Yuru-chara

[Stan Sakai]

Each area of Japan has its own mascot, called "yuru chara" (short for "yurui character", which translates as "loose character"). They are used to identify an area or festival and to promote it for tourism. Some are based on people, other on animal or creatures from folklore. Still others are just goofy characters. There was a festival of these mascots this past weekend. Here are some photos. I particularly like the crabs.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/photospecials/gr ... index.html

[Steve Hubbell]

Nice photos!

Yanana from Gifu, the girl with the mailbox shaped head, stood out a little bit. Looks like they forgot the rest of her costume.

[Robert Wetherelt]

Alot of those characters are sooooo CUTE!! And well designed!