Hachinohe (八戸市) city council member Yuri Fujikawa (藤川ゆり) recently released image video DVD, "Love Navi Hachinohe" hit the #1 weekly spot in the Oricon for the "idol image" video genre.

The 27-year old politician created a storm of controversy and criticism in her decision to release an image video DVD without first consulting her supporters who had helped get her elected.   Her support association has since dissolved and disassociated themselves from Fujikawa which essentially places her political career and future into the toilet.   They felt she betrayed the city by using this as a stepping stone to become a talent.  Plus I suppose this is just a bit too progressive for the more conservative nature of the people there.

Fujikawa initially rejected the idea when approached by Pony Canyon but then changed her mind so long as the DVD and the collection of photographs were produced with the purpose of publicizing and promoting Hachinohe as a tourist destination.  Given that there are often very blurred lines between idol image videos and the AV world, I can understand the trepidation some may have.

However, after watching the entire video, the contents of the DVD has quite a bit of promotional material for the city located in Aomori Prefecture as well as Ms. Fujikawa acting as a guide.  There are also interviews with her where she attempts to promote the city and its culture.  Compared to most idol image videos out there, the contents which focus on her are tame.   A supposed "bikini" shoot on the Osuka seashore was anything but that as it was more of a blouse that she was wearing.  Really, nothing to see here, move along please.

One of the main beefs brought up by her detractors however is that the "swimsuit" shooting was irresponsible PR because this particular coastline beach has a prohibition on swimming (dangerous surf and currents) which could send out the wrong signals to surfers and swimmers (roll eyes).

Anyway, the following is one of my favorite excerpts from the DVD.