Yuruchara

Yuruchara are anime-style cartoon mascots that represent the various prefectures of Japan. Each yuruchara character can be seen on posters, brochures, and websites that treat visitors to a fun and inviting symbol of the area.

BENIKO (Iwanai Town, Hokkaido Prefecture)
I am a TARA-MARU's twin sister!! I introduce charm of Iwanai town in Hokkaido. A pink flower on a head is a HAMANAS (Hokkaido's flower). It's so cute!! Weapon is a big white asparagus!!
Date of birth : August 9, 1985
Sex: Female
Hobby and special ability: Take a hot spring, Snowboard
Favorite food: Sushi, Asparagus and Deep sea water
http://www.town.iwanai.hokkaido.jp/iwanaikanko/english/play/index.shtml

TARA-MARU (Iwanai Town, Hokkaido Prefecture)
I am a Big Fish! I introduce charm of Iwanai town in Hokkaido. A red towel twisted into a headband and black rubber boots are fisherman's style!! Weapon is a big green asparagus!!
Date of birth: August 9, 1985
Sex: Male
Hobby and special ability: Yuruchara SUMO, Yuruchara Football and Snowboard
Favorite food: Sushi, Asparagus, Deep sea water
http://www.town.iwanai.hokkaido.jp/iwanaikanko/english/play/index.shtml

Fujippi (Shizuoka Prefecture)
After being introduced in 2003, Fujippi has been active in the publicity and promotion of the "Home of Mt.Fuji," Shizuoka Prefecture.

Fuppi (Fukushima Ward, Osaka City)
Fuppi of Fukushima-ward was chosen by the public at the time of the opening of the new ward building. The Robot version of Fuppi, which was made in cooperation with Roobo members of the Robot Laboratory of Osaka, is able to greet visitors and speak to the public about notices from the ward office.
http://www.city.osaka.lg.jp/contents/wdu020/fukushima/english/

Gunma-chan (Gunma Prefecture)
I am a pony. As the captain of the team for enhancing the image of Gunma, I am introducing the charms of Gunma to people by my various clothed forms - my specialty.
Date of birth: February 22 (7 years old)
Sex: Male
http://www.gtia.jp/kokusai/english/

HABATAN (Hyogo Prefecture)
As the first Tourism Ambassador of Hyogo Prefecture, he has been publishing Hyogo's attractive points through various activities and participating in tourism campaigns held at home and abroad. He is lively by nature and has an excellent challenging spirit.
Date of birth: January 17, 2003
Sex: Male
http://www.travelhyogo.org.e.aas.hp.transer.com/

INAPPY (Inazawa City, Aichi Prefecture)
INAPPY's head stands for nursery trees and Ashitaba, a kind of Japanese parsley which is a local specialty of Inazawa. His body is the yellow of autumn leaves of the ginkgo tree, and his head band and fundoshi (loincloth) are traditional clothing worn during the Konomiya Naked Festival, one of the most peculiar festivals in Japan. He cares for people in difficulties. He loves everyone from the children to the elderly!! Although occasionally selfish, he never forgets his challenging spirit!! He is always energetic!!
Birthday: November 1st, 2007
Height: 180cm
Sex: Male
Personality: Specialty and Hobby: Gardening and guiding people to their dreams.
Favorite Food: Ashitaba and Ginkgo nuts.

Karawan-kun (Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture)
Karawan's mission is to bring U "happiness" & "smile!" We,Karatsu get together and open the wonderful future. My favorite sentence is "Karatsu is the ONE!" bow-wow!
http://www.karatsu-kankou.jp/en/

Kuma-mon (Kumamoto Prefecture)
I am Kuma-mon, the mischievous bear cub mascot of the "Kumamoto Surprise" campaign. My face is in never-ending surprise as I rediscover the fascination of Kumamoto.
http://kumanago.jp/en/

Lerch-san (Niigata Prefecture)
Born in Pressburg (Bratislava: Current Capital City of the Slovak Republic). I came to Japan for research regarding its national capability originally. Somehow, I ended up in putting my efforts into winter leisure promotion in Japan. Like any army man, I'm always plotting something. I also describe myself as a person with a trusting nature who loves and is nice to children and ladies. Of course, I am good at skiing, but some people say behind my back that I can't perform 100% in real games sometimes...

Mimi chan (Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture)
Mimi chan is the mascot of Minami Ward, Sakai City, and wishes to fill Minami Ward with flowers. She likes dancing to music while playing the maracas.
Birthday: August 7, 2007
Sex: Unknown (There is a rumor that Mimi chan is a fairy)
Things that I like: Dancing to music while playing the maracas, Smiles of everyone
Hobby: Taking a nap
http://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/english/

Sakaeru & Misosakai (Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture)
Sakaeru is the mascot of Sakai Ward, Sakai City, and symbolizes the prosperity as Japan's largest port in medieval times. It is always with Misosakai, a bird wearing an ancient helmet.
Birthday: October, 2009
Things that I like: Comic dialogues by two comedians. Eating sweets for comparison, Chatting by gestures, Exploration
Hobby: Taking a stroll. Searching for a delicious meal
http://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/english/

Miyary (Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture)
Miyary ("Utsunomiya" + "fairy") wears the city flower, the azalea. Utsunomiya is famous for its gyoza and features many shops, where eager customers line the streets every weekend.

Nagopyon (Aichi Prefecture)
Nagoya Airport is Japan's first hub with a dedicated terminal for international business flights. Nagopyon was created to commemorate the fifth anniversary in February 2010. "Nagopyon" is a unique mascot uniting a bird (a living thing) with an airplane (a man-made thing).
http://www.pref.aichi.jp/global/en/sightseeing/index.html
http://www.nagoya-airport-bldg.co.jp/en/bj/index.html

Nicky (Niseko Town, Hokkaido Prefecture)
Hi, I'm Nicky the woodpecker. I live in the forests around Niseko, the number one powder snow resort in the world. I'm a Japanese drumming master and welcome everyone to Niseko by tap-tapping on the trees.I love skiing. Come to Niseko. We can go skiing together.
http://www.niseko-ta.jp/en

Nikkolin (Jonan Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture)
Hi! I'm Nikkolin, a Mt. Aburayama fairy and a Jonan Ward character. I tell people how great Jonan Ward is. I love smiles, so if you see me, come say hi and don't forget your smile!
https://yokanavi.com/en/

Warumon (Jonan Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture)
Rawr! I'm Warumon, the king of germs! I'm Nikkolin's rival and a Jonan Ward character. I love dirty hands and sore tummies. You don't wash your hands? You'll be sorry! Mwahaha!
https://yokanavi.com/en/

Sento-kun (Nara Prefecture)
Sento-kun is a child who has deer antlers, as deer are thought to be Nara's messengers from the gods. He creates new history with the visitors, while showing the charm of Nara.
http://www.pref.nara.jp/item/79931.htm

Shimanekko (Shimane Prefecture)
Hello! I'm Shimanekko - Shimane Prefecture's Tourism Character
Purr-leased to meet you!
http://www.kankou-shimane.com/en/

Shiromaruhime (Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture)
This cute and warm-hearted girl was born and grew up in Himeji, surrounded by warm people. Her light-skinned symbolizes Himeji Castle, a World Heritage, surnamed White Heron Castle.
Birthday: April 6
Sex: Female
Character: gentle and friendly
Trademark: Himeji Castle-shaped hat, cherry blossom hair accessory
Hobbies: Walking in the Himeji Castle and town of Himeji, having tea at Kokoen Garden
Special qualifications: Singing
Favorite food: Japanese Cake (but she is on a diet now)
http://www.himeji-kanko.jp/en/
http://www.shiromaruhime.jp/

TAITOKUN (Taito City, Tokyo Prefecture)
TAITOKUN is guardian god of Taito City, Tokyo, Japan. He has a mission to make Taito people happy as a servant of Buddha. In Taito City, many events and festivals are held throughout the year. He appears in front of you on such occasions.
http://www.taitonavi.jp/

TORIPY (Tottori Prefecture)
TORIPY is the Tottori Prefecture mascot. His body is a pear, one of the prefecture's famous products.Please visit Tottori, a hot spring and manga paradise. Experience true Japanese culture!
http://www.tottori-guide.jp/

Unari-kun (Narita City, Chiba Prefecture)
"Unari-kun" is the tourism mascot of Narita City. He looks like a combination of an airplane and an eel. This idea was inspired by Narita Airport and our local famous food, Unagi(eel).
Birthday: November 21
Favorite food: Yokan (Sweet bean paste jelly), Teppozuke (Pickled cucumbers)
Hobby: Enjoying Narita matsuri (festivals)

Yumemaru-kun (Chuo-ward, Osaka City)
Yumemaru-kun of the Chuo-ward was created to commemorate the 20th anniversary of redistricting history. The head is designed as the Osaka castle and ward flower of plum blossom and he holds a pansy flower. His hakama (traditional pants) are light blue as the water ways.
http://www.city.osaka.lg.jp/contents/wdu020/chuo/english/