A Celebration of Japan’s Mascots
Gunma-chan, Gunma Pefecture’s beloved pony mascot, is hosting its 2024 Gotouchi Kyara Carnival. The event celebrates local mascots around the country. A whopping 90 characters are already confirmed to attend, including Kumamon from Kumamoto, Mikyan from Ehime, Hikonyan from Hikone City, Tochimaru-kun from Tochigi, Sanomaru from Sano City and Unari-kun from Narita. Even non-regional company characters will be there, such as Nekoichi from Curry House Coco Ichibanya and Manekki from Karaoke Manekineko.
Gunma-chan is extending their 30th anniversary celebrations. Gunma-chan made their debut at a sporting event in 1983 and won first place at the 2014 Yuru Kyara Grand Prix.
The carnival will be held at the Gunma Prefectural Office Citizens’ Square, roughly a six-minute bus ride from JR Maebashi Station.
Special guests include Himawari Channel, a family of creators from Fukushima; Takashi Deguchi, the choreographer behind Gunma-chan’s Ribbon wo Gyutto dance; Miyu Nakano, who plays “Miyu Oneesan” on the Gekidan Gunma-chan YouTube Channel; and Juju, an active member of the local idol group Akagidan.
