On May 2 this blog introduced Funabashi, Chiba's unofficial yuru-chara Funassyi. It appeared in Asahi Soft Drinks' "Juroku-cha" commercial = photo upper = and seems to have gained "nationwide popularity."
In the ad, 54 yuru-chara led by Gaki (Yui Aragaki) dressed as bus guides march through satoyama dancing to a "YMCA" parody. Among stars including "Yuru-chara Grand Prix 2012" (last November) champion Barii-san (Imabari, Ehime) and other famous characters, Funassyi appears too. By the way, in "Yuru-chara Grand Prix 2012"
Funassyi also entered — low profile then, 506th of 880. In the CM it was barely visible at the back; in the new version it stands right beside Gaki, standing out with unique moves. Maybe even rivaling Barii-san — praise enough?
It also appeared at the CM launch (February), rampaging beside Gaki = photo upper left. Asked the most memorable character, Gaki said "You all probably noticed,
I think — Funassyi. How does it build muscle? (lol)." (Launch coverage on Mainichi jp, headquartered at Palaceside Building, with 15 photo graphs = http://mainichi.jp/mantan/news/20130204dyo00m200012000c.html).
Plus Willcom PHS CM (http://www.willcom-inc.com/ja/ichioshi/cm/ see also) with Barii-san and nine other yuru-chara = photo upper right. Front row!!
Funassyi's hot streak seems set to continue.