On this episode of Japan Station, we talk all about Jaan’s most famous “local mascot” Kumamon. We cover everything you should know about Kumamoto’s most beloved bear. I also share an absolutely crazy story that happened to me when I went to see the Kumamon show in Kumamoto in the fall os 2025. 👉Topics Discussed About Kumamon How Kumamon was …

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we cover what the top Japanese mascots (yurukyara) of 2023 plus a few other ones! Topics Discussed What the Yuruverse Grand Prix is (ゆるバースグランプリ２０２３年・Yurubāsu Grand Prix 2023) Who won the Yuruverse Grand Prix 20203 competition About the transition from the Yurukyara Grand Prix to the Yuruverse Grand Prix What the top 5 Japanese mascots …

The cutest way to help combat the spread of COVID19 Just like in other countries, the COVID19 pandemic has had a huge negative impact on businesses in Japan. Almost overnight many companies were left unable to operate due to restrictions and fears of spreading the virus. For one such company in Japan this resulted in the creation of an adorable …

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What are Japan’s most famous dogs? Topics Discussed Who Japan’s most famous dogs are About Yukimaru, Prince Shotoku Taishi’s beloved dog About Prince Shotoku Taishi Yukimaru’s supposed ability to talk to Shotoku Taishi and chant Buddhist sutras The drone Nara made based on Yukimaru Sakhalin huskies/Karafuto-ken The story of Taro and Jiro …

On This Episode of Japan Station On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, localizer and author Matt Alt stops by to discuss the influence Japanese pop culture has had on the world. About Matt Alt Matt Alt is a localizer of Japanese games and manga. Together with Hiroko Yoda he founded the localization company AltJapan and has authored multiple …

Oh, bear fairies. They grow up so quickly. It’s no secret that Japan has a lot of mascots. Just about every town, city, and prefecture in Japan has spent quite a bit of money creating some kind of cute and/or attention-grabbing creature to promote itself. However, only a tiny percentage of these mascots ever reach anything close to the fame …

Not the face you’d like to see coming after you in a dark alley. The city of Nabari in Mie Prefecture is not particularly famous, especially among people not from the area. However, over the past few years, more and more people have started to become aware of this relatively small city. This is thanks in no small part to …

Episode seven of the Japan Station podcast is here and this time we’re taking a deep dive into the crazy world of Japanese mascots. Chris Carlier runs the blog Mondo Mascots and the very popular Twitter and Instagram accounts of the same name. On Mondo Mascots Chris documents Japan’s many, many, many mascots. From the bizarre to the cute, …