A gathering of Japan’s 200+ mascots: Kumamon and Funassyi will make an appearance

▲ Over 200 mascots will gather in Hikone City. (Photo / Screenshot from‘Gotochi Character Expo in Hikone 2014’official website)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

It’s no exaggeration to say Japan is the country with the most mascots in the world. Not only do prefectures and municipalities use mascots to promote tourism, but even shopping streets, museums, and corporations have their own. These mascots not only have their own association but also hold related events every year, with the “Local Mascot Expo” being the largest. In 2014, it will be held in Hikone City on October 18 and 19.

This year’s mascot expo in Hikone City will feature participants from as far north as Hokkaido to as far south as Okinawa, with a total of over 200 mascots making an appearance. Among them, popular mascots Kumamon and Funassyi will join in. The mascots will take turns performing and various competitions will be held.

2014 Local Mascot Expo
Opening hours: October 18–19, 2014, 09:00–15:00
Location: Hikone City Center Streets (Yume Kyobashi, 4-chome, Kyobashi Parking Lot)
Official website: http://gotouchi-chara.jp/hikone2014/index.html


▲ Kumamon will also participate in the 2014 Local Mascot Expo. (Photo / Yutaru shot)