One of the things I love about Japan is how personified everything is. It seems that every good or service (including government services) requires its own adorable mascot, and walking down the street you can quickly lose count of the cute faces greeting you on signs every five feet or so.
It was originally my plan to document every cute character I came across for a few days, but that task quickly proved too daunting. In any case, here are a few just from the past day or so in Nagoya.
A “card” character featured in the current promotions for the department store Parco
Also at Parco, this little deer has been my favorite so far.
These are some kind of plant I think? I’m not sure, but they’re cute.
This giraffe wants you to use Nanaco, which is some kind of “card service,” I think.
Of course, Toyota has its own cuddly animals hawking their cars.
And finally, the police get a mascot too!
Our travel plans have changed a bit, so we’re heading off for a few days in Okinawa tomorrow morning. (Yesterday I managed to buy a bathing suit in Japan, if you can believe it.) Probably no internet for real this time. So I’ll be back when I’m back!
I wish our country had cute cartoons for everything.
Yah! I would love to see little mascots on my way to school! It would make the drive more interesting…
Wow! The only thing here in The Woodlands is Puffy the Pinecone and he isn’t cute. (He’s actually pretty ugly.)
Ack! That deer is adorable! I agree with Nicky up there — wouldn’t our country be better with cute cartoons for everything?
the owl is my absolute favorite!
i love when animals wear clothes!
Anna! You’re coming to Okinawa? You’ll have to let me know when you’re here – I’d LOVE to meet you! :o)
~Rhonda
no wonder everyone is so grumpy here! we’re cute-deprived!
Thank you for sharing your trip. It’s like I’m on vacation too!
What kills me is their CUTE is just so simple (much like your designs). For some reason, when I try “simple” it ends up looking blobby. I just caint do cute. :( {{POUT}} It’s not in my nature.
I love all the cute mascots. Add me to the list of people who wish we had them here in the U.S.
Oh, and that third mascot group (the one you said you thought were plants)? They look like a cartoon version of horsetail plants (Equisetum). So you were probably right on the plant guess. (I think Equisetum is common in Japan…)
Uh, I’m using a loaner and can’t send out email but I can receive it; could you send me the color list for you know what? All is well here. I hope you are all having a great time. Love to all!