A statue of Biriken-san, known as a god of good luck, set out Tuesday from Osaka for Tokyo to act as an ambassador for promoting culture and tourism.
Biriken-san had been situated on the fifth-floor observation deck in Tsutenkaku Tower in Naniwa Ward, Osaka, since 1980.
This is the first time the 55-cm, 10-kg image has left the tower.
Biriken-san, receiving a sendoff from kindergarten children, was placed in a limousine at 10 a.m. by a tower official and taken to Kansai International Airport.
The statue will be displayed at a special fair running till Oct. 4 at Tokyu Department Store's flagship outlet in Shibuya Ward.
