1. Domo-kun
Domo is the official mascot of NHK, Japan's national public broadcaster, where he features in the stop-motion IDs that play between programmes. He is essentially a rectangle with a constantly open mouth, which is maybe why his vocabulary is limited to 'Doo-moo'. Excitingly, we met him in person in Sapporo!
Related purchases: Bag, facecloth and mug.
2. Kapibara-san
Nominally a capybara. In reality, a furry trapezoid with minimal limbs and facial features. Kapibara-san started life as a claw-machine prize, but was so popular (and infuriatingly unobtainable) that his creators massively expanded the product line to include countless products and related characters available for direct purchase. For some reason Kapibara-san and his pals are often seen balancing various baked goods on their heads. I suspect the presence of (actual) capybaras at the Osaka Aquarium is due mostly to the popularity of this character.
Related purchases: Key ring, massive plush toy.
3. Mameshiba
A dog that is a bean. Or, more accurately, a startling array of different legumes. In a series of cartoons, Mameshiba pops out of people's food prior to being eaten, and spouts random factoids in a cute voice. Inexplicably, the diner always reacts by assuming an expression of fear and dread so great they turn monochrome.
Related purchases: None because he is scary.
