MASCOTS around Japan : Gunma-chan of Gunma Prefecture ......

SO WHO IS GUNMA-