Beloved Local Mascots! Yuru-Chara of Eastern Area

Have you heard of “Yuru-Chara” (local mascots) in Japan?
The term is short for “yurui mascot character”, and these adorable figures serve as PR ambassadors, promoting the charm and culture of their hometowns.

When people think of Yuru-Chara, famous names like Kumamon from Kumamoto Prefecture or Funassyi from Chiba Prefecture often come to mind.

But what about Yamanashi Prefecture? Many visitors may not immediately think of mascots here, but in fact, they appear everywhere—from local souvenirs to regional events.

Knowing them makes exploring Yamanashi twice as fun!

In this article, we’ll introduce the mascots of Eastern Area, which includes Yamanashi City, Fuefuki City, Koshu City, Otsuki City, Tsuru City, Uenohara City, Kosuge Village, Tabayama Village, Doshi Village, and Nishikatsura Town.

This area of Yamanashi is especially famous for fruit production and retains a traditional rural landscape.
Now, let’s dive in and meet the charming mascots of Eastern Area!

Yamanashi City | Kyoshi the Kyoho Fairy

Kyoshi the Kyoho Fairy is the official mascot of Yamanashi City, created for the annual Kyoho Hill Marathon.

Appearing as a playful fairy running through the local Kyoho grape vineyards, Kyoshi casts blessings to ensure that the grapes grow plump and delicious.

The region’s Kyoho grapes are renowned nationwide for their outstanding production volume and quality—the best in Japan. Kyoshi, with a design reminiscent of large, juicy grapes, perfectly symbolizes the pride of Yamanashi’s agriculture.

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Fuefuki City | Fukki

Fukki is the official mascot of Fuefuki City, inspired by the city’s symbolic bird, the Blue-and-White Flycatcher (Ōruri). Known as one of Japan’s “three great songbirds” alongside the Japanese Bush Warbler and the Japanese Robin, the Blue-and-White Flycatcher is beloved for its melodic song.

Fukki’s design features Fuefuki City’s signature blue color, reflecting both the bird’s plumage and the harmony of the city’s natural surroundings.

In 2020, Fukki underwent a transformation after a “healthy diet,” reappearing with a slimmer and friendlier look. Interestingly, both his old and new designs have drawn attention, with fans enjoying the mascot’s evolving charm.

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Koshu City | Budo-kun & Momon-chan

Budo-kun and Momon-chan are the official mascots of Koshu City, born from the region’s two most iconic fruits: grapes and peaches.

Budo-kun represents a grape farmer, while Momon-chan symbolizes a peach farmer. Both mascots feature simple, easy-to-recognize designs with large, round eyes that make them instantly approachable and beloved by locals and visitors alike.

These mascots have actively participated in the national Yuru-Chara Grand Prix, promoting Koshu City’s reputation as a producer of juicy, high-quality fruits.

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Otsuki City | Otsutarou

Otsutarou is the official mascot of Otsuki City, modeled after the city’s beloved local dish, Otsuki Otsuke Dango.

This traditional comfort food consists of seasonal vegetables simmered in miso soup with chewy wheat flour dumplings. The recipe varies by household—whether seasoned with miso, soy sauce, or salt—making it the ultimate example of “home-cooked flavor” for the people of Otsuki.

Otsutarou embodies this heartwarming dish and is currently “in training to become the perfect Otsuke Dango.” With his soothing design and local roots, he has become a symbol of culinary tradition and hometown pride.

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Tsuru City | Tsurubii

Tsurubii is the official mascot of Tsuru City and one of Yamanashi Prefecture’s most successful Yuru-Chara. From 2012 to 2014, Tsurubii won first place in Yamanashi at the popular Yuru-Chara Grand Prix, three years in a row.

Inspired by the musasabi (Japanese giant flying squirrel), which is abundant in the forests of Tsuru City, Tsurubii represents the area’s rich natural environment and ecosystem.

Tsurubii doesn’t just stay local—he actively promotes Tsuru City across other prefectures as well. With his charming design and energetic personality, he has won the hearts of many fans nationwide.

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Uenohara City | Tamajimaru

Tamajimaru is the official mascot of Uenohara City, inspired by the local dish Seida no Tamaji.

This traditional recipe features potatoes stewed in miso with their skins on, a hearty comfort food that has been loved by the people of Uenohara for generations.

Tamajimaru actively participates in local events and festivals, where he interacts directly with residents and visitors—often posing for photos and delighting children and families alike. His cute and friendly design makes him a much-loved figure and a symbol of Uenohara’s local food culture.

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Kosuge Village | Ma-kun

Ma-kun is the official mascot of Kosuge Village, modeled after Makomodake (Manchurian wild rice shoots), a unique vegetable ingredient that is also well-loved in Chinese and Taiwanese cuisine.

Kosuge Village is one of the important production areas for makomodake in Japan, and Ma-kun was created to highlight this regional specialty.

Although information about the mascot is still limited, Ma-kun is expected to play a growing role in promoting local food culture and boosting the recognition of Kosuge Village both domestically and internationally.

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Tabayama Village | Tabasky

Tabasky is the official mascot of Tabayama Village, first introduced in 1997, making it one of the more historic Yuru-Chara in Yamanashi Prefecture.

The name comes from the kanji character “丹” (Tan) in Tabayama, symbolizing the village itself. Over the years, Tabasky has become a beloved local figure and a cultural symbol for the community.

You can spot Tabasky in various locations around the village—such as on streetlights—where it greets residents and visitors alike. With its long history of watching over the community, Tabasky continues to represent the warmth and identity of Tabayama Village.

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Doshi Village | Sui-kun & Sui-chan

Sui-kun and Sui-chan are the official mascots of Doshi Village, famously known as the “Village of Water Sources.”

These twin mascots symbolize the village’s crystal-clear spring water and its lush green forests, both of which define Doshi’s pristine natural environment. Through Sui-kun and Sui-chan, the village promotes its reputation for pure water and beautiful landscapes to visitors from outside the region.

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Nishikatsura Town

No Official Mascot

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Summary

In this article, we introduced the Yuru-Chara mascots of the Eastern Area of Yamanashi Prefecture.

Many of these mascots are inspired by local foods and specialties, making them a fun way to learn about the region’s unique culture and flavors—truly the best of both worlds!

For more introductions to mascots from other cities, towns, and villages across Yamanashi, check out our related articles.
And don’t forget to share your favorite mascots with friends—because spreading the charm of Yamanashi starts with you!

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