Leading the yuru-chara boom as top runner, Kumamoto Prefecture's "Sales Manager"Kumamon appeared at Palaceside Building around 1 p.m. on the 19th. Surrounded by fans, he passed through the 5th-floor corridor in a flash—I managed one shot. As you see, a Christmas version in red hat and costume. The red chanchanko-style outfit is beloved; worn since Christmas 2011, apparently with proper pedigree (?).
The visit was for an interview at "mantan web" on 5F—a site run by The Mainichi Newspapers specializing in anime, manga and games.Kumamon was making his second visit after July 4—not unusual, staff said. July coverage is on mantan (http://mantan-web.jp/2013/07/07/20130706dog00m200044000c.html). Wonder what this story will be.
Setting that aside,Kumamon's exploits this year were truly remarkable. This blog covered him several times, but the funniestKumamon news was surely the episode during the Emperor and Empress's Kumamoto visit.
On Oct 28 at the prefectural office, Their Majesties toured the "Kumamon Exhibition."Kumamon performed sharp da
nce moves=photo upper right (from YouTube). The Empress wore a Kumamon pin badge on her chestKumamon gleaming so brightly=photo lower right (TV Asahi News)—perhaps a fan. In the relaxed mood, the Empress asked:
Online accounts vary slightly—the Empress askedKumamon directly "Mr. Kumamon, are you alone?" some say; others say she turned to Governor Ikuo Kabashima
and asked "Is Kumamon alone?" Details aside, it was surely appreciation forKumamon appearing nationwide.
Those present must have frozen. "Kumamon clapped both hands to his mouth in panic. Governor Kabashima stammered, 'Well, Kumamon, that's, children's... we mustn't take children's dreams,' finally settling on 'Kumamon is Kumamon'" (J-CAST News =http://www.j-cast.com/2013/10/29187588.html).
Their Majesties seem interested in yuru-chara—Hatsune Miku was invited to the August garden party, also making news=photo left.
At any rate, as popular as a top comedian,Kumamon, I suppose.. Even without the Empress, one body wouldn't suffice for his activities (multiple bodies at work?)—one wants to say "Good job."