A Japanese hero character created in the aftermath of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami is growing in popularity in Thailand through a television program.

The television show, named after the character, "Tohoku Gasshin Miraigar" ("Miraigar, God of Tohoku"), has been broadcast in Thailand since November. It was initially launched in the disaster-struck Japan region in 2012 to entertain children suffering in the aftermath of the March 11, 2011, natural disasters and subsequent Fukushima nuclear disaster.

Akita Prefecture-based Courage Force Inc. developed the character by combining themes from Akita Prefecture's demon-like deity, Namahage, the Nebuta summer festival in Aomori Prefecture and other famous aspects of four other northeastern prefectures. Since creating the character, the company has held live shows in support of disaster victims around the region.

In December 2014, Courage Force launched an overseas campaign, and President Tamotsu Ebina contacted Thai partners through an international exchange group. It later held a live show there and a decision was made last July 2016 to broadcast a Miraigar television program.

The series named "Miraigar T1," showcasing the character and a local counterpart, has proved very popular.

The program depicts the two Miraigars fighting against demons in modern settings. Japanese singer Ichiro Mizuki put his voice to the theme song, which is subtitled in Thai.

The program has been shot in popular sightseeing spots such as Kakunodate and Oga in Akita Prefecture, and Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture, in a bid to attract Thai tourists.

"Our objective to support children is universal. We want Miraigar to become a national hero in Thailand," Courage Force's Ebina said.