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Japanese mascots endangered by effects of coronavirus

Jun 11, 2020 | News On Japan

Jun 11, 2020 (soranews24.com) - Is there a place for melon bears and ninja yams in post-corona Japan?

Yuru-kyara, the costumed mascots of Japan, have long entertained crowds big and small, whether its the opening of a car-wash or setting world records. The mascot industry has launched superstar careers and captured the imagination of the world.

But now, it is in danger. For the vast majority of yuru-kyara, income relies solely on public appearances at events like festivals, which have been almost unanimously called off due to coronavirus concerns. This does not bode well for the tens of thousands of big-headed fabric creatures across Japan.

To find out just how hard times have become, News Post Seven spoke with 44-year-old Akihiko Inuyama, the “inside person” (naka no hito) for Tokyo-based mascots Togoshi Ginjiro and Ohsaki Ichibantaro.

Inuyama explains that being a mascot during these times is a paradoxical situation. On one hand, the large heads of yuru-kyara are perfect at blocking airborne particles and distancing with other humans. However, mascots only appear in places where crowds gather, and with multiple children wanting to touch and hug them the danger that mascots’ fans pose to each other is heightened.

Spring and summer is the peak time for a mascot to get work and the fee for appearances depends on the notoriety of the character. In the case of Inuyama’s suits, he could expect to earn between zero and 5,000 yen (US$0 – $46) but in some cases can get jobs for up to 30,000 yen ($280).

And because Inuyama isn’t officially affiliated with a government, he has to rely on onsite merch sales for the bulk of his yuru-kyara income. Funasshi is said to be the only unaffiliated mascot who can make a living solely on yuru-kyara work, while every other inside person can only indulge it as a side job.

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