Honda Motor Co. will release this summer a new version of its iconic Super Cub motorcycle featuring Kumamon, the popular black bear mascot of Kumamoto Prefecture.

Honda designed the model at the request of the prefectural government, which wanted Kumamon to be incorporated in the automaker's commemorations to mark production of its 100 millionth Super Cub in 2017.

It is also hoped the project will bring encouragement to residents still suffering in the aftermath of the deadly earthquakes that hit Kumamoto in April 2016.