Since it was introduced, Google's location-based game "Ingress" has engrossed many Japanese smartphone users, and officials in Iwate Prefecture have found it to be a great tool to boost tourism.
"By using 'Ingress,' we expect to publicize Iwate's notable sightseeing spots and reconstruction sites (after the March 11, 2011, Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami) that we want people to see," prefectural government spokesman Kazuei Tamotsu said. "I think this is the very first attempt by a municipality in Japan to use 'Ingress' for a sightseeing campaign, and that catches people's attention."
"Ingress" is a free location-based territorial game released by the Internet search giant.