Japanese KUMAMON Celebrates Birthday with Adorable Gymnastics and Heartwarming Hugs for Fans

KUMAMON is the tourism ambassador created by Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, to celebrate the full operation of the Kyushu Shinkansen. In 2011, he won first place in the Local Mascot Grand Prix with an impressive 280,000 votes. He then joined the Kumamoto Prefectural Government as the “Sales Department Head.” His birthday is March 12th, and he is a cheerful, humorous Pisces—a playful and adorable little boy who loves Kumamoto’s local delicacies.

 

At the meet-and-greet event, KUMAMON will lead fans in performing the cutest “KUMAMON Gymnastics,” host a prize-winning quiz with the audience, and those who answer correctly will have the chance to receive a loving hug and take a commemorative photo with KUMAMON. Limited-edition KUMAMON balloons will also be given out on-site. Come give KUMAMON a big “bear” hug.

In addition to the fan meeting event, Fresco Supermarket will hold a “Kumamoto Prefecture Specialty Exhibition and KUMAMON Merchandise Sales Event” on March 8th, featuring a selection of local specialties directly shipped from Kumamoto for consumers to sample. Kumamoto Prefecture, located in the southern part of Kyushu at a lower latitude, enjoys abundant sunshine, nurturing the “Jinshiki” variety of sweet potato. Its signature red skin and golden flesh are notable features, and the soft, fluffy texture makes these sweet potatoes ideal for a range of cooking methods—including boiling, roasting, steaming, and frying—making them a true crystallization of farmers’ wisdom and effort.