Fans of the popular Japanese TV drama 'Vivant' have been traveling to Azerbaijan, where the second season of the hit series was filmed. The country, hugging the western shore of the Caspian Sea, is expected to continue welcoming more Japanese visitors, including growing numbers of 'set-jetters' who travel to filming locations.
Among the set-jetters who visited in late October was Mayumi Kishi, 47, from Tokyo. She stood before the ruins of a bathhouse at the Palace of the Shirvanshahs in Baku, which appeared in the drama as Jerusalem. Kishi said she watched the drama before the trip to familiarize herself with the locations.
Bukinist, a bookstore in Baku, appeared in the drama as a base for a secret intelligence unit. The store manager said Japanese visitors have become a daily sight, walking around taking photos and videos, and that the drama has helped create a warm bond between the two nations.
Japanese travel agencies have begun offering set-jetting tours. Hankyu Travel International launched a package in cooperation with the drama's producer, and some departures already have waiting lists. An official said sales have been strong due to the drama's impact.
Rashad Azizov, director-general of Azerbaijan's Cinema Agency, said the drama is making history by creating a bridge between the two nations. He expressed hopes for more Japanese tourists to visit the country to enjoy its historic sites, architecture and cuisine.
