Temple bells rang, fireworks were set off and residents danced the hula in the Japanese city that shares its name with the new President. The town's local souvenir shop welcomed tourists with "I Love Obama" signs and sold a variety of goods ranging from Obama sweet bean cakes to chopsticks. The President has known for some time about Obama, Japan: Last year, the mayor of Obama received a Thank You letter from, er, Obama, who was sent chopsticks and a good-luck charm.
— By Glen Levy