Anyone secretly hoping that the authorities might one day cull Japan’s mascot population would have been disheartened to see Saipon, a trio of mascots representing the Saitama Prefecture–based ...

The Yuru-kyara (Promotional Mascot) Grand Prix in Japan has become one of the internet’s most anticipated events of the year. The 2018 edition lived up to expectations, and even featured a ...

(Mainichi/Naohiro Yamada) OSAKA/YOKKAICHI, Mie/OMUTA, Fukuoka -- "Kaparu," the mascot character for the Saitama Prefecture ... city of Higashiosaka, western Japan. Attendees' votes counted for ...

But in Japan, mascot culture goes far deeper than ... who represents Shiki, a city in Saitama Prefecture northwest of Tokyo. As mascots become more and more popular, characters have to work ...

SAITAMA -- Delicate touches can be seen in the minimalist design of the Saitama Prefecture Agriculture and Forestry Hall in this eastern Japan city. The spiral staircase leading to stepping stones ...