. >> reporter: the town of onagawa is also getting on board. it was devastated by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. many buildings were washed away. the population has dropped by 30% since then. people involved in areas of revitalization are hoping the game will attract new visitors. this drew hundreds of players. organizers have set portals where players can observe effects of the disaster as they explore the town. 16 meters above sea level, this stone monument documents how high the tsunami reached. it's also one of the portals. >> translator: i realized just how far up a tsunami can go. it's scary to think that the area i walked around just now was all under water. >> reporter: the players also get a chance to see how the town is being rebuilt. this shop served them special fish cake stamped with the game symbol. >> reporter: this hot spring reopened just this year. it, too, has become a portal and players can stop by for a soak. >> translator: i'm sure the town will be very attractive once it's rebuilt. >> translator: i'm very happy that lot