{
  "id": 8634936,
  "title": "Crab-themed complex aims to be new central Japan landmark, tourist hub",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/crab-themed-complex-aims-to-be-new-central-japan-landmark-tourist-hub",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-20T07:00:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Mainichi",
    "slug": "the-mainichi",
    "url": "https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260920/p2g/00m/0li/016000c"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In central Japan, a new interactive crab-themed complex aims to become a landmark and tourist hub in Fukui Prefecture. Located in Tsuruga, the Kani Factory showcases the fun, flavor, and fascination of crabs. Visitors can enjoy crab dishes, observe the processing of crabs, and even try shelling them themselves. The complex, operated by Denshoku Co., opened in mid-July with free admission and hopes to attract 500,000 visitors annually. In addition to crab-related activities, the facility features a seafood processing plant, retail space, and a children's play area. Denshoku Co., a Tsuruga-based company, aims to make crabs a more common menu item for Japanese homes. Despite the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen line extension to Tsuruga in March 2024, managing director Hiroshi Tanabe believes the city is still being overlooked. Tanabe hopes the crab complex will become one of Tsuruga's landmarks, with the goal of making crabs a part of the daily menu rather than just a winter delicacy.",
  "summary": "FUKUI (Kyodo) -- An interactive, crab-themed complex in Fukui Prefecture, central Japan, hopes to become a new landmark and attraction for visitors ea",
  "key_points": [
    "Kani Factory offers crab dishes, crab processing observation, and shelling activities.",
    "Denshoku Co. targets 500,000 annual visitors and aims to make crabs a common menu item."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}