Fishermen transform into models in Japanese city

Ramen baths, square watermelons and cuddle cafes. Japan has some pretty weird things, and its latest addition: shirtless fishermen modelling for collectible cards.

According to the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper, local fishermen in Aomori have turned to creating "fisherman cards" to spark interest in local marine products and promote the fishing industry.

"Fisherman cards" are essentially trading cards, featuring fishermen in their work attire – but shirtless. Their names and area where they work are printed at the bottom of the cards, together with a five-star rating for all.

While many of the fishermen are muscular, no doubt due to their work, there are others who have... less-defined bodies.

Poses range from lifting fishing equipment to carrying the catch of the day, proving to be very well received on social media.

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Twitter user Chumi posted that she was so shy to ask for a "fisherman card" from one store that she ended up asking for "that" card, without specifically naming it.

And while the coronavirus is not a matter that should be taken lightly, this piece of news also provided a short respite for locals, with another user noting, "The spread of coronavirus in Aomori is no longer the recent top news, trading cards of fishermen in a naked apron are."

Even Aomori-based comedian Masunobu Ono chimed in, creating one for himself, but with a one-star rating.

He did have the disclaimer: "I also made my own card! Oh no, but I am not a fisherman."

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One thing to note though – the cards are not for sale and only distributed at special promotional events for Aomori marine products held in the prefecture. 

The idea initially started out as posters, but was so popular with locals that it was turned into trading cards.

As of March 2020, there are 11 designs, with plans for more in the future.

trining@asiaone.com