Whether you're a local government agency, a bank, a shipping mall,

a tourist attraction, even a prison! You need a mascot.

Japanese mascots are called YURUCHARA in Japan.

This is the YURUCHARA Grand Prix

An event that determines which mascot is no.1 for the year.

The Grand Prix is held annually.

There are some general guidelines to be a YURUCHARA.

The character must convey a love for the local area or hometown.

Character movements or behavior should be unique, unstable or awkward.

They should be "yurui" meaning unsophisticated or laid back

and absolutely loveable.

In Asahikawa, in Hokkaido,

there is even a mascot for the prison.

Katakuri-chan uses the local mountain flower as a hat.

Visitors can buy Katakurichan goods.

Not sure about the inmates, though.

Awkward movements are a must.

So, if you are not sure what the mascots really is,

that's the point!

It's a YURU-CHARA

Hamamatsu City in Shizuoka is hosting this year's event.

Mascots from all over Japan are here.

Let's have a look around.

There are just too many YURU-CHARA to feature on this show.

So in the next minute, we're gonna feature as many as we can.

YURU-CHARA sumo wrestling

The Grand Prix this year featured a Sumo Wrestling competition,

with 8 entrants from around Japan.

Local pride is at stake.

With the naturally unusual movement and looks,

it's sure to be a real entertainment.

Enjoy.

Meet the YONEGEES family of YONAGO City of Tottori prefecture.

The Yonegee family's "YO" is named after Yonago City.

Yonago's mascots. This is Negita.

Negiko

and this here is Negipo

Little baby!

Negi, Japanese leeks are a famous produce from the area.

The Yonegees have their own Manga.

Every Yuru-chara needs an interesting back story.

The costume is powered by a small fan.

When the fans are off, the Negi stalks collapses.

That means it's time to go back to your day job.

If you're in Yonago, look for the Yonegees.

Meet Japan's biggest celebrity.

Who is it? Well, it's.....

Kumamon won the Yuru-Chara Grand Prix in 2011.

and since then has gone to be a symbol,

not only to Kumamoto prefecture, but Japan itself.

It's not hard to love this adorable bear who appeals to everyone.

Kumamon was born to help the expansion of the bullet train in 2010.

Kumamon can be used royalty free by produce producers in Kumamoto.

On rice.

On bamboo shoots.

On tomatoes.

but can be also licensed in other goods.

Kumamon is the king of Yuru-Chara.

and his celebrity status has resonated around Asia,

and now the world.

Representing Japan in everyone who simply needs a friend

Thanks, Kuma-mon.

Back at the Yuru-Chara Grand Prix,

he is this year's winner from Shizuoka.

Ieyasu-kun, who can also play Taiko Drums.

There are so many unique mascots here.

Pet licking another Mascot clean is Shimane's Shimanekko.

one of my favorites.

JInmen sekikun, or stone faced human.

is the well, the most creepy-ishly cute mascot

representing a island in Nagasaki Prefecture.

Embrace the unknown.

My favorite mascot this year was Nakanon

from Niigata prefecture's Nagaoka area.

I'm not entrely sure what Nakanon is,

other than a lotus root ferry who loves Koshi-hikari rice balls.

Unusual dance moves.

Absolutely awkward and totally original.

The variety of Japanese mascots are amazing.

There sure to be a character that attracts you.

So, how popular are Japanese mascots?

Since the event started in 2010,

The entry has boomed from 169,

to 1727 this year.

Is there room for more Yuru-Chara?

Why not?

Everyone loves a new smiling face.

So there you go.

That's as many Japanese Yuru-Chara mascots we can pack in one day...A lot.

Love them or hate them,

Japanese mascots are definitely original and...ONLYinJAPAN.