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New Year greeting cards for mascot Hikonyan

HIKONE, Japan, Jan. 8 Kyodo - Hikonyan, the popular cat mascot of the city of Hikone in Shiga Prefecture, poses for a photo with New Year greeting cards addressed to it at the city hall on Jan. 7, 2026. The western Japan city said Hikonyan received 13,220 cards from across the country and abroad. (Kyodo)

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New Year greeting cards for mascot Hikonyan

Hikonyan, the popular cat mascot of the city of Hikone in Shiga Prefecture, poses for a photo with New Year greeting cards and a "hagoita" traditional battledore sent to it at the city hall on Jan. 7, 2026. The western Japan city said Hikonyan received 13,220 cards from across the country and abroad.

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New Year greeting cards for mascot Hikonyan

Hikonyan, the popular cat mascot of the city of Hikone in Shiga Prefecture, poses for a photo with New Year greeting cards addressed to it at the city hall on Jan. 7, 2026. The western Japan city said Hikonyan received 13,220 cards from across the country and abroad.

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Popular mascot Hikonyan

HIKONE, Japan, Jan. 9 Kyodo - Hikonyan, the popular mascot of the city of Hikone in Shiga Prefecture, western Japan, poses with New Year greeting cards addressed to the cat mascot at the city government headquarters on Jan. 9, 2025. (Kyodo)

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Popular mascot Hikonyan

Hikonyan, the popular mascot of the city of Hikone in Shiga Prefecture, western Japan, poses with New Year greeting cards addressed to the cat mascot at the city government headquarters on Jan. 9, 2025.

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Popular mascot Hikonyan

Hikonyan, the popular mascot of the city of Hikone in Shiga Prefecture, western Japan, poses with New Year greeting cards addressed to the cat mascot at the city government headquarters on Jan. 9, 2025.

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Merchandising of the Jubilee 2025 - Vatican

‘Luce’, Vatican’s Jubilee 2025 mascot on show at the Vatican on December 2024. Gadgets of the ‘Jubilee 2025’ are on show in shops around the Vatican. The official merchandising of the Jubilee 2025 is ready. There is a controversy over Jubilee mascot called ‘Luce’ (Light) designed by the artist Simone Legno, well known for his popular ‘Tokidoki’ brand but also for having produced gay pride gadgets and a line of sex toys. The figurine depicts a blue-haired girl in a yellow coat named Luce, representing a pilgrim. Some say she resembles Greta Thumberg. Simone Legno is a supporter of LGBT people, and his works often reference the queer community. Vatican said this character was designed with the intention of reflecting pop culture, popular among young people, and brings with it a message of hope and welcome. The events of the Jubilee 2025 will be themed with the slogan ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ and the Ceremonies will commence on December 24th. The start of the Jubilee year will be on Christmas Eve 2024, with the openin

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Merchandising of the Jubilee 2025 - Vatican

‘Luce’, Vatican’s Jubilee 2025 mascot on show at the Vatican on December 2024. Gadgets of the ‘Jubilee 2025’ are on show in shops around the Vatican. The official merchandising of the Jubilee 2025 is ready. There is a controversy over Jubilee mascot called ‘Luce’ (Light) designed by the artist Simone Legno, well known for his popular ‘Tokidoki’ brand but also for having produced gay pride gadgets and a line of sex toys. The figurine depicts a blue-haired girl in a yellow coat named Luce, representing a pilgrim. Some say she resembles Greta Thumberg. Simone Legno is a supporter of LGBT people, and his works often reference the queer community. Vatican said this character was designed with the intention of reflecting pop culture, popular among young people, and brings with it a message of hope and welcome. The events of the Jubilee 2025 will be themed with the slogan ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ and the Ceremonies will commence on December 24th. The start of the Jubilee year will be on Christmas Eve 2024, with the openin

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Vatican’s Jubilee Mascot Stirs Controversy With New Look

