David Mystify
Magician and illusionist (French)
The yellow birdlike thing for the Kobe Matsuri. My girlfriend got chased by this mascot. It turned out that her sister, who was working at the Matsuri, was inside!
Chiemi Gumus
Bar owner, 31 (Japanese)
I liked Hearty-kun, the mascot for the big Year of Volunteers about 10 years ago (in 2010): a happy world with a big heart and a smile!
Max
Engineer, 42 (Canadian)
Ecojiro, the "eco-mascot" that Kirin sends to all the Japan national team football matches. Being an eco-minded kind of guy, I like his principles.
Amy Jo Shapiro
Language teacher, 50 (American)
The Glico running guy on the side of the building in Osaka is such an icon. But is that a mascot? I hope so!
Daniel Pierre
Language teacher, 50 (French)
Kohei-kun of Hyogo Police and Kyoppi of Kyoto Police. Funny that the police need mascots for publicity. Does every prefecture have their own?
Living outside Tokyo and interested in gathering views in your neighborhood? E-mail [email protected]
