Creating a mascot that promotes a company, a project or a local government has become quite prevalent in Japan today. A kitsch connoisseur, a man by the name of Jun Miura is said to have first coined the term “yuru chara.” Through various regional “Yuru”, loose or floppy character images accomplishing national fame, the concept has now become common knowledge in Japan. Here are some examples of well known characters that have been successful in bringing attention to their respective region:
Hikonyan - a white cat in a warrior’s hat represents Hikone City of Shiga Prefecture
Sento-kun - a boy with dear horns promotes the 1300 anniversary of the Nara-
Hejyokyo capital events
“Yuru Chara” defined by Mr. Jun Miura must follow the below three principles:
1) A mascot that embodies a strong message that is full of love for its native region
2) A mascot that stands and moves rather in-stably and unique
3) A mascot that embodies a lovable “relaxedness”
Furthermore an additional requirement is that the mascot is made into a stuffed character suit.
Here are some examples of City of Osaka “Yuru chara.”
Yumemaru-kun of the Chuo-ward was created to commemorate the 20th anniversary of redistricting history . The head is designed as the Osaka castle and ward flower of plum blossom and he holds a pansy flower. His hakama (traditional pants) are light blue as the water ways.
Ikumin of Ikuno-ward is a fairy at embodies the motif of the ward flower , hydrangea, and was created in commemoration of the 100th edition of the publication “Ikuno.”
Konoha-chan of Konohana-ward is able ride a magic tulip and bring happiness from rainbows. She has been active in the ward’s crime prevention campaigns.
Fuppi of Fukushima-ward was chosen by the public at the time of the opening of the new ward building. The Robot version of Fuppi, which was made in cooperation with Roobo members of the Robot Laboratory of Osaka, is able to greet visitors and speak to the public about notices from the ward office.
Yume-chan of Yodogawa-ward was also chosen by the public. She takes on a pose of “Y” representing Yodogawa-ward and wears a pansy, the ward flower on her head.
Although not within the Osaka City limits, Kansai International Airport also has two characters. One is Kankun that is a character created to carry the welcome message of the Japan’s first 24 hr airport. He is a winged globe to represent the international characteristic of the airport. The other is Skykids Booby, an acrobatic plane character that grows up with other plane friends.
As such, Osaka is home to many “Yuru” characters. If you are interetested in seeing “Yuru” characters from other parts of Japan, please take a look at Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)’s Yuru Kyara page.
If you are completely boggled by these phenomena of Japanese Culture but would like to know more, you will find some interesting insight by doing a quick online search. For a link to “Yuru chara” festival video, please take a look at this link.
As new ones appear, we would like to introduce them on our website. Please let us know if you have any questions or would like to know more about some of the Osaka’s “Yuru” characters. (Contact here)