‘Luce’, Vatican’s Jubilee 2025 mascot on show at the Vatican on November 11, 2024. There is a controversy over Jubilee mascot called ‘Luce’ (Light) designed by the artist Simone Legno, well known for his popular ‘Tokidoki’ brand but also for having produced gay pride gadgets and a line of sex toys. The figurine depicts a blue-haired girl in a yellow coat named Luce, representing a pilgrim. Some say she resembles Greta Thumberg. Simone Legno is a supporter of LGBT people, and his works often reference the queer community. Vatican said this character was designed with the intention of reflecting pop culture, popular among young people, and brings with it a message of hope and welcome. The events of the Jubilee 2025 will be themed with the slogan ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ and the Ceremonies will commence on December 24th. Photo: Eric Vandeville/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Vatican’s Jubilee Mascot Stirs Controversy With New Look

‘Luce’, Vatican’s Jubilee 2025 mascot on show at the Vatican on November 11, 2024. There is a controversy over Jubilee mascot called ‘Luce’ (Light) designed by the artist Simone Legno, well known for his popular ‘Tokidoki’ brand but also for having produced gay pride gadgets and a line of sex toys. The figurine depicts a blue-haired girl in a yellow coat named Luce, representing a pilgrim. Some say she resembles Greta Thumberg. Simone Legno is a supporter of LGBT people, and his works often reference the queer community. Vatican said this character was designed with the intention of reflecting pop culture, popular among young people, and brings with it a message of hope and welcome. The events of the Jubilee 2025 will be themed with the slogan ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ and the Ceremonies will commence on December 24th. Photo: Eric Vandeville/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Vatican’s Jubilee Mascot Stirs Controversy With New Look

‘Luce’, Vatican’s Jubilee 2025 mascot on show at the Vatican on November 11, 2024. There is a controversy over Jubilee mascot called ‘Luce’ (Light) designed by the artist Simone Legno, well known for his popular ‘Tokidoki’ brand but also for having produced gay pride gadgets and a line of sex toys. The figurine depicts a blue-haired girl in a yellow coat named Luce, representing a pilgrim. Some say she resembles Greta Thumberg. Simone Legno is a supporter of LGBT people, and his works often reference the queer community. Vatican said this character was designed with the intention of reflecting pop culture, popular among young people, and brings with it a message of hope and welcome. The events of the Jubilee 2025 will be themed with the slogan ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ and the Ceremonies will commence on December 24th. Photo: Eric Vandeville/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Vatican’s Jubilee Mascot Stirs Controversy With New Look

‘Luce’, Vatican’s Jubilee 2025 mascot on show at the Vatican on November 11, 2024. There is a controversy over Jubilee mascot called ‘Luce’ (Light) designed by the artist Simone Legno, well known for his popular ‘Tokidoki’ brand but also for having produced gay pride gadgets and a line of sex toys. The figurine depicts a blue-haired girl in a yellow coat named Luce, representing a pilgrim. Some say she resembles Greta Thumberg. Simone Legno is a supporter of LGBT people, and his works often reference the queer community. Vatican said this character was designed with the intention of reflecting pop culture, popular among young people, and brings with it a message of hope and welcome. The events of the Jubilee 2025 will be themed with the slogan ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ and the Ceremonies will commence on December 24th. Photo: Eric Vandeville/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Vatican’s Jubilee Mascot Stirs Controversy With New Look

‘Luce’, Vatican’s Jubilee 2025 mascot on show at the Vatican on November 11, 2024. There is a controversy over Jubilee mascot called ‘Luce’ (Light) designed by the artist Simone Legno, well known for his popular ‘Tokidoki’ brand but also for having produced gay pride gadgets and a line of sex toys. The figurine depicts a blue-haired girl in a yellow coat named Luce, representing a pilgrim. Some say she resembles Greta Thumberg. Simone Legno is a supporter of LGBT people, and his works often reference the queer community. Vatican said this character was designed with the intention of reflecting pop culture, popular among young people, and brings with it a message of hope and welcome. The events of the Jubilee 2025 will be themed with the slogan ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ and the Ceremonies will commence on December 24th. Photo: Eric Vandeville/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Vatican’s Jubilee Mascot Stirs Controversy With New Look

