Blog update: The "Map Micchons" mechanic is explained (It's really map missions, but Miko misheard and she's not fluent in English so...)
It's an interesting feature which adds flavour to the game and allows players to take a breather from the main storyline.
Uncover enough of the island map and missions will be unlocked. There are different types available.
Chest hunting (needs a gold key from bosses), rubbish collection, monster purging, animal (food) hunts and EX-monster bounties are the mission types available.
Besides the obvious material rewards from successfully completing the randomly-generated missions (run a boss to reset the variety available), the quest-giver gets an XP boost.
XP boost translates to the dog Pell getting higher-quality loot at his doghouse from scavenging, island residents offering better quality products in their wares etc.
Developer is making productive use of his Bon Festival break it seems.
He's also said that Enty subscribers should play the latest demo model as much as possible because XP gain is DOUBLED for map missions until it's correctly fixed in the next demo release.
No idea who the names refer to, but subscribers who want Ichirou, Jirou, Iku and Pell to have as much XP as possible for better wares and loot should take the opportunity while they still can.