Hanabi village? you ask. What is Hanabi village? What happened to Kasen? The short answer: I was invited to participate in a mayor program prior to the US launch of Animal Crossing New Leaf. Of course I said yes! I received a download code yesterday evening and Hanabi village was born. The above pictured mayor’s name is Vella. That was my character’s name in City Folk, though there’s no physical resemblance.
So, Kasen village is on hiatus while I explore the wonders of the game in my native language. I’ll still play my Japanese game, but I’m switching gears and blogging primarily about Hanabi village unless something earth shattering happens in Kasen (you know, if Lillian gives me her picture or moves away…).
Let me know if there’s anything you want to know or see. I’ll be happy to cover it. Without further ado: Hanabi village.
Town Layout
I wanted Re-Tail (trying to get used to English names…) close to the dock for ease of selling off fish and bugs from the island. Re-Tail isn’t quite as close as I wanted, but I liked the little peninsula in the north (where I stuck my house—the gold one) and the town plaza and town hall were pretty close to the top of the town.
Town Villagers
- Soleil – female hamster – birthday 8/9
- Sheldon – male squirrel – birthday 2/26
- Victoria – female horse – birthday 7/11>
- Rooney – male kangaroo – birthday 12/1
- Barold – male bear cub – birthday 3/2
Tomorrow we’ll also have another villager: Charlise. I know nothing about her. I’m excited.
I was hoping for a hamster or a cute deer, so I was ecstatic to see Soleil.

Barold himself is a little scary, but has a cute personality. His personality reminds me of Clyde in City Folk.
Starting Out
I’m a little overwhelmed. I didn’t expect to start a new town last night. I did all the usual things. I introduced myself to everyone (as you can see above.) Then I went to talk to Isabelle. She’s pretty wordy, and airheaded. Of course I like her (though how I got roped into this mayor thing is a mystery).
That’s it for now. Look for more tomorrow.
I’m legally obligated to tell you that I AM JEALOUS!!! XD
OMG I remember Victoria! She used to be in my ACCF. The Hamster looks so cute I hope I get one in my town someday!
Can’t believe we had no idea about the higher priced items every day. I thought that board was decoration! I wonder how much more we’ll discover now that we can actually understand everything in the game?? Exciting!!
Loving all the English text!!!
It’s going to be fun reading this blog in anticipation of the US release! Your townies and tent are all adorable!
AWESOME! I can’t wait to see Hanabi grow and flourish. 😀 It’s so cool that Nintendo asked you to be one of the early players!
A hamster at the start! Woohoo!
Have fun, Mayor Vella! 🙂
be my friend pleaseeeeee 🙂 (please)
WOW my brain is going to blow up with animal crossing new leaf goodness
@gluxbox GAH I wish you got it too! I didn’t expect to get an advance copy at all. All I can say is SOON. Very very soon. It comes out right before you go to E3. Are you going to download it at midnight? Or preorder a cartridge? Oooooooh we can play in LA together!
@Aika Tears Do I have your friend code? I’ll add you.
Jealous! I posted a note to your game page with my 3DS code, but you haven’t added me back yet. Very nice to see though ::D
@Rachael adding now!
My friend Code is 5241-2638-2241. 🙂
Wow, very jealous that you got selected for the Mayor’s Program. I can’t wait to read your upcoming posts!! (Love your blog by the way!) Perhaps we could even play over wifi together when the game is released for the rest of North America, if you’re not tired of the game by then. ^_^
wOW!!!! *_*
You surely deserve the chance – I love your blog and Im glad Nintendo knows you!!
OMG OMG OMG!!! 🙁 I dont have any of the games yet but ive read all of your posts and I love Yumi and Vella!
How many characters can your town name be, if you don’t mind me asking?
@Shoes I was going to name my town DoomDoom (my City Follk town) and the last letter wouldn’t fit. I’ve heard other people say they could fit eight letters though, so I don’t know if it’s a variable width font and you can fit more of some letters than others? My personal experience: 7 letters.
I’m gonna do the digital download. YAY it will be so fun to play together… IN PERSON!! EEEEEE!!!
I kinda miss those random Japanese symbols
@Bushy But being able to read something without struggling is so nice. 😉
@Bushy They do let you use your imagination a little more. 😉
Hi! I just happened to come across your blog. I have been playing the Japanese version since last Nov. I have been writing my diary (in Japanese though)
http://rokumeikanmura.hatenablog.com/
My YUMEMI code is 3200-0140-5192
I am so ready to start the U.S. version this weekend!
Hi! I should have written my blog in Japanese to practice, but it would have been pretty bad. 😉
I had a quick look at your blog. Your town looks beautiful! I can’t wait to visit with the dream code. Would you mind if I posted pictures here?
Hi, Jennifer. No, please! I am looking forward to seeing you in the dream;) Are you playing both the Japanese version and the U.S. version? Are you leaning Japanese?
I am playing both versions right now. 🙂 My Japanese village is かせん and my main character is ユミ. Kasen’s dream code is: 3700-0166-7543 I don’t have one for Hanabi yet. Kasen is a bit of a mess with no real design. LOL.
Victoria was one of my starters too, she’s really cute, also helps that my actual name is Victoria too!! XD