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Japanese mascots: you see them everywhere you go. They influence the nation’s culture. They play an important part in all of our lives. Okay… they probably don’t do that last one, but try to stay with me on this premise.
And despite all they do for us as representatives of their regions or companies, not all of them get a chance to shine in the spotlight. Ranking and elections are an essential part of any mascot’s life from the Yurukyara Grand Prix to lesser events such as the Regional Character General Election.
To deny a mascot the chance to be voted upon is like denying a fish water. But with literally thousands of mascots scampering around Japan, it’s hard for them all to get the attention and judgment they thrive on.
Take bus company mascots. Often overlooked by their glamorous counterparts such as Kumamon or Funassyi, they rarely get to put a dent in any rankings. So bus information website Bus Trip has decided to hold the first-ever Bus Character Championship.
When nominations were open, a surprising 132 entries came in, which has since been whittled down to the following 12.
If you would like to cast your own vote just click here to make your choice. Voting will be held until June 14 and 10 lucky voters (only in Japan presumably) will also receive a 1,000 yen Amazon gift card just for participating.
Best of luck to the mascots themselves, and let’s hope the winner doesn’t end up as horrifying as some other Japanese mascot designs.
Sources: PR Times, Livedoor News, First Bus Character Championship
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© SoraNews24
5 Comments
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Kaerimashita
Which one of them is called Bus-ty?
Mlodinow
Companies really do enjoy throwing away resources on mascots in Japan. You'd think there would be better utility and recognition in grouping together and using just one (or at least fewer than 132), but sadly no.
pacint
Wrong Mascots are a major income/advertising source.
Ask Disney, Kellogs, McD, etc to drop theirs.
Mlodinow
@Pacint, Disney's are charactors, not mascots.
The likes of Kumamon certainly can gather a lot of income, but Kumamon is the mascot of a whole prefecture..it's quite different from the mascot of a lowly bus company. I don't think those companies see a single bean. Or whatever paltry income they do get is wiped out by having to pay the mascot and their attendants wages, costume, etc etc.
pacint
Wrong, they are mascots to as exist for many companies 'Green Giant', etc.
What about school/uni or mascots for schools, sports teáms.
Can the lots mascots aren't needed.