Everything 'Anne' continues to draw Montgomery-loving fans from Japan to P.E.I.
Nearly 75 years after Anne of Green Gables was introduced to Japan, 2025 is proving to be "a really good year" for P.E.I. Select Tours, which has an Anne-themed tour tailor-made for tourists from that country.
Katsue Masuda, who grew up in Japan reading Lucy Maud Montgomery's novels set on Prince Edward Island, is the firm's operations manager, giving Japanese tourists the deep dive into all things Anne.
Masuda said the story of red-haired orphan Anne Shirley has been popular in Japan ever since Montgomery's first novel about her was translated into Japanese in 1952.
"Hanako Muraoka did a great, wonderful translation; that was right after the World War Two," she said.
"Japanese people wanted new books and needed hope, resilience and so on, so that story resonated with the Japanese people back then."
Personally, Masuda received her first Anne book when she was in elementary school.
"When I was [in] Grade 3, first book I got was Anne of Green Gables, and every year my mother gave me on my birthday an Anne sequel."
There used to be an animated series based on the novel, and this past spring a new anime series called Anne Shirley was released.
Those adaptations, in addition to the books themselves, have made the franchise perennially popular in Japan.
A 7-hour tour
Masuda said the Anne of Green Gables tour with commentary in Japanese takes place over seven hours, including sites from Charlottetown all the way to Cavendish, the inspiration for Montgomery's fictional Avonlea.
"Starting from Charlottetown, we take them to Cavendish, show them Cavendish Beach, and of course… Green Gables Heritage Place, and [the] grave site of Lucy Maud Montgomery," she said.
"Also [the] Cavendish post office, and that is whole morning. And then lunch is in North Rustico, usually Fishermen's Wharf [for] a whole lobster lunch."
She said the lobster lunch is a big hit with the people who take her tours: "Japanese people love seafood. Anne and lobster is a big thing."
In the afternoon, the tour continues to New London to see Montgomery's birthplace, followed by the French River lookout; the Anne of Green Gables Museum at Park Corner, including what Montgomery considered her "Lake of Shining Waters"; and the old Kensington train station.
Other locations include the Bideford Parsonage Museum, the Sir Andrew MacPhail Homestead in Orwell, the Confederation Centre of the Arts, and finally the Robertson Library and the L.M. Montgomery Institute at the University of Prince Edward Island.
Tours for Japanese tourists can be booked on the Select Tours website, and the office can be found on the first floor of the Delta Hotel in downtown Charlottetown.
Masuda said tours can handle just two people or 10 or 15 people at once. Select Tours also offers advice and services for those who wish to stay longer or even move to P.E.I.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
22 minutes ago
- Yahoo
'We Were Liars': First-time actor to fan favourite — how Shubham Maheshwari made Gat unforgettable
The actor went from studying economics in Vancouver to starring in one of the most popular shows of the year Fans of the We Were Liars series on Prime Video are more hopeful about the show's return. While a formal renewal announcement hasn't been made yet, Vernon Sanders, head of television at Amazon MGM Studios, confirmed to Variety that a Season 2 writers room is in the works. But while we keep our fingers crossed that the story, based on E. Lockhart's books, continues, we're all still captivated by the show's breakout star, Shubham Maheshwari, who plays Gat in the series. While the We We Liars cast is filled with veteran actors, including David Morse, Mamie Gummer, Candice King, Rahul Kohli, Caitlin FitzGerald and Emily Alyn Lind, the show was actually Maheshwari's first time ever working on camera. He was so new to the industry that he didn't think he was actually going to book the role, believing that it was a "far-fetched goal." Maheshwari was studying economics at the University of British Columbia, focusing on studying for exams, having a good GPA and applying for business consulting jobs when the possible opportunity to star in We Were Liars came up. And eventually he started thinking about what could happen if he did get the role of Gat on the show. "There was a moment where I stopped applying for jobs, or working as hard on my courses, and my roommates and my friends were concerned, because I didn't tell them that I was auditioning," Maheshwari told Yahoo. "Then I eventually told them about the show and everything, and they just lost their minds completely." 