I was living in Japan when the competition to nominate the most popular mascot was launched. I remember thinking to myself that it was so silly of the Japanese to get themselves worked up over something so kiddish. Needless to say, I didn’t put in a single vote for Kumamon, Kumamoto’s mascot.

Thankfully, Kumamon didn’t need my votes because it was crowned Japan’s number 1 mascot eventually. Kumamon has become synonymous with Kumamoto. It travels overseas regularly to promote Kumamoto as a tourist destination. Its brand name is probably worth millions; its range of merchandise prompts people to turn in their wallets and purses. I am not too proud to say that I have asked my mother-in-law to purchase Kumamon underwear for me before haha.

So, when I spotted Kumamon at Kumamoto Zoo, of course I felt motivated to take an obligatory spot.