Jiggly yellow pear, Funasshi, named top mascot in Japan

After two weeks of voting, Funasshi, the official yuru-kyara (mascot) representing Funabashi City in Chiba Prefecture, has come out as the number one local mascot in all of Japan. Known for his amazing jumping power and jiggly, almost convulsive movements, Funasshi bounced his way into the hearts of the Japanese people. He was joined by six other bizarre mascots, including the snarling half melon, half bear character from Hokkaido and a chubby dolphin from Kagawa Prefecture, for the announcement of the election results on August 6.

Funasshi will join the ranks of Kumamon of Kumamoto Prefecture, the Yuru-Kyara Grand Prix 2011 winner, and Bari-san of Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture, last year’s winner.

▼ Kumamon (right) and Bari-san (left), former first place winners.

Image: Kumamon Official Website

The Yuru-Kyara Grand Prix 2013 voting was held on the internet from July 10 to July 25. The final winner was chosen amongst the top mascots of each of the seven regions in Japan with Funasshi, representing the Kanto region, coming out on top.

▼ The top seven mascots gathered for the official announcement, held in Tokyo on August 6.

Image: Isa King Official Facebook

Let’s take a closer look at each one of these regional mascots:

▼ Okazaemon from Okazaki City in Aichi Prefecture (second place).Image: Okazaemon Official Facebook

▼ Koto-chan from Takamatsu City in Kagawa Prefecture (third place).Image: Koto-chan Official Facebook

▼ Isa King from Isa City inKagoshima Prefecture (fourth place).Image: Isa King Official Facebook

▼ Gakuto-kun from Koriyama City in Fukushima Prefecture (fifth place).Image: Alpen

▼ Ishikirin from Higashi-Osaka City (sixth place).Image: Ishikirin Official Facebook

▼ Melon Bear (right) from Yubari City in Hokkaido (seventh place).Image: Isa King Official Facebook

As you can see, there were plenty of charming mascots to choose from, but what made Funasshi so irresistible? Let’s take a look at him/her/it in action: