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Kumamon plots global takeover to avoid slipping in popularity

Kumamonrules.AhouseholdnameinJapan,thebearseemstohavehispawsineverything,especiallyinhishomeprefectureofKumamotowhereheservedasaflag-bearerforreliefeffortsafter

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Kumamon—Japan's most popular bear

A mascot character named Kumamon represents Kumamoto prefecture in the Kyushu region, southwestern part of Japan. He is now "Japan's most popular bear." He attracts a diverse range of people, from children to adults who are charmed by his plump, black body, red cheeks, and wide-open eyes as if looking surprised, saying how adorable he is. Among lots of municipal PR mascot characters from all around Japan, he won the first place in a nationwide popularity vote in 2011. Ever since, Kumamon has appeared in numerous places, including events and product campaigns, rising to the seat of Japan's representative mascot character that transcends prefectural boundaries.