In the vast ecosystem of costumed mascots in Japan, the Kumamoto Prefectural character Kumamon probably stands at the top of the food chain. His empire has been estimated well into the billions of yen annually and he has even gained a following in China.
In the vast ecosystem of costumed mascots in Japan, the Kumamoto Prefectural character Kumamon probably stands at the top of the food chain. His empire has been estimated well into the billions of yen annually and he has even gained a following in China.
While the money and fame is great, there is also a cost to reaching the top. As the de facto representative of all mascots – the mascots’ mascot if you will – there is a heavy responsibility to act with the grace and dignity becoming of the post.
