Nara mascot faces internet rival
The struggle to do away with Nara’s new mascot has made it into the Asahi Shinbun:
NARA–Saying the official choice of a mascot to celebrate the 1,300th anniversary of the relocation of the capital here is just not cute enough, a citizens group has created a rival critter: Manto-kun, pictured right.
Manto-kun was chosen from 619 proposals by ballot and over the Internet, members of Creators Forum Yamato said Monday. About 49,000 people voted.
The group came up with the alternative mascot because the official mascot, Sento-kun, left, is “not cute,” members said.
Local merchants say they plan to use Manto-kun. Nara, which became the capital in 710, is celebrating the anniversary in 2010.
In a previous JapanProbe.com poll, a mere 11% found Sento-kun to be better than average, with only 3% declaring him to be “cute.” Let’s see how he matches up to his new rival:
[via Rocking in Hakata]
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