Nyango Star is my choice for a Japanese mascot. Nyango Star is the mascot of Kuroishi, a city in Aomori Prefecture. He’s an apple possessed by the spirit of a dead cat, and he can absolutely slay the drums. “Our hero,” according to the Nyango Star website, “is part cat, part apple, and all metal.” Nyango Star became famous international wide last year after a video of him performing went viral. I like how Japanese mascot is kawaii and metal at the same time.
Instead of haunting tourist traps and advertising sports teams like what mascots in other countries often do, Japanese mascots represent everything from police departments to restaurants to government initiatives. Nyango star is the mascot of Kuroishi, a rural farming community best known for its apples. People in Kuroishi recognize Nyango Star as a superhero and hope that his fame and fortune will help the city’s economy. The fact that he’s supporting his community makes him an instant inspiration.
Mascots in Japan are used to represent cities, regions, organizations, events, and businesses. Mascot market is an amazing investment. It not only makes a lot of money, but it also teaches foreigners and locals about the culture, mission, and values. Because of their beloved adorable appearance, they have always been a nice teaching tool for children. In addition, many mascots in Japan are created to fight for political causes. For example, Kanzou-Kun, a mascot that is combined of a human liver and an elephant, was designed to encourage people to get tested for hepatitis. It would be nice if Canada have a similar take on mascots and introduce the mascot culture. If Coquitlam has a mascot, I think it would be something relates to the Kwikwetlem first nation culture.
Citation:
Civil, Eli. “Japanse Mascots: The Weird, the Cute and the Popular.” Japan Yugen, 26 Aug. 2021, japanyugen.com/japanse-mascots-the-weird-the-cute-and-the-popular.
VICE News. “Nyango Star: The Heavy Metal Cat Mascot Saving a Japanese Farm (HBO).” YouTube, 10 Jan. 2019, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dntu3VDep8w.
Wikipedia contributors. “Coquitlam.” Wikipedia, 22 Nov. 2022, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coquitlam.