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Osaka's symbolic character Kuidaore Taro will make his showbiz debut on Wednesday, his management agency announced Monday. Kuidaore Taro, a mechanical doll, was originally the mascot character of a restaurant in Dotonbori, Osaka. He stood in front of the restaurant from 1950 until it closed in July.
Since the closure, Taro's future has been discussed and more than 200 business proposals came in from around the country.
At a press conference in Osaka, Michiko Kakinoki, 67, owner of Kuidaore Taro, said her family has launched a management agency, called Taro Company, just for the doll. It is backed by major advertising company Dentsu. Taro will be leased for events and TV commercials as well as TV programs.
Kakinoki said, “The reason why we launched the agency is that we want to revitalize Osaka with Taro. I'm also happy to work with him.”
© Japan Today
23 Comments
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thepro
Ok, this country has gotten beyond a joke. I'm outta here.
krispy55
Actually this is great! I'm sure he will not be a loud, obnoxious guest, unlike most of the 'live' talent...
timorborder
Is there a political career down the line for this "Taro." Maybe he could replace another automoton by the same name. Let's face it, putting this guy in charge of the country would actually liven things up.
Then again, given his big reputation down in Osaka, he might be hired as the new manager of the Hanshin Tigers baseball team. Based on recent performance, all the job requires is that you hunker down in the corner of the dugout and watch aimlessly (as if in some drug-induced coma), as your team blows a lead of 10 or more games in less than half a season.
It would appear that the lunatics have finally taken over the asylum.
rjd_jr
I think this is kind of dumb but at the same time kind of funny and quirky as only Japan can do. When you think about it, this ain't much different than other 'non living' objects as celebrities in other cultures, like howdy doody for example.
timorborder
Howdy doody isn't real?
Samuraiiki
They must have a boring life when it is all about a clown doll.
outofmydepth
WOW - that just about sums up TALENT in this country. i am so glad i have cable.
Disillusioned
Long live cable TV! How pathetic!
GW
now not only can ANYBODY be a "talent" but ANYTHING can be a "talent"
this is pathetic
IchyaParadise
Ain't Mickey Mouse a talent?
soldave
For the love of God...
Although to be honest he'll probably be less wooden than most of the terento out there.
medievaltimes
Let the children play.
Dennis Bauer
i guess taro has more talen than many "talents" on TV
Lieutenant
Debut, and talent, together in the same sentence!
Things have really been going my way recently.
jerseyboy
Easily he has as much "grey matter" as most talent on J-TV. He should fit right in.
gogogo
How goes being a robot make you a talent?
Betting
I think Taro needs to be put down rather quick.
GW
Ichya
Mickey Mouse is a cartoon character, sometime mascot at certain amusement type places, never heard of the chap refered to as a "talent"
Jeff Huffman
He can't be any worse than any of the gaijin talento.
nath
I'm glad to see he's still going to be around.
Puppet or no, he's still an iconic symbol.
mrhog123
Taro b clowning us.
plasticmonkey
Natsukashiiii!!!! He reminds me of the good old days when Japan was only beginning to develop its annoying pop culture!!!!!
ptolemy
Good for Taro. He has more intelligence than Ishihara, Aso, Putin, and GW Bush combined. Taro is also more striking in glasses than Palin.