'Obama for Obama' by Chris Steele Perkins:

The Japanese city of Obama ('small beach') was once renowned nationally as the key trading port from China and Korea to mainland Japan. It was through its streets that trade poured in from mainland Asia for many years.

Times have changed, however. As Japan evolved, trade through the city has dwindled. Tourists are now more likely to visit the town because of its reputation for manufacturing chopsticks, or its historic wooden Old Town.

...This was the case until a certain American politician, almost unknown at the time, landed in Japan on a political visit in 2006. Barack Obama, then lowly Senator of Hawaii, gave a TV interview as he breezed through, in which he noted the similarity between his name and that of Obama city. Little did he know at the time what an effect this would have on the town's population.

An Obama support committee was formed immediately in Obama city. T-shirts were printed, ties manufactured, support rallies held, and the 'Obama Girls', a 70 strong local Hula dancing group started giving performances. The 'Obama for Obama' campaign was launched. Whilst locals are cautious about the effect Obamania, and the revenue from local tourist shops are having in the long-run, there is no doubt that one Japanese city in particular will be united in the hope that the Hawaiian Senator triumphs on US election day.