What's yuru-kyara？
Yuru-kyara is a Japanese term that means mascot characters. These mascots are usually created to promote a place or region, event organization or business. As Japan is famous for being a little on the eccentric side, these characters can be quite strange. Some creators have turned to creating kimo-kawaii (grotesque-cute) characters, due to large competition between kawaii characters. It’s becoming a challenge for creators to win the public’s heart by finding the perfect balance between cute and memorable.
5 - Domo-kun
Although Domo-kun is an international superstar now, he first originated from NHK (Japan's public broadcaster) and has been the official mascot since 1988. He launched to fame in short stop-motion sketches.
4 - Kumamon
Kumamon was created by the government of Kumamoto Prefecture, as a campaign to bring tourists to the region after the opening of the Kyushu Shinkansen line. Kumamon quickly grew popular in Japan and was voted 1st in 2011's Yuru-kyara contest. Many believe Kumamon's success is due to the unusual marketing strategy of free licensing, allowing anyone to use the character as long as their products promote goods and services from Kumamoto prefecture.
3 - Funassyi
Funassyi was made by a citizen of Funabashi in Chiba Prefecture, to cheer up the local residents and to help bring awareness to the town. It has starred in its own anime series, live action drama special, released 6 singles, DVDs and even headlined its own concert at Budokan. Funassyi is no doubt one of the most-liked mascots in Japan, due to it's cute but hilarious personality. You can see why in the video below.
2 - Barii-san
This adorable bird character from Ehime prefecture, on the Shikoku island, won first prize in 2012 Mascot Grand Prix and came in second place in 2011. Barii-san is a bird because the city is famous for yakitori (Japanese skewered chicken). Around his waist, he wears a haramaki (a piece of clothing that covers the stomach), which is the main product of the city. In his right hand, he holds a boat-shaped wallet, which signifies the local imabari shipbuilding, the largest shipbuilder in Japan.
1 - Melon Bear
Kimo-kawaii (grotesque-cute) characters, are on the rise here in Japan. Meet Melon Bear the controversial bear from Hokkaido due to it being known for trying to bite almost anything it sees. Although Melon Bear almost looks like a zombie bear, its products are very cute. People can't get enough of this cute but grotesque yuru-kyara.
These are our 5 favorite yuru-kyara. Didn't find the Japanese mascot you were looking for? No problem, with ZenMarket you can order from virtually any Japanese online store (with a few exceptions), and we will deliver to almost everywhere in the world.