In pictures: Fukuppy and other Japanese mascots
Fukuppy is just one of hundreds of cute mascots from Japan
In pictures: Fukuppy and other Japanese mascots
Show all 11Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
Earlier this week the world was introduced to the unfortunately-named Fukuppy, a happy egg with names, who is the new mascot for Japanese refrigerator company Fukushima Industries.
Although the company was not linked to the disaster, the irony of the cute little egg's name was not lost on people. Fukushima Industries has now removed the Western version of the name. For the record, it's pronounced Foo koo pee.
Japan is renowned for its obsession with the cute and cuddly and mascots are a popular fixture in the nation. Everything from train stations to television broadcasters have their own creature to represent them. Even a prison in Asahikwa prison recently adopted a mascot called Katakkuri-chan to help shed its image as a dark and oppressive place.
Following on from Fukuppy, here are some of the weirdest and most wonderful mascots from Japan. To be fair Japanese mascots are far more interesting than just the bog-standard logo.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments