Pure Serendipity: A Global Celebration of City Mascots!

This exhibition brings together goodwill ambassadors from cities around the world. Each plush mascot is a miniature reflection of the city it represents. Crossing barriers of language and geography, they transform distant ties of friendship into a soft, heartwarming connection you can hold in your hands.
Here, you will discover just how adorable cultural exchange can be. Step into this delightful gathering, meet these lovable mascot friends from around the world, and experience the endless charm of having one by your side.

Mirai Rinzo became the official mascot of Tsukubamirai City after winning a nationwide public vote held to celebrate the city's 10th anniversary. As the "child of a Eurasian skylark," Mirai Rinzo travels from the future with hope and visions for tomorrow, following in the footsteps of the great explorer Mamiya Rinzō.
Every detail of the mascot reflects Tsukubamirai's rich cultural heritage. The distinctive ornament atop its head is modeled after the three-story pagoda of Itabashi Fudōson, one of the city's best-known Buddhist temples and an important Tangible Cultural Property of Ibaraki Prefecture.
Although the pagoda has stood for centuries, it is far more than a historical relic. For the people of Tsukubamirai, it remains a living symbol of the city itself. That is why Mirai Rinzo proudly wears it on its head, carrying history while looking toward the future. Serving as a bridge between tradition and tomorrow, this curious little skylark embodies the city's enduring spirit of exploration, innovation, and hope.

Gifted by Hiroshi ODAGAWA, Mayor, Tsukubamirai City

Chosen through a public vote in 2013, Isumin now serves as the city's "Section Chief of Marketing and Promotion," enthusiastically promoting the many attractions of Isumi to visitors near and far.
Every feature of Isumin's design celebrates the city's local treasures. The pear-shaped hat represents one of Isumi's signature agricultural products. The flowing blue hair resembles the waves of Chiba's Pacific coastline while paying tribute to the legendary Edo-period woodcarver Nami no Ihachi, whose dynamic wave carvings are said to have inspired Katsushika Hokusai's masterpiece The Great Wave off Kanagawa. The details continue throughout the costume. A bright red Japanese spiny lobster adorns the headpiece, celebrating one of Isumi's most famous seafood specialties, while the nearby camellia represents the city's official flower. In Isumin's hand is a sheaf of rice symbolizing Isumi Rice, one of Chiba Prefecture's three most celebrated rice varieties.
Isumi City's appeal extends well beyond its mascot. In the 2024 Best Rural Places to Live in Japan rankings, it was named the top destination within the Greater Tokyo metropolitan area. Visitors can savor fresh Japanese spiny lobster, admire the cherry blossoms in spring, or ride the charming yellow trains of the Isumi Railway through picturesque countryside. For anyone seeking a peaceful escape from city life, Isumi offers the perfect retreat.

Gifted by Wadaiko NAGI, Chiba Prefecture

In Logan City, the koala is much more than a native species. It is a cherished symbol connecting the community with its natural environment. Dressed in clothing bearing the Logan City emblem, this koala becomes an ambassador for both wildlife conservation and civic pride, reflecting the city's commitment to living in harmony with nature.
Each year, Logan City organizes the Logan Koala Count, inviting residents to search their own backyards and neighborhood parks for koalas and upload their sightings to the iNaturalist platform. By turning scientific research into a community-wide conservation effort, the program demonstrates how one iconic species can unite an entire city around the shared goal of protecting biodiversity.
The koala plush featured in this exhibition wears a specially designed outfit displaying the Logan City crest, blending Australia's beloved native wildlife with the city's identity. More than simply an adorable souvenir, it symbolizes Logan's ongoing commitment to conserving native species and preserving the natural environment. This thoughtful gift from Queensland carries with it the warmth, friendliness, and enduring spirit of Logan City, sharing its vision of sustainability with visitors around the world.

Gifted by Darren Power, Mayor, City of Logan

Guam is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches, but hidden among the rolling hills of southern Guam is an unexpected “resident.” Despite the island having no native bear species, nature has sculpted an enormous rock formation whose unmistakable silhouette resembles a seated bear gazing out toward the sea. Located in the village of Inarajan, Bear Rock takes its name from this remarkable resemblance. Local tradition gives the landmark an even deeper meaning. During the 1991 Gulf War, many Guamanians served in the military. Hoping for their safe return, residents tied yellow ribbons around Bear Rock's "neck" as a symbol of hope and prayer. Although there are no large signs marking the site, it is almost impossible to miss, as visitors frequently stop along the roadside to photograph this beloved landmark.
Unlike the gentle teddy bear displayed nearby, Bear Rock projects a quiet strength. Standing proudly where the forest meets the ocean, it appears to watch over Guam's southern coastline with steadfast resolve. Its weathered stone contours have been shaped by nature into a striking guardian of the island's shores.
Through this remarkable natural landmark, visitors gain not only a glimpse of Guam's unique landscape but also an appreciation for the stories and emotions that have become intertwined with it. Should you one day visit Guam, be sure to stop by Bear Rock and capture a photo with one of the island's most enduring guardians.

Gifted by Kuan-Ju Chen, Assistant Professor, Universiy of Guam