‘Luce’, Vatican’s Jubilee 2025 mascot on show at the Vatican on November 11, 2024. There is a controversy over Jubilee mascot called ‘Luce’ (Light) designed by the artist Simone Legno, well known for his popular ‘Tokidoki’ brand but also for having produced gay pride gadgets and a line of sex toys. The figurine depicts a blue-haired girl in a yellow coat named Luce, representing a pilgrim. Some say she resembles Greta Thumberg. Simone Legno is a supporter of LGBT people, and his works often reference the queer community. Vatican said this character was designed with the intention of reflecting pop culture, popular among young people, and brings with it a message of hope and welcome. The events of the Jubilee 2025 will be themed with the slogan ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ and the Ceremonies will commence on December 24th. Photo: Eric Vandeville/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Vatican’s Jubilee Mascot Stirs Controversy With New Look

‘Luce’, Vatican’s Jubilee 2025 mascot on show at the Vatican on November 11, 2024. There is a controversy over Jubilee mascot called ‘Luce’ (Light) designed by the artist Simone Legno, well known for his popular ‘Tokidoki’ brand but also for having produced gay pride gadgets and a line of sex toys. The figurine depicts a blue-haired girl in a yellow coat named Luce, representing a pilgrim. Some say she resembles Greta Thumberg. Simone Legno is a supporter of LGBT people, and his works often reference the queer community. Vatican said this character was designed with the intention of reflecting pop culture, popular among young people, and brings with it a message of hope and welcome. The events of the Jubilee 2025 will be themed with the slogan ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ and the Ceremonies will commence on December 24th. Photo: Eric Vandeville/ABACAPRESS.COM

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THAILAND-BANGKOK-CHINESE ART TOYS

(240710) -- BANGKOK, July 10, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- The Labubu mascot, a popular furry doll from Chinese toy company Pop Mart, is pictured during the opening ceremoy of a new offline store of Pop Mart in Bangkok, Thailand, July 5, 2024. Chinese toy company Pop Mart opened its sixth offline store in Bangkok and achieved sales exceeding 10 million yuan (about 1,375,743 U.S. dollars) on its opening day recently. Setting a new single-day sales record for overseas stores, the art toy company renowned for its blind box collectibles is taking Thailand by storm. TO GO WITH "Feature: Chinese art toy player takes Thailand by storm" Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Sun Weitong)

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THAILAND-BANGKOK-CHINESE ART TOYS

(240710) -- BANGKOK, July 10, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- The Labubu mascot, a popular furry doll from Chinese toy company Pop Mart, is seen at the Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand, July 1, 2024. Chinese toy company Pop Mart opened its sixth offline store in Bangkok and achieved sales exceeding 10 million yuan (about 1,375,743 U.S. dollars) on its opening day recently. Setting a new single-day sales record for overseas stores, the art toy company renowned for its blind box collectibles is taking Thailand by storm. TO GO WITH "Feature: Chinese art toy player takes Thailand by storm" Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Sun Weitong)

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Hangzhou Asian Games Popular

HANGZHOU, CHINA - JUNE 14, 2023 - A citizen takes photos of the mascot of the Hangzhou Asian Games on a street in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China, June 14, 2023.

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Hangzhou Asian Games Popular

HANGZHOU, CHINA - JUNE 14, 2023 - A citizen walks past the mascot of the Hangzhou Asian Games on a street in Xihu district of Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang province, June 14, 2023.

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17th birthday of popular mascot Hikonyan

The 17th birthday of Hikonyan, the popular cat mascot of the Japanese city of Hikone in Shiga Prefecture, is celebrated on April 13, 2023.

