I like the idea of having mascots for cities. It’s a smart way to sell products related to those mascots, especially with tourists and travellers who can buy the merch or souvenirs of the mascot specific to each city they visit. It’s a smart way to make money and there are even performances where the mascots are involved. I don’t think it is only limited in Japan, I’m sure that there are other countries that could have a mascot. I noticed that here in Canada, we don’t have mascots for cities but we have lots of mascots for sport teams, like the Vancouver Canucks orca (my favourite hockey team); and some popular resturaunts– like how McDonalds has that funny looking clown. As a kid, I would’ve definately been happy if Coqutilam had a mascot.

I think that the most important factor of a mascot is the appearance. Ultimately, the appearance will affect the popularity and revenue. Let’s say some people who don’t know a lot about Japanese culture come into a tourist attraction shop, and want to buy some merch. They won’t buy it if the mascot is ugly or too boring. Therefore less popularity and sales will occur. Most people turn to looks at first glance, and choose whatever is the most cute / unique / eye catching.

My favourite mascot of the rankings is the 83rd one, めばえちゃん (Mebae Chan). I like it because it’s cute and has unique features that look inspired by nature (leaves/plants).