There are local mascots in various parts of Japan. Often, the design represents a place, such as a place with a lot of production of a fruit or a tourist spot. We selected 5 cute fruits related mascots for you! Let's learn about these characters, learn about Japanese fruit production area, and explore Japan for delicious fruits!
1. Arukuma : A bear with an apple on its head
Nagano Pref. PR Character, "Arukuma" © Nagano Pref. Arukuma
“Arukuma” has been promoting in Nagano Prefecture since 2009. This mascot is designed with the bears that live in Nagano Prefecture and has an apple on the head, to represent Nagano Prefecture. In Malaysia, Japanese apple is popular as a high quality and delicious luxury product. It is recommended as special gift for those who are choosing a present for a special one.
2. Pionya and Mascat: The fruit kingdom Okayama Prefecture grapes combine with a cat.
“Pionya” and “Mascat” are getting popularity while trying their best every day to participate in events as top salesmen in Okayama Prefecture which is known for producing delicious fruits such as grape, peach and pear. Pionya (the purple one) is a mascot with combination of “Okayama New Pione” which has a juicy texture, and cat. Mascat (the yellowish green one) is a combination of “Muscat of Alexandria” which has a soft texture, and cat. Which type grape would you like to try?
3. Chikkun: The round tummy is made of the “kodama Suica (小玉スイカ)” the small watermelon.
Born in Ibaraki, this mascot character has watermelon as the belly, and a hat with pears and strawberries. The shape is round and very cute, right! Do you know that you can buy Japanese pears and strawberries at department stores in Malaysia? A pack of 2 pieces of pear is sold for about 700-800 yen. The price is about twice that of Korean products, but it was so popular that it sold out quickly because of its good taste. If you want to taste the extraordinary texture for fruits that made in Japan, try to figure it out at a department store.
Cherin: A very feminine fairy in Yamagata, using cherries as accessories on the ears!
This mascot is promoting Yamagata Prefecture's cherries by putting cute cherries on both ears. Yamagata, which is less affected by frost damage and typhoons than other prefectures, is famous for cherry plantation. By the way, it seems that the right ear is "Sato Nishiki" and the left ear is "Benshuho". In contrast to “Sato Nishiki”, which has a beautiful crimson color and luster, and has an exquisite balance between sweetness and sourness, “Koshuho” has relatively large grains, low acidity and low sugar content. Not only is it delicious and easy to eat, it is also well known that cherries are rich in nutrition.
5. Happichi == Happy + Peach!!
Using the peaches in Okayama Prefecture as the motif, the whole body of this mascot has this pale color. Talking about peaches, pink ones are generally known, but Okayama's peaches is “white peaches” which has an elegant whiteness that makes them different than others. The warm climate suitable for peach making and the time and effort of the farmers make up the deliciousness. Once the Happichi blows on the peach, it seems that the melting sweetness will increase more and more! Summer is the best season to enjoy peaches, so this fresh juice is perfect for hot days.
Do you gain some knowledge about fruits at each area in Japan after reading this article about fruit mascots? As Japanese fruits are sold in Malaysia too, it is worth giving it a try. Also, if you visit Japan one day, try to look for local mascot and taste some local fresh fruits too.
*Article supervised and cooperated by Tokyo Seika Co., Ltd.
Sponsored by Japan Fruit and Vegetables Export Promotion Council
Comments