[floatr][/floatr]Matsumoto City in Nagano Prefecture wants to attract more nature-loving tourists to its mountain trails. As an initial step, they arranged for 14 local English language ALT's to go hiking and check all the English signs, maps and guidebooks they found along the way. The report (Japanese) says they found many examples of inappropriate translations and some areas where helpful information about local animals and vegetation was lacking. One of the organizers noted that existing signs were really something of an afterthought because no-one expected foreign visitors could be a potential market.
Matsumoto is a really nice place. Shirahone onsen is nearby, as are skiing, hiking, and all sorts of delicious foods and beverages. The castle is worth a visit, and I even hear that Aum hasn't been around in quite some time...
•I prefer liberty with danger to peace with slavery.•