Cute mascots will never be out of style in beckoning and gaining attention. These cuddly figures, which are alike anime characters coming into life, are used to represent a certain brand, or a specific place like an ambassador.
In Japan, they are called yuru chara. Almost all prefectures have their own yuru chara to promote tourism. Some government agencies and specific tourist destinations also have their own respective mascots.
Moreover, mascot is a real craze in Japan. Some are cute, some are creepy and weird. The country even hold the record of the most number of mascots in a parade. The recent Pikachu Outbreak, where lots of these cute electric-type Pokemon paraded in some places in Yokohama, attracted lots of locales and foreign tourists, now that the Pokemon Go craze is a catch-fire. So here, we listed the most popular mascots in Japan, which aren't Pikachu, Hello Kitty, nor Domokun.
Shiromaruhime
Shiromaruhime (such a long name) promotes the Himeji Castle in Hyogo. She is a bulgy, white yuru kyara (mascot character) with the Himeji castle itself as her headdress, with adorned cherry blossom.
Sanomaru
Sanomaru, the official mascot of Sano City in Tochigi Prefecture, has once been victorious when it comes to being adorable. It was named as softest of them all, and notched the top spot in the Yuru Kyara Grandprix in 2013. Are its twinkling eyes cute? It also has a bowl of ramen on its head, perfect to represent what Sano City is known for.
Hikonyan
Hikonyan was born on 2007, as the yuru kyara of Hikone Castle in Shiga Prefecture, commemorating its 400th founding anniversary. He is a cat with a red kabuto samurai helmet, who got its name from a combination of Hiko, from Hikone; and Nyan, the cat's hiss.
Gunma-chan
Gunma-chan, an adorable pony mascot has been awarded as the most adorable mascot in Yuru Kyara Grand Prix in 2014. It was, of course, the official mascot of Gunma; but it started its "career" as 38th National Athletic Festival, way back 1983. It started his role in promoting the entire prefecture on 2008.
Funassyi
Funassyi is one hyperactive pear mascot, which was made to represent the city of Funabashi, Chiba. It's not your typical super cute stuffed mascot, but its energy is just so contagious. Funassyi even has its own official song called "Funa Funa Funassyi".
Kumamon
Last, but definitely not the least is the first ever winner in the Yuru Kyara Grand Prix in 2012, is no other than the adorable black bear Kumamon! It is the official mascot of Kumamoto Prefecture, and one of the most popular among the many huggable mascots in Japan. He also has his own theme song called "Kumamon-mon-mon". This bear with wide staring eyes and red cheeks is as popular as Hello Kitty in Japan. It has even got the attention of the international media. Most of all, he was still the joyful image of the people of Kumamoto, after being hit by earthquake.
If you happen to see some of them, don't forget give them a big hug. They will bring us back to our childhood, always.
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