'It was a little bit scary' While Maheshwari is an incredibly impactful actor, he did identify that there was a comfort that came with acting alongside so many experienced costars. "There was a little bit of the imposter syndrome that was kicking in early on, especially when I was flying from Vancouver to Nova Scotia, because I knew the people I was working with, and I knew where I was in terms of experience, and that was a little bit daunting. It was a little bit scary," Maheshwari said. "But I think they're not just incredible at their job, they're also incredible human beings, and that means so much more to me." "I remember having so many conversations with David [Morse], such an amazing person to talk to, and just incredible points of view, I think, about this job and about the world. ... And I think there's one thing to learn ... when you talk to them, but also just being on set and watching them do their thing. I often say that my favourite scenes to film were the ones with the entire family, just because, as the story goes, Gat doesn't really say much, so it's a relatively lighter day, but mainly because I get to kind of sit back and watch these experts do their thing." As we saw in the series, Gat and Lind's character Cadence are particularly close, giving us an emotional love story, and Lind was someone Maheshwari was really able to confide in on set. "[Emily's] been working since she was five years old, and she's experienced about this industry, and she knows the ins and outs of it," he said. "And I think it was amazing that my first role was opposite someone like her." "She was nothing but lovely. She was so understanding of the fact that this is my first thing. She was so supportive. ... Right from the get go she made it very apparent that she is someone that I can count on for any questions, any sort of discussions, conversations, whatever it may be. ... She's always going to be that person who I can talk to whenever I need to talk about anything, about this bizarre job." But while the Gat and Cadence moments are particularly memorable, some of the best scenes in the whole show are between Gat and his uncle Ed (Rahul Kohli), who's the long-term partner of Cadence's aunt, Carrie (Mamie Gummer). And that's because, while Gat and Ed are so important to members of the Sinclair family, they're always at an arms length, they always feel like they're outsiders, and they're able to talk to each other about that in a way they can't communicate with anyone else. "I think what's so cool about the show and how it's different from the book is ... we were able to go a little bit deeper about ... seeing things from Gat's point of view, seeing things from Ed's point of view," Maheshwari said. "And it just makes it more real, I think." "I don't do this often, but sometimes if I see certain messages that I got on Instagram, there were a lot of them ... from people of colour, ... and just anyone, talking about how the show did such an honest and raw and real job in terms of capturing that element of feeling like an outsider, and how people related to it. And I think that's a very fulfilling, satisfying feeling, because that's what we aimed for. That's what we hoped for." And with that comes the brilliant way Maheshwari takes on Gat's most significant trauma, the loss of his dad, and what it's been like to navigate his teens years without his father. "It's not something that he outrightly talks about all the time, but ... you realize this as you get older, the things that you go through as a kid are such an important part of how you see the world," Maheshwari said. "The way I looked at it, personally, in terms of preparation, was Gat lost his dad when he was ... eight years old, and that was the first time that he came on the island, and he met Cadence for the first time. And I think the strongest way in which that element of losing his father at a very young, influential age, played out was ... Cadence and the Beechwood Island suddenly became that anchor that pulls him out of that sadness." 'Nothing makes me more happy than being on set' Now looking forward in his career, with his first on-screen job under his belt, Maheshwari realized that he's at his happiest when he's on set. "Nothing is more satisfying and fulfilling, and nothing makes me more happy than being on set and working," Maheshwari said. "I still wasn't fully convinced, if I want to give 100 per cent into being an actor, and I think through We Were Liars it was just like, nothing else is going to make me as happy as this." "It was a lot of working hours and ... you get so consumed by the process that you're a little bit drawn away from your normal, regular life, and away from family and everything. ... And once it was over it was a nice kind of change, I think, to come back to reality, to come back to real life and be with my friends and my family. ... But I still don't think anything can match being on set. I'm so eager to go to the next one." In terms of roles he'd love to do in the future, Maheshwari is really just open to any and all possibilities, as he continues to develop as an actor "I want to try different things. I want to see what I feel about different kinds of roles and just explore myself as an actor," Maheshwari said. But he's incredibly thankful for all the fans of We Were Liars, particularly with all the praise that he's gotten for his very first series. "We immediately got so much love," Maheshwari highlighted. "We've talked about this often, me and [Joseph Zada] and Emily [Alyn Lind] and Esther [McGregor], ... we felt that responsibility, that this book means something, means a lot to people. It was a defining part of some of their childhoods." "Now that it's out, I think it's been lovely. ... The response has been quite positive and it's a bit of a relief. ... Some of the messages that I see, they're just super kind. ... They may not realize it, but it means a lot. It means a lot to me and it goes a long way. And I'm very, very grateful for the love and support that they've given."