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Snow sculpture of Quebec Winter Carnival mascot displayed in NE China

STORY: Snow sculpture of Quebec Winter Carnival mascot displayed in NE China DATELINE: Jan. 31, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:04 LOCATION: HARBIN, China CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of a giant snow sculpture STORYLINE: A giant snow sculpture of the mascot of the Quebec Winter Carnival in Canada has been put on display in Harbin, capital of China's northernmost Heilongjiang Province. The mascot, a friendly snowman named Bonhomme Carnaval, has been reproduced in snow on a grand scale, making its debut at the Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo. Measuring 10 meters high and five meters wide, the sculpture used 200 cubic meters of snow in total. The public display is also among the events of the ongoing 39th Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival. Heilongjiang Province is a popular destination for winter tourism in China. The provincial capital, Harbin, has gained international attention for its ice and snow festival, which features massive, elaborate ice sculptures, competitions and winter

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Elastic mascot character popular at Christmas event

GIFU, Japan - "Nebaaru-kun" (C), an "unauthorized" mascot character of Ibaraki Prefecture, northeast of Tokyo, steals the show with its elastic body at a Christmas event joined by some 60 characters nationwide at Yanagase shopping street in the central Japanese prefecture of Gifu on Dec. 20, 2014.

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Yokai Watch character acts as stationmaster

KUMAMOTO, Japan - Jibanyan (R), a mascot character for the popular role-playing video game Yokai Watch, becomes "stationmaster" for one day of "Kemamoto Station," an imaginary railway station in the game, together with another character, Emeralnyan, (L) at Kyushu Railway Co.'s Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, on Dec. 6, 2014.

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Yokai Watch character swarmed by kids in western Japan

KUMAMOTO, Japan - Jibanyan, a mascot character for the popular role-playing video game Yokai Watch, is surrounded by children in front of Kyushu Railway Co.'s Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, on Dec. 6, 2014, during an event in which it acted as "stationmaster" for one day of "Kemamoto Station," an imaginary station that appears in the game.

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'GeGeGe no Kitaro' mascots parade for traffic safety

YONAGO, Japan - Mascot characters from the popular comic series "GeGeGe no Kitaro" parade through the streets of Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture, on Sept. 23, 2014, with kindergarten students during an autumn campaign for road safety. The series' author, Shigeru Mizuki, grew up in the western Japanese city.

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World Santa Clauses meet for congress in southwest Japan

KUMAMOTO, Japan - Many Santa Clauses from around the world, authorized by the Greenland International Santa Claus Association, parade in Kumamoto, Kumamoto Prefecture, on Sept. 12, 2014, together with the southwestern Japanese prefecture's popular mascot character "Kumamon" to promote the Sept. 14 World Santa Claus Congress in Amakusa.

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Halloween parade begins at Tokyo Disneyland

URAWA, Japan - An annual "Happy Halloween Harvest" parade begins at Tokyo Disneyland in Urayasu, east of Tokyo, on Sept. 8, 2014, with popular mascot characters like Mickey Mouse and Minnie taking part.

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Mascot 'Kumamon' fails to win top prize in national contest

TOKYO, Japan - "Kumamon," a popular mascot character of Kumamoto Prefecture widely used to publicize the southwestern Japan prefecture, holds an award certificate during a prefectural policymaking contest from Kyoto Governor Keiji Yamada (R), head of the National Governors' Association, in Tokyo on Sept. 4, 2014. Osaka Prefecture received the best award.

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Mascot 'Kumamon' fails to win top prize in national contest

TOKYO, Japan - "Kumamon," a popular mascot character of Kumamoto Prefecture widely used to publicize the southwestern Japan prefecture, receives an award during a prefectural policymaking contest from Kyoto Governor Keiji Yamada (R), head of the National Governors' Association, in Tokyo on Sept. 4, 2014. Osaka Prefecture received the best award.

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Japanese mascot figure helps sales at Taiwan's 7-Eleven

TAIPEI, Taiwan - Kumamoto Gov. Ikuo Kabashima (L) is flanked by the southwestern Japanese prefecture's popular mascot character Kumamon holding an "OPEN-chan" doll, a mascot of 7-Eleven stores in Taiwan, in Taipei on Aug. 19, 2014. The prefecture and President Chain Store Corp., Taiwan's operator of 7-Eleven stores, agreed the same day to collaborate for the sale of 25 Kumamon-bearing items at the stores.

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Japanese character-bearing snacks shown at H.K. food fair

HONG KONG, China - A staffer from Shiraishi Co., a snack food wholesaler based in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, explains products that bear a picture of the prefecture's popular mascot character "Kumamon" during a food fair in Hong Kong on Aug. 14, 2014.

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Kumamon drawn in paddy field

KUMAMOTO, Japan - Photo taken from a platform at Shintamana Station on the Kyushu Shinkansen line shows an image of Kumamon, a popular bear mascot character of Kumamoto Prefecture, drawn with eight rice species having different colors.

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Mascot characters promote Kinugawa hot spring

OSAKA, Japan - Mascot characters Abenobea of Japan's tallest building, Abeno Harukasu in Osaka, and Sorakarachan of Tokyo Skytree promote tours to popular spots along the Tobu railway line in eastern Japan at Abeno Harukasu and its vicinity on June 5, 2014. This is part of the joint efforts of Kintetsu Corp., an operating company of Abeno Harukasu, and Tokyo Skytree operating company Tobu Railway Co. following their agreement to promote tourist spots in each other's regions.

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Look-alike of Funassyi mascot acts out in Hyogo Pref.

TOKYO, Japan - Photo shows Funassyi's authorized version receiving a certificate as a special recruiter of police officers in Chiba in April 2014. A mimic version of the popular mascot character Funassyi, unofficially promoting Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture, made an appearance at an event in Takasago, Hyogo Prefecture, on June 1.

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Gold statue of Kumamon

TOKYO, Japan - Photo shows a pure gold statue of Kumamon, the popular black bear mascot of Japan's southwestern prefecture of Kumamoto, unveiled by Tanaka Kikinzoku Jewelry K.K., and the real mascot, at the company's flagship store in Tokyo's Ginza district on May 1, 2014. The statue, with a price tag of 100 million yen, weighs roughly 10 kilograms and stands around 17 centimeters tall.

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Gold statue of Kumamon

TOKYO, Japan - Photo shows a pure gold statue of Kumamon, the popular black bear mascot of Japan's southwestern prefecture of Kumamoto, unveiled by Tanaka Kikinzoku Jewelry K.K. at its flagship store in Tokyo's Ginza district on May 1, 2014. The statue, with a price tag of 100 million yen, weighs roughly 10 kilograms and stands around 17 centimeters tall.

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Gold statue of Kumamon

TOKYO, Japan - Photo shows a pure gold statue of Kumamon, the popular black bear mascot of Japan's southwestern prefecture of Kumamoto, unveiled by Tanaka Kikinzoku Jewelry K.K., and the real mascot, at the company's flagship store in Tokyo's Ginza district on May 1, 2014. The statue, with a price tag of 100 million yen, weighs roughly 10 kilograms and stands around 17 centimeters tall.

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Mascot character Funassyi recruits new police officers

CHIBA, Japan - Popular mascot character Funassyi, unofficially promoting Funabashi city, Chiba Prefecture, is assigned as a special recruiter of new police officers for the prefecture's police department in Chiba city on April 24, 2014.

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Mascot character Funassyi recruits new police officers

CHIBA, Japan - Popular mascot character Funassyi, unofficially promoting Funabashi city, Chiba Prefecture, holds an extra-large business card in a publicity campaign as a special recruiter of new police officers for the prefecture's police department in Chiba city on April 24, 2014.

