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.
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.
Let’s take a closer look at each one of these regional mascots:
▼ Okazaemon from Okazaki City in Aichi Prefecture (second place).
▼ Koto-chan from Takamatsu City in Kagawa Prefecture (third place).
▼ Isa King from Isa City inKagoshima Prefecture (fourth place).
▼ Gakuto-kun from Koriyama City in Fukushima Prefecture (fifth place).
▼ Ishikirin from Higashi-Osaka City (sixth place).
▼ Melon Bear (right) from Yubari City in Hokkaido (seventh place).
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:
OK, Funasshi, you’ve won our vote (not that you needed it anyway).
Source: Hachima Kikou via NHK News web
Images of Funasshi: Funasshi Official Facebook
GIFs: RocketNews24