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Marriott earnings top estimates despite economic uncertainty
- Marriott International (NASDAQ:MAR) narrowed its full-year earnings outlook on Tuesday, as the hotel operator flagged ongoing headwinds from federal government spending cuts and weaker business travel, although second-quarter earnings still topped expectations. Revenue per available room, a key metric that gauges how effectively a hotelier is filling up rooms, was flat in the U.S. and Canada compared to a year ago, as these trends were somewhat offset by "continued strength" in luxury expenditures. Domestic travel in the U.S. has also been weighed down by ongoing murkiness surrounding U.S. tariffs, which have led many consumers to rein in expenditures. But globally, the measure, known as RevPAR, increased by 1.5% during the quarter, thanks to resilient leisure travel demand. Outside of the United States, growth was particularly solid in the Asia-Pacific and Europe, Middle East, and Africa regions, Marriott said. The comment mirrors recent statements from some airlines, who have suggested that improvements in the geopolitical outlook have helped to boost bookings. Despite worries around the impact of President Donald Trump's trade war on travel activity, executives in the airline industry have said demand has started to show signs of stabilizing after slipping earlier this year. In a statement, Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano said the firm's quarterly results were "strong" despite "heigtened macro-economic uncertainty." Adjusted earnings per share for the period came in at $2.65, up from $2.50 a year earlier and above estimates of $2.61. Revenue grew by 4.7% to $6.74 billion, exceeding expectations as well. Shares in Marriott rose by more than 6% in premarket U.S. trading on Tuesday. For the full year, Marriott said it now expects adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization to be between $5.31 billion and $5.40 billion. It had previously guided for $5.29 billion to $5.43 billion. Related articles Marriott earnings top estimates despite economic uncertainty Risks Rising? Smart Money Dodged 46%+ Drawdowns on These High-Flying Names 7 Undervalued Stocks on the Rise With 50%+ Upside Potential Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
This 'perfect' Michael Kors shoulder bag is more than 60% off right now — shoppers say it ‘goes with everything'
Shop the Michael Kors August long weekend sale and save hundreds on designer totes, satchels, shoulder bags and more. If you've been dreaming of a designer bag that's equal parts chic and easy to wear, this is your sign. Michael Kors Outlet is serving up serious style and if you shop its August long weekend sale, you can save hundreds on some of its most popular designer bags, including the Christina Large Shoulder Bag. This long weekend, Canadian shoppers can save a whopping $479 on the luxe, wear-it-everywhere bag that works just as well for running errands as it does for rooftop cocktails. With its buttery pebbled leather, chain-accented strap and classic silhouette, this is the kind of bag that instantly pulls an outfit together without looking like you tried too hard. And at this price? It's practically begging to be added to your cart. The details Crafted from durable pebbled leather, the Christina Shoulder Bag features a softly structured silhouette that can easily take you from Sunday brunch to the boardroom come Monday morning. With a roomy interior, multiple compartments and a chic chain-accented strap, this design checks all the boxes: function, fashion and comfort. 5 other really great reads I've tried 100s of summer dresses — here are 7 I'm wearing on repeat I travel a lot — 34 carry-on bag essentials I never get on a plane without 'Queer Eye' star Jonathan Van Ness calls this Canadian brand's $30 blush their 'gateway drug' It's available in a few classic shades, but only the Black and Luggage colourways are included in the August long weekend sale, so you'll want to act fast. No matter which hue you choose, this bag pairs effortlessly with everything from jeans and a tee to a cute summer dress. Plus, the magnetic snap closure keeps your essentials secure while still offering easy access on the go. What reviewers are saying 👜 15+ reviews ⭐ 4.4/5 stars 🏅 "My everyday bag!" The Christina Shoulder Bag has won over shoppers for its sleek design and everyday functionality. Reviewers rave about its just-right size, premium feel and how easily it elevates any outfit. 'I've used this bag every day since I bought it," one shopper shared. "It goes with everything and I always get compliments!' Another noted that it's 'perfect for travel or daily use, it's my everyday bag!' So far shoppers have overwhelmingly positive things to say, with no notable negative reviews The verdict If you're looking to invest in a designer bag that doesn't scream 'trendy' but still feels fresh and elevated, this deal is worth scooping up. With premium materials and rave reviews, the Christina Shoulder Bag is a smart addition to your rotation, especially at its long weekend sale price. Shop more August long weekend deals from Michael Kors Outlet
