I went to a local festival tonight, and saw the crowning of the Beniimo
Musume. In addition to being crowned Miss Beniimo for a year, they sweetened
the pot for the winner with a year's supply of beniimo. The runners-up were
given a consolation prize of a sack of beniimo as well.

In addition to stating why they thought they would make a good Beniimo
Musume, the contestants had to perform some sort of talent. One memorable
performance was a girl in stewardess school, who gave a pre-boarding
announcement (in English and Japanese!). An exchange student from Italy gave
a karate demonstration -- in her pink yukata (she got runner-up).

There was also a Q&A period, where the judges asked contestants questions
like, how many varieties of beniimo can you name?, what kind of beniimo
recipes do you like?, and suki na kata iru?

Yep, tonight's festivities dispelled any doubts about Yomitan's do-inaka
status. That's why I moved here.

-- 
Regards,
Ryan Ginstrom