@Abroad in Japan
The HORROR of Japanese Mascots | 10 Craziest Characters
The HORROR of Japanese Mascots | 10 Craziest Characters
Explore Japan's bizarre world of mascots, from the beloved Kumamon to terrifying creations like Melon Bear and the God of Drunk, uncovering their origins and impact across the country.
10 places
1Kumamoto PrefectureregionKumamoto, Japan- Kumamon — The richest mascot in Japan, a bear originally created to promote Kumamoto Prefecture. He was ranked the number one yurukyara in 2011 and has generated a billion dollars for the local economy. He's a superstar who travels the country and mingles with the rich and famous.
2Wakayama PrefectureWakayamaWakayama, JapanCreator's voice- Tama-chan the stationmaster cat — A stray cat adopted by a struggling railway station in Wakayama, put in a hat, and turned into a stationmaster. It generated 10 million dollars for the local economy and attracted 55,000 visitors in its first year.
3Yubaritown · YubariYubari, Hokkaido, Japan- Melon Bear — A terrifying mascot from Yubari, Hokkaido, that is half melon, half bear, and half children's nightmare. Its genesis story is that a bear sunk its teeth into a juicy Yubari melon. It's known for its unusual teeth.
4Sapporo Clock TowerHeritage building · Sapporo3.9 (392)Closed · opens tomorrow 8:45 AMSapporo Clock Tower, 2 Chome Kita 1 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0001, JapanCreator's voice- Haunted Clock Guy — A mascot modeled on the Sapporo Clock Tower, created by a local video game company to 'create an impact that tourists will never forget.' It represents the disappointment tourists feel when seeing the clock tower and is depicted attempting to dine on a woman's head.
5KyotoKyoto0ahUKEwj5w-P37PSWAxX-MDQIHSKSF1QQ8BcIAygACreator's voice- Rejected Kyoto anti-drug mascot — A rejected anti-drugs campaign mascot for Kyoto, described as a vampire-dinosaur-skeleton with half a dozen syringes for teeth. The creator believes if this doesn't stop you from taking drugs, nothing will.
6Takamatsu AirportAirport · Takamatsu3.9 (2,563)Takamatsu Airport (TAK), 1312-7 Konanchooka, Takamatsu, Kagawa 761-1401, Japan- Takapou-kun — The mascot for Takamatsu Airport, a sentient runway with a glazed expression, seemingly having an existential crisis about its own existence. The creator questions why they chose something with no movement.
7Kochi PrefectureKochiKochi, JapanCreator's voice- Bero-Bero no Kamisama (God of Drunk) — A god-like mascot from Kochi Prefecture, literally the 'God of Drunk.' He is a nude, pink, spiral-eyed figure said to protect inebriated townsfolk on a night out. His marketing materials claim he protects from hangovers, gives more sexual power, and prevents falling down stairs.
8Chiba Lotte MarinesStadium · Chiba4.3 (72,734)ZOZO Marine Stadium, 1 Mihama, Mihama Ward, Chiba, 261-0022, Japan- Nazo no Sakana (The Mysterious Fish) — The mascot for the Chiba Lotte Marines Baseball Team, which evolves like a Pokémon. It started as a simple mysterious fish, then became a mysterious skeleton fish thing, and later a giant fish head.
9OtaruOtaruOtaru, Hokkaido, JapanCreator's voice- Zombear — A zombie bear from Otaru town in Hokkaido, who has his own brand of blue curry. The story says he's been wandering for 70 years searching for his owner, with 'no sense of direction of extreme' but 'luck is very good.' His merchandise, including pants, sells out.
10Fukusaki Towntown · FukusakiFukusaki, Kanzaki District, Hyogo, Japan- Gajiro — A demon mascot from Japanese folklore, said to lure people into rivers and drown them. Fukusaki town has a mechanical version in the local pond that pops out to scare passers-by, though it thankfully doesn't drag you in. Its long, flowing black hair gives it a rockstar-like appearance. The creator's objective was to create impact, as there are already plenty of cute, forgettable characters.