There appears to be a mascot for everything in Japan. Leave it to advertising agencies here to put a face on whatever product they are selling. But some products and promotions are difficult to create adorable characters for. How do you encapsulate all the intricate eccentricities of a city, for example, in one single super-deformed character?
Well Katsushika City in Tokyo is approaching the problem in a different way, but choosing not just one “cute character” to represent them but having an entire cast of beautiful heroines. Say hello to Katsukore!

Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Here comes a new katsudon: ice cream katsudon?!?
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
The best Japanese cosplayers from Day 4 of Winter Comiket 2019【Photos】
McDonald’s Japan adds the flavour of okonomiyaki to its menu for a limited time
Trying on Amazon Japan’s low-rated tattoo shirt to feel like a Showa-era punk
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Japanese movie theater chain’s popcorn earns highest Grand Prix quality certification
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
The best Japanese cosplayers from Day 4 of Winter Comiket 2019【Photos】
McDonald’s Japan adds the flavour of okonomiyaki to its menu for a limited time
Trying on Amazon Japan’s low-rated tattoo shirt to feel like a Showa-era punk
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
We visit the 24-hour male-only sauna just outside of Hakata Station and ponder a strange sight
Egg tart vendor promises not to accidentally sell realistic plastic samples a third time
Awesome website allows you to make your own Dragon Ball character, battle other fighters
Japan’s job-quitting service claims bosses contact it to try to make their employees quit
Temptations of smartphones, high-calorie foods mean no new horse racing jockeys for Japan next year