Japan's Obama town celebrates victory

OBAMA, Japan (AP) - It was lunchtime Wednesday in Japan when the news of Barack Obama's election came. And the citizens of Obama, Japan, were ecstatic.

Dozens of supporters swarmed the stage where the Obama Girls hula dancers were performing. They joined hands, jumped up and down and chanted "Obama! Obama! Obama!"

The campaign brought an air of excitement to the normally sleepy seaside town.

Local leaders, trying to revive the economy, latched onto the connection as a way to promote tourism. An "Obama for Obama" supporters group attracted 1,500 members.

The mayor hopes to make the American president-elect a special honorary citizen.