<strong>Japan's Mascot Culture:</strong> In Japan, businesses, brands and even towns have their own mascots. These characters serve as promotions for the brand and also have a whole subculture of fans who try to meet as many as they can.
Japan's Mascot Culture: In Japan, businesses, brands and even towns have their own mascots. These characters serve as promotions for the brand and also have a whole subculture of fans who try to meet as many as they can.
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<strong>Kawaii:</strong> The concept of "kawaii," or "cuteness" in English, is popular in Japan and something many visitors want to experience when they travel to the country.
Kawaii: The concept of "kawaii," or "cuteness" in English, is popular in Japan and something many visitors want to experience when they travel to the country.
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<strong>Vegatta:</strong> The mascot of soccer team Vegalta Sendai, this mascot gets sporty by riding a bike.
Vegatta: The mascot of soccer team Vegalta Sendai, this mascot gets sporty by riding a bike.
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<strong>Yuru-chara Grand Prix:</strong> Every year, this mascot festival crowns a winner based on fan votes. It's also a way for fans to meet and take photos with their favorite mascots.
Yuru-chara Grand Prix: Every year, this mascot festival crowns a winner based on fan votes. It's also a way for fans to meet and take photos with their favorite mascots.
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<strong>Penguin suits:</strong> Golfers Yuka Yasuda and Kotono Kozuma pose with two mascots on a golf course.
Penguin suits: Golfers Yuka Yasuda and Kotono Kozuma pose with two mascots on a golf course.
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<strong>Ka-kun</strong>: A mascot for Japan's Miyazaki prefecture officially announces the start of ski season.
Ka-kun: A mascot for Japan's Miyazaki prefecture officially announces the start of ski season.
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<strong>Funayassi: </strong>One of Japan's most popular mascots, this "pear fairy" was created by anonymous residents of the town of Funabashi when they didn't like their existing mascot.
Funayassi: One of Japan's most popular mascots, this "pear fairy" was created by anonymous residents of the town of Funabashi when they didn't like their existing mascot.
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<strong>Ren-G:</strong> It's common for events and festivals in Japan to have mascots. These two are the mascots for the Rugby World Cup 2019, which will be held in Tokyo.
Ren-G: It's common for events and festivals in Japan to have mascots. These two are the mascots for the Rugby World Cup 2019, which will be held in Tokyo.
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<strong>Kumamon: </strong>The red-cheeked bear is the mascot for Kumamoto Prefecture and was dispatched to comfort locals following the region's earthquake.
Kumamon: The red-cheeked bear is the mascot for Kumamoto Prefecture and was dispatched to comfort locals following the region's earthquake.
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<strong>Miraitowa and Someity:</strong> Meet the mascots for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Miraitowa and Someity: Meet the mascots for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
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