Mascots (Page 3)
Funasshi has had more than six years of celebrity fame, so maybe it’s time for the pear creature to have a little R&R.
Chiitan’s management claim a city rep in charge of happiness told them “permission wasn’t needed.”
Oh, and 29-year-old Famichiki Senpai is also an anthropomorphic piece of fried chicken with beefy human arms.
That adorable otter just took one too many blows to the head for the liking of city residents and officials.
All six candidates were cute enough to do the country proud, but these two are the winners.
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Enlightening clips show just how hard it is to do the simplest things when you’re a mascot.
Organizers find a way to let vision-impaired kids express their opinion of which of the adorable characters best represents Japan.
These six mascots take their inspiration from sakura cherry blossoms, shrines, and Japanese fairy tales.
The city’s subway operator can’t decide whether their mascot should look like a muppet or a sexy service manager.
The cute character bares his pecs in the fight against stranger danger, where children are told to remember the words “Squid Sushi” to protect them from harm.
With her own official Twitter account and a town in Tottori Prefecture behind her, Japan’s first ever cannabis character comes dressed as a pink-haired shrine maiden.
Call me old fashioned but I remember when mascots were meant to be cute, not demons spawned by human weakness or yam ninjas.
Over the weekend, a fight broke out between two mascots who have a well-documented history of bad blood.
Emerging from the cocoon that was The Daily Show, John Oliver has carved out a brilliant spot for himself with his own talk show Last Week Tonight. He has produced some amazing pieces on net neutrality, Edward Snowden, the Miss America Pageant and the NCAA. Viewers tune in each week to find out what subject close to their hearts is being roasted or promoted on HBO. Japan has gotten a couple of mentions on the show before, but this past week brought the insanity that is Japanese mascots to the attention of his viewers. Surely Japan’s mastery of the subject can teach the rest of the world something.



















Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
Japan’s Mos Burger discontinues old teriyaki burger and rolls out new recipe, but is it as good?
How to speak Japanese like a gyaru【2024 edition】
Mister Donut wows matcha lovers in Japan with new Dora Matcha doughnuts
New cherry blossom party picnic essential: This super-handy folding cardboard table
Japanese city abolishes 88th birthday celebratory money gift because people are living longer
Starbucks Japan opens new Kyoto store in Place of Scenic Beauty
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
7-Eleven Japan’s giant fried chicken skewer would be too big to eat, so it’s really for cuddling
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
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
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
How to speak Japanese like a gyaru【2024 edition】
Mister Donut wows matcha lovers in Japan with new Dora Matcha doughnuts
New cherry blossom party picnic essential: This super-handy folding cardboard table
Japanese city abolishes 88th birthday celebratory money gift because people are living longer
Starbucks Japan opens new Kyoto store in Place of Scenic Beauty
Perfume single cover designed by Chihayafuru manga artist is “Flash”ing into headlines
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
We visit the full-scale Evangelion statue in Kyoto and particularly delight in the food tie-ins
Getting a driver’s license in Japan the hard way: The first driving test a few more times
We try a traditional Tokyo dish of stewed loaches, encounter something we’ve never seen before
This Japanese vending machine doesn’t sell drinks, but you can buy drinks through it
Major Tokyo subway line shut down by in-train mobile battery fire
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list