Japanese Yurui Mascot Characters

In the Beginning

In the town of Hikone, Japan there is a samurai cat of unknown gender that serves as the mascot character of Hikone Castle. The mascot’s name--Hikonyan--is a combination of the city name Hikone and “nyan,” the sound Japanese people ascribe to cats. Both character and name were created by the illustrator Moheron for the castle’s 400 year anniversary five years ago. During the festivities Hikonyan paraded through Hikone city winning over locals and others from around the country. In the time since, Hikonyan’s popularity has played a large part in fueling Japan’s mascot character craze.

Hikonyan

Characters Galore

Now before I continue I would like to talk a bit about what exactly a mascot character is.  To begin with, they’re full title is yurui masukotto kyarakuta- or “yurukyara” for short. As the Japanese word “yurui” suggests these mascots are gentle, easy going and heart warming.  In Japan there are over a thousand of them and they are each associated with an event, town or landmark. For example, Tokyo Sky Tree has not one, but two characters, Oshinari-kun and Sorakara-chan.  Another is Minamo who was used for the 2012 National Sports Festival in Gifu Prefecture. And then there is Kiichan who is the mascot character for the 2015 national festival which will be held in Wakayama. Hiayumaru, whose head is shaped like an Ayu--the fish of Gifu prefecture. But it is in fact a sweet snack made to look like the fish that is a popular regional food in and around Gifu. Hachimaru is the Mascot for Nagoya Castle. He was also created for a 400-year anniversary celebration. 

The more popular yurukyara also have their own personas, songs and merchandise. Its all part of their overall purpose is to attract the attention of Japanese people and provide positive PR. But few if any have been as successful as Hikonyan. In fact, it was chosen as #1 by judges at the first ever Yurui Mascot Character Grand Prix in 2010. The beloved cat’s rise to fame, however, has not been without incident. Its creator Moheron sued the city of Hikone for using drawings of Hikonyan that were not of his creation. The disgruntled illustrator was so upset he threatened to put an end to Hikonyan’s use. Now had this happened, it would have been a great travesty for the people of Japan. Fortunately, the parties involved were able to sort the matter out and Hikonyan remains with us to this day.

The Original Pictures of Hikonyan

A Castle and the Cat

When visiting Hikone in Shiga prefecture, you can see Hikonyan at the castle on Saturdays, Sundays, National Holidays, and some weekdays. Its appearances draw large crowds of spectators who call out “kawaii” without end. I must admit, years ago, after first hearing about Hikonyan, I didn’t understand--why such a fuss over a person in an animal suit? Hell, I don’t even like cats. Hikonyan is the one exception.

I remember it well. It was a fine spring day, two years ago. At the behest of a friend, I was herded up with a group of Japanese people a hundred strong. And there we waited in front of The Hikone Castle Museum, when from the east in the glare of a golden sun, Hikonyan appeared. A gasp of elation escaped the crowd, followed by a crescendo of remarks. “Look, look! It’s so cute,” they said. Meanwhile, I stood completely transfixed, for within seconds of seeing it with my very eyes, I too had fallen victim to the cat’s irresistible charms.

More than merely making an appearance, Hikonyan delights audiences with a grand performance. The mascot assumes a variety of adorable poses and mannerisms for 30 minutes. These include bowing, air guitar and a penguin like dance. Hikonyan also brings a prop to play with such as a sense fan, dango on a stick or as you can see here, a flag. Japanese people can hardly control themselves at the sight.

Now, while mostly a shut in, Hikonyan does on occasion leave the castle. It makes appearances to promote the city of Hikone, take part in festivals, and most importantly, to assert its dominance as the cutest mascot character in Japan. And rumor has it, that when not in the public eye, Hikonyan resides in the main keep at Hikone Castle where it keeps a watchful eye from above waiting for the next chance to warm the hearts of visitors.

Enter the Cat

With a Pinwheel

Castle Keep

So for anyone who likes cats, samurai, cute things, or an all around good time, I highly recommend that you visit Hikone. Aside from seeing Hikonyan you can also tour the castle, one of only a few left in Japan that is an original construction. The story goes that during the Meiji Restoration it was spared from demolition by none other than the Emperor himself. Upon visiting the magnificent site he declared it a national treasure to be preserved and enjoyed by future generations. It is easy to understand why. Hikone offers panoramic views of Lake Biwa, and contains the beautiful Genkyu Garden—which alone is worth the visit.

