All posts tagged: mascots

Japan’s yuru-chara mascots: Big business behind the cute faces

Japan’s yuru-chara mascots: Big business behind the cute faces

Published by Sam Flores

“Those who do not know Watahan supermarket learn about us through Watapi and our holding company. It’s such an excellent sales partner,” said Naoko Tabara, a sub-unit manager at Watahan. For many businesses, successful mascots like Watapi generate publicity and revenue for the brands they represent. A few, however, have gone on to generate massive economic impact. KUMAMON: FROM MASCOT TO MEGASTAR Kumamon is one of the most recognisable mascots in Japan. It won the Yuru-Chara Grand Prix in 2011, helping propel it to national fame. The wide-eyed black bear from Kumamoto Prefecture, on Japan’s southwestern Kyushu island, is a constant presence across the region. Appearing on signboards, shopfronts, local products and souvenirs, the character has helped draw visitors off the usual tourist trail. Source link

Tina and Milo, the mascots of the Olympics, have been hard to find

Tina and Milo, the mascots of the Olympics, have been hard to find

Published by Sam Flores

MILAN — In the 2019 thriller film “Uncut Gems,” NBA star Kevin Garnett — playing himself — is being flaunted with a rare gem by Adam Sandler’s Howard Ratner, an increasingly over-his-head jeweler in an iconic scene from the movie. Exasperated when told he can’t purchase the stone, Garnett snaps at Sandler’s character, a little bit more colorfully than we can print here. “Why would you show me something if I couldn’t have it?” You could say all of Italy knows how Garnett feels right now. The runaway stars of the Milan Cortina Games are not the biathlon medalist trying to win back the girlfriend he cheated on or the American figure skater pursuing new levels of dominance. Instead, the hottest ticket at the Olympics is for Tina and Milo, the universally adorable, anthropomorphic stoat mascots who fans can’t get enough of — literally. Trying to purchase a Tina or Milo stuffed animal has become a sport in itself. Milo and Tina merchandise at the Olympic megastore at Milan’s Piazza Duomo.Stefano Rellandini / AFP via …

Meet 2026 Olympics mascots Milo and Tina : NPR

Meet 2026 Olympics mascots Milo and Tina : NPR

Published by Sam Flores

Tina, left, and Milo, right, are the official mascots of the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, named after the host cities of Milan and Cortina. Gabriel Bouys/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Gabriel Bouys/AFP via Getty Images Want more Olympics updates? Get our behind-the-scenes newsletter for what it’s like to be at these Games. For decades, each Olympic and Paralympic Games has been represented by a mascot of some sort, with varying receptions from the public — from Atlanta’s much-maligned “Izzy” in 1996 to Beijing’s beloved 2022 panda to the divisive, big-eyed hats of Paris 2024. Taking up the mantle for 2026 are Milo and Tina, a pair of scarf-wearing sibling stoats — or, as they’re called in the U.S., short-haired weasels. The two are named after the Winter Games’ two host cities, Milan (Milano) and Cortina d’Ampezzo, and are described by organizers as the “first openly Gen Z mascots.” “Our stoats are two cheerful and easy-going teenagers, energetic, determined and strong-willed, sometimes charmingly irreverent towards adults and eager to assert their role as …

An ode to slugs, the mascots of post-holiday laziness

An ode to slugs, the mascots of post-holiday laziness

Published by Jenni Sidey

Get the Popular Science daily newsletter💡 Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. The winter months and post-holiday slump are notorious for their ability to turn even the most prepared person into a lethargic lump until the spring thaw. But if it makes you feel any better, you aren’t alone in the sluggish lifestyle. The staff at the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore, Maryland, recently extended a sympathetic hand to the slimy mollusks with a few bits of trivia on their neighborhood slug population, who they describe as the “ultimate slow movers.” For one thing, slugs will absolutely retreat into their homes if the conditions aren’t to their liking. In fact, the gastropods will often hide underground to ensure they avoid some of the coldest ambient temperatures. But it’s not always a death sentence when they can’t escape the frost. Studies have also shown that some species can endure extra-cellular ice formations in their tissues for at least some period of time. Meanwhile, their eggs have likely evolved to withstand …

Diogo Jota’s sons join mascots at Anfield as star’s former clubs pay tribute | UK News

Diogo Jota’s sons join mascots at Anfield as star’s former clubs pay tribute | UK News

Published by Sam Flores

Tributes have been paid to Diogo Jota as his two sons Dinis and Duarte joined mascots on the pitch ahead of the first fixture between his two former clubs at Anfield. The players were led out by Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk to applause from fans on both sides. Jota had a successful spell at Wolves before he joined Liverpool in 2020. The Portugal forward was tragically killed, along with his brother Andre Silva, on 3 July in a car crash in Spain. Image: Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk with former player Diogo Jota’s sons Dinis and Duarte before the match On Boxing Day night, Wolves attended tributes to the late footballer outside Anfield, laying down floral tributes to the star. Liverpool boss Arne Slot turned his attention towards the footballer’s family ahead of the game. Writing in his matchday programme notes, Slot reflected on the past 12 months, which the Dutchman admitted “ignites a roller coaster of emotions” as he reflected on everything that has happened. You need javascript enabled to view this content Enable …