Japanese Mascots Bring Laughter and Culture to J-Pop Summit 2015

All Japan

NekoPOP-J-Pop-Summit-2015-Go-Torch-Mascots

Japanese mascot Ossan returns to the U.S just a few weeks after his American debut at Anime Expo. This time around, he’s bringing fellow “Go-Torch” (or “Yuru-Kyara”) characters Sanasenabona (idols from Sasebo) and Koakkuma & Akkuma (twin bears from Hokkaido) to San Francisco’s J-Pop Summit on August 8 and 9.

The mascots will perform both days of the event on the Fort Mason Stage and spend the weekend entertaining attendees around the festival. Show information at http://www.j-pop.com.

NekoPOP-J-Pop-Summit-2015-Ossan

ABOUT OSSAN
Ossan (sometimes called “Chicchai Ossan”) is one of Japan’s top local mascots along with Kumamon and Funassyi. There are more than 3500 mascots in Japan, each of them representing a specific prefecture or city.

Ossan’s real name is Shinichi Sakata. He is a middle-aged Japanese guy with a strong Kansai dialect from Hyogo prefecture with a wife, four children, and a dog named “Yagi” (goat). Ossan is frequently seen on Japanese television commercials, programs, and game shows. He showed up as a “stamp” on LINE last year and ranked in the Top 3.

In Japan, Ossan has become one of pop culture’s favorite characters with his sharp tongue and warm fatherly advice. People in Japan think he is very funny — ask him to play the national anthem and see what he does! There is also a rumor that you can gain good luck if you get a chance to rub his shiny bald head… but you always have to ask him nicely.

Ossan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chicchai.ossan.en
Ossan Homepage: http://co3.tv/
Ossan Twitter: https://twitter.com/chicchai_ossan

NekoPOP-J-Pop-Summit-2015-Sanasenabona

ABOUT SANASENABONA
Sanasenabona is an “idol” group from Sasebo, Japan. The 3-girl group sing, dances, and chats with everyone they can about their great city. Sana loves sports. Sena loves fashion and she can use magic. Bona loves to laugh and she is a very loveable character.

Sanasenabona Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sanasenabona
Sanasenabona Homepage: http://sanasenabona.com
Sanasenabona Instagram: https://instagram.com/sanasenabona

NekoPOP-J-Pop-Summit-2015-Akkuma-Koakkuma

ABOUT KOAKKUMA & AKKUMA
Koakkuma and Akkuma are from Hokkaido. They are twin bears that came from a planet named “Akkuma-Sei.” Koakkuma, the younger sister in pink, is cute and kind. Her motto is “Smile, change the world.” Akkuma, the elder brother in purple, is good at playing guitar.

☆ About Koakkuma:
Birthday: 6/6/20008 (according to the Akkuma Planet calendar)
Personality: Obedient, pure, loves to eat
Slogan: SMILE CHANGE THE WORLD
Hobby: Cooking
In June of 2008, Koakkuma came from the Akkuma Planet to Hokkaido. When she lost her memory and felt really uneasy, “smiles” encouraged her. Now she works to make people smile with her slogan, “Smile Change the World.” Koakkuma goes to all 179 cities in Hokkaido (the “Koakkuma Caravan”), invigorates the local communities by hugging people, and making people smile.

☆ About Akkuma:
Birthday: 6/6/20008 (according to the Akkuma Planet calendar)
Personality: Naughty, bitter, mischievous
Slogan: AKKUMA CHANGE THE WORLD
Hobby: Playing the guitar
In July of 2008, The great king of Akkuma ordered Akkuma to pursue Koakkuma. We don’t really know why Akkuma is pursuing Koakkuma, but because he is always being lazy, the great king is always mad at him. He is really good at guitar and can play many different kinds of music such as J-Pop and rock with his fluffy hands. His live guitar performances fascinate audiences and are a must-see!

Homepage: http://koakkuma.jp
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KOAKKUMAandAKKUMA
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/KOAKKUMAandAKKUMA