Genkyu Gardens

Kumamon the Black

As much as I have heaped praise upon the name of Hikonyan, his reign of cuteness may not last. From the west a challenger has risen to challenge the samurai cat to become the most beloved Yurukyara in Japan. Kumamon is his name and he resides in the city of Kumamoto where he represents Kumamoto Castle. Because the place is far from where I live, I had thought I would never have the opportunity to see Kumamon in person. But I was mistaken. On a cold, snowy day in December of last year I went to Takayama, and the city happened to be hosting a Yurukyara Christmas Festival. An assortment of characters from around the country had come to participate. Among them was Kumamon. When I first saw the black bear on stage my heart jumped. Quickly, I closed in, drew my camera and began taking pictures. The festival lasted a good part of the day and towards the end the characters posed with spectators. This gave me the opportunity to snap close up shots. Everyone's attention was on the black bear, and it got to the point where I felt bad for the other characters. To get in pictures they actually had to go and stand near Kumamon or they were otherwise ignored.

At the Festival

Striking a Pose

The hour became late. The sky darkened. Kumamon and his three helpers left the stage area to return home. I too was ready to go to my hostel and the road back was the same for all of us.  Walking behind at a distance, I observed Kumamon. There were no other spectators around yet the bear kept acting silly. He stopped and hugged a sign post, continued to do random poses, and fell behind his entourage which kept motioning for him to continue along. Finally, the group reached Kumamon's van which was parked in a back alley. But before everyone got in, a young Japanese couple chanced upon the group. Kumamon sprang to life and happily posed for pictures. His entourage waited impatiently. I caught up with the group and out of curiosity asked if it was a guy or woman inside the bear suit.

One of the helpers, an elderly man with gentle eyes, looked at me and smiled. "There is no one inside," he said.

For a moment I almost believed him.

Well, after this experience I am drawn. I really do not know which of the two characters I like more. In some ways they are polar opposites. Hikonyan is a white cat and Kumamon a black bear. But they are also similar. Both come from castle towns and are immensely popular. And beyond that the characters posses a level of charisma and adorableness that is almost too much to bear. Get it? Bear? Ha ha, right?

Anyhow, I really must hand it to the Japanese. They took their unparalleled mastery of creating cute things, and somehow stepped it up a notch when they made the two.

This Way

Yanana the Fair

It is quite difficult to avoid Yuru Characters with so many of them in the country. The day I met Kumamon, there was another character on stage, one with whom I had a history. Her name was Yanana. She is a mermaid with a kind of cardboard box for a head. We had first met months before during the hot and humid Japanese summer. I was at Gifu station waiting for a friend who was running late. To kill time I walked around the area when unexpectedly I came upon a performance featuring Yuru Characters. There they were on the north side of the station with a crowd gathered around. A band played music and the characters danced in sync. My first thought was that the poor souls inside the suits must be burning up. However, the female character wore a dress, so she was certainly better off than the rest.

When the performance finished the characters mingled with the spectators. I made for the mermaid and passed my camera to someone to take a shot. As we posed, Yanana (whose name I did not yet know) drew in close. She placed a gloved hand on my chest and to my surprise kind of felt me up while also straddling my side. This contact between us made me see her in a whole new light. I began to wonder what the face beneath the box looked like.

Performing

Me and Yanana

Sadly, I did not find out. What's more, Yanana retired at the end of the year. This came to me as a shock for I had not known that these characters could even do that. I mean Mickey Mouse never retired from Disneyland, or Big Bird from Sesame Street. The mere suggestion of them doing so would be borderline madness. But I suppose I can't hold Japanese Yuru Characters to American standards. "They exist in a class of their own," a coworker later told me as I expressed my confusion over the matter. "But not to worry," she said, grasping my hand. "There will be others. There always are." Her words brought me great comfort because I knew she was right.

"Thank you," I said. And as I solemnly nodded my head I swore deep, down inside on all that is pure and righteous that I would find these new characters--whenever they might appear--and with camera in hand photograph them.