Mascot

[tikistitch]

These appear to be some kind of regional mascot Stitchies, an item that seems to be getting more and more popular in Japan.



According to the auction description, these are all somehow associated with Hokkaido. We're not able to identify all of them, but we're pretty sure that the guy who looks like a green snowman is supposed to be a Marimo, or algae ball. Yeah, we know, but we guess in Hokkaio they think that kind of stuff is pretty keen.

Comments

[twotone]

Awww. My grandma used to have a marimo-in-a-bottle from when my Uncle was tranferred to Hokkaido, so I have warm fuzzy feelings towards 'em.

I think the pink one is Clione, which is popularly known as "the Angel of the Drifting Ice" in Japan. They're a popular romantic symbol since they were popularized in some TV commercial in the 90s or so.

[tikistitch.livejournal.com]

Oh cool! Though I must say the real ones are much prettier than Stitch dressed as one.

As for the bear, I guess the brown bears in Hokkaido are different from those found elsewhere in Japan. Who knew?

[sarahpolk.livejournal.com]

They're all wearing Hokkaido sashes and I have a feeling they are all mascots of the region. The snowman is an obvious reference to Hokkaido being in the north. They're also known for crab, as well as bears. I'll have to look into the other two.

[(Anonymous)]

I googled "Pet marimo" for pure amusment, and found this
http://www.strapya-world.com/products/26774.html

It makes your dreams come true, apparently.

[tikistitch.livejournal.com]

There are marimo cell phone straps? Well, of course there are, how silly of me!