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.



















Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Face lettuce appears in Japan, with the face of Death Note’s Light Yagami, but why?
Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus to be installed at Japanese train station with Eva art trains
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Kodama Shinkansen trains on popular Japan route get a whole new look this winter
Japanese Coo-Che becomes a viral sensation, and everyone wants a taste
Dance with demons in Kyoto at this Edo-period Japanese Halloween festival
Universal Studios Japan requiring consent form for adults-only horror attraction
Why is Taco Bell failing in Japan, even as the country falls in love with tacos?
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Kodama Shinkansen trains on popular Japan route get a whole new look this winter
Japanese Coo-Che becomes a viral sensation, and everyone wants a taste
Dance with demons in Kyoto at this Edo-period Japanese Halloween festival
Universal Studios Japan requiring consent form for adults-only horror attraction
Why is Taco Bell failing in Japan, even as the country falls in love with tacos?
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Eight great words for talking about summer in Japan in Japanese
Starbucks Japan adds a new summer Frappuccino to the menu, but is it as refreshing as it looks?
Studio Ghibli releases Japanese curry shirts in honour of anime about the studio’s staff
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
“We want to be Japan’s best cheap restaurant” says new (but also not new) Akihabara noodle joint
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Foreign hiker on Mt. Fuji loses consciousness and dies, becoming climbing season’s second fatality