TOKYO -- The global phenomenon that is "Pokemon Go," the smartphone app that has people wandering the landscape looking for virtual monsters to capture and battle, has begun to win the hearts of Japan's municipalities, who see it as a way to attract visitors and energize their economies.
On Wednesday, the four earthquake-wracked prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima and Kumamoto announced they are increasing the number of locations where people can play "Pokemon Go" and preparing events to highlight their regions' attractions.