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Kumamon joins kindergartners in crime-prevention blitz

OSAKA, Japan - Popular mascot Kumamon (back R) created by the Kumamoto prefectural government takes part in a quiz show with kindergartners in a crime-prevention campaign held on April 21, 2014, by the Sonezaki Police Station in Osaka, western Japan.

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Mascot character Kumamon look-alike made of lacquerware

YONAGO, Japan - A figure that looks like Kumamon, the popular black bear mascot of Kumamoto Prefecture, made of lacquerware is exhibited at a traditional event in Nambu, Tottori Prefecture, western Japan, on April 12, 2014.

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Pork bowl mascot plays with children in Hokkaido

KUSHIRO, Japan - "Butadonman," a mascot for Hokkaido's Tokachi region made in the image of a pork bowl, a popular local dish, interacts with children at an event held in Obihiro, Hokkaido, on March 21, 2014, jointly with Kagawa Prefecture, in southwestern Japan, which has raised its profile in the country with its "sanuki" udon noodles.

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Kumamon's birthday party

KUMAMOTO, Japan - A birthday party is held March 12, 2014, for Kumamon, the popular black bear mascot of Japan's southwestern prefecture of Kumamoto, in the prefectural capital Kumamoto City. Governor Ikuo Kabashima and many fans of Kumamon gathered for the event.

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Kumamon's birthday party

KUMAMOTO, Japan - A birthday party is held March 12, 2014, for Kumamon, the popular black bear mascot of Japan's southwestern prefecture of Kumamoto, in the prefectural capital Kumamoto City. Governor Ikuo Kabashima and many fans of Kumamon gathered for the event.

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Coming of age event for tour guides

TOKYO, Japan - Kumamon (C), a popular black bear mascot for Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture, joins coming-of-age celebrations for sightseeing tour guides of Hato Bus Co. dressed in kimono, in Tokyo's Minato Ward on Jan. 10, 2014. The company, which offers sightseeing bus services in and around the capital, annually holds its own celebration event for guides who are or will turn 20 years old as of April 1 ahead of the actual Coming of Age Day holiday, when the guides will be at work in Tokyo instead of celebrating in their own hometowns.

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Lecture on Kumamon at Harvard

BOSTON, United States - Kumamon (R), the popular black bear mascot of the southwestern Japanese prefecture of Kumamoto, dances to the tune of a song named after the character during a lecture given by Kumamoto Gov. Ikuo Kabashima (C back) at Harvard University near Boston on Nov. 12, 2013. The lecture titled "Kumamon's political science and economics" was on how Kumamon has helped "maximize the overall happiness" of residents.

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Lecture on Kumamon at Harvard

BOSTON, United States - Kumamoto Gov. Ikuo Kabashima gives a lecture entitled "Kumamon's political science and economics" -- or how Kumamon, the popular black bear mascot of the southwestern Japanese prefecture, has helped "maximize the overall happiness" of residents -- at Harvard University near Boston on Nov. 12, 2013.

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Kumamon meets Wally

BOSTON, United States - (From L) Kumamoto Gov. Ikuo Kabashima and "Kumamon," the popular black bear mascot of the southwestern Japanese prefecture, meet Wally, the mascot of the Boston Red Sox, at Fenway Park in Boston on Nov. 12, 2013.

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"Funassyi" wins regional mascot election in Japan

TOKYO, Japan - "Funassyi," the unofficial mascot of Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture, jumps with joy after winning a nationwide regional election to choose the most popular regional mascot in Japan on Aug. 6, 2013. Funassyi represented the Kanto region centering on Tokyo.

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JAL to serve 'Air Kumamon'

TOKYO, Japan - Kumamon (C), the popular black bear mascot character of Kumamoto Prefecture, holds a tray carrying the local cuisine of the southwestern prefecture to be served by Japan Airlines Co. on some international flights, during a promotional event in Tokyo on May 30, 2013. JAL calls the in-flight meal "Air Kumamon."