On August 20th, the nickname of "ASPAM Lighthouse" at the new central wharf of Aomori Port was decided to be "Asupi".

In July last year, part of the "Aspam Lighthouse" was painted in the image of water as part of the "lighthouse tourism promotion" initiative of the Japan Coast Guard. The official name is Aomori Port North Breakwater West Lighthouse. Established in 1968, it was known by local residents as the "ASPAM Lighthouse" because it was located near the Aomori Prefectural Tourism and Products Center ASPAM.

The nickname "ASPAM Lighthouse" was solicited from the public on the occasion of the first anniversary of the painting. "Asupi" was selected from a total of 62 applications, and a naming ceremony was held in front of the lighthouse on August 20.

Rihito Kitate, a fifth grader at Furukawa Elementary School, named the name. "I decided on 'Asupi' because the color of the lighthouse was cute and the shape was triangular and looked like Aspam (Aomori Prefectural Tourism and Products Center). I would be happy if many people called me 'Aspy'," he said with a smile.

Hidekuni Hosokawa, chairman of the Aomori Waterfront Revitalization Council, which organized the nickname competition, said, "I want it to be more familiar and loved by the local people than ever before. As a symbol of the waterfront, it will become a local tourist attraction. I hope so,” he says.

Kay Toyokawa, a designer from Aomori who served as a judge, said, "I was happy that many people visited the Aspam lighthouse that I painted and uploaded photos on SNS. A nickname that fits the cute lighthouse was decided. I want more people to visit," he said with a smile.

Currently, the Seikan Ferry Memorial Ship Hakkoda Maru, Nebuta no Ie Wa Rasse, Aomori Prefectural Tourism and Products Center Aspam, Shinmachi Shopping Street stores, etc. are distributing free postcards of "Asupi" (ends as soon as they run out).