The American Democratic Presidential hopeful doesn’t have a city named after him, but a certain city in Japan does share his name.

Obama (小浜, which means small shore), is a fishing town in Fukui Prefecture. Supporters for the Presidential hopeful there — including Obama’s mayor (the city of course) — have continued to grow.

According to Wikipedia:

Barack Obama provided Obama, Fukui siginficant, if serendipitous, publicity as his name became widely recognized around the world, and the residents of Obama are returning the favor. From a hotel executive to farmers and fishermen, Obama locals are rallying around the 2008 United States Democratic Presidential hopeful, Barack Obama. The group tracks the twists and turns in Barack Obama’s campaign from its headquarters in a hotel, whose lobby features a portrait of the politician. The group’s secretary told ABC News, “I think our support base will keep growing. We wanted to do something because Mr. Obama doesn’t feel like a stranger to us. He’s like a relative to us.”

It’s a fun coincidence that’s led to some great feature stories:

Obama, Japan, roots for accidental namesake (AFP)

Obama receives backing of Obama (The Guardian)