A merchandise store for Japan's popular "pear fairy" mascot Funassyi is overturning the image of character goods being childish and proving a hit with female customers.
Funassyiland Select Harajuku, a permanent merchandise store featuring the unofficial mascot of the city of Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture, opened at Kiddy Land in Tokyo's Harajuku shopping district on Dec. 5 after the previous Funassyi corner proved a big hit during its two-year run.
A new series of Funassyi products, developed under the theme otona-kawaii (mature cute), is especially popular with women.
The series, including bags and stationery, is said to have changed the perception that character goods are only for children.
One woman who visited the store said the new products had something different about them and made her want to buy more.
A Funassyi-shaped mailbox is also located at the store, enabling customers to send letters to Funassyi.
