KABOCHAN
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ゆるキャラ
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YAKKYUN
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Yuru-kyara
“Yuru-kyara” (also spelled “Yuru-chara”) are Japan’s cute (kawaii), and sometimes creepy-cute (kimo-kawaii), character mascots.
KAWAII - CUTE
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KIMO-KAWAII - CREEPY-CUTE
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What are "yuru-kyara" for?
Yuru-kyara are used to promote anything from cities, to businesses, to events, to.... anything you might want to promote. Yuru-kyara are hugely popular. Successful yuru-kyara can bring enormous amounts of attention to the things they promote.
What does it take to become a yuru-kyara?
Yuru-kyara should be cute and cuddly, and a bit goofy. They should visually represent the place or thing they promote. Also, there should be a connection between their name, and the place or thing they promote.
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”Kumamon" is the mascot of Kumamoto Prefecture, in Kyūshū, one of Japan's four main islands. "Kuma" means "bear". Here's a video of Kumamon's promotional tour to Melbourne, Australia.
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"Funassyi" is the mascot of Funabashi City, near Tōkyō. The name comes from "Funabashi" plus "nashi", because Funabashi is known for pears (nashi). Funassyi's a little bit out there!
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In this video, Japan resident John Daub goes to the Yuru-Kyara Grand Prix, where yuru-kyara compete for popularity, including yuru-kyara sumō wrestling. This video is pretty long, but informative.
