Japan actively hones its soft power, and Kumamon is one of the country’s most well-known mascots. He travels around the world to promote Kumamoto as a tourist destination. This is why Kumamon Port in Yatsushiro is as touristy as they come. A Kumamon theme park was built in 2000 to welcome visitors disembarking from international cruise ships. Upon arriving at this park, they will be greeted by Kumamon statues in all shapes and sizes and postures. These look like security guards or soldiers on duty at some palace. 12 Kumamon statues depicting the 12 zodiac animals. You have been included! Fancy yourself as a conductor? You can lead 54 obliging and willing Kumamons. The park even showcases a Japanese garden, but it looks so fake that I can’t bear to take photos of it. I did enjoy the grinning statues of Kumamon, as if in wait of children who would play hide and seek with them. Everything has been thoughtfully curated. I didn’t realise that I was looking at a trick art painting when I saw this at the washrooms, but I took it because I thought it was a brilliant way to promote Yatsushiro’s signature produce - tomatoes. I found this cut-out Kumamon on the wall of a souvenir shop and thought that it added a lovely touch to the surroundings. My wife is from Yatsushiro, so I’m being biased here. I hope you will visit Kumamon Port to enjoy the sea view and cute Kumamons!