photos with the energetic Maro and share special moments. Photos of Maro’s activities will be released periodically!
Try to find days when you can meet him from the “Sakaidemaro’s Schedule” below!

Sakaidemaro's Schedule

Maro’s coloring collection for family fun Original Maro coloring pages that everyone from small children to adults can enjoy!

Why not relax at home with Sakaidemaro coloring pages while reminiscing about your memories of Sakaide?
Download your favorite designs and color them vividly. Sakaidemaro Coloring Pages

Maro's coloring collection

Fun dance videos where you can dance with Maro are also available!

Why not move your body together with everyone through Sakaidemaro’s official dance?
You can enjoy it at home or in the park while watching the step tutorial video. Post your video and participate in the “#MaroDanceChallenge”!

Sakaidemaro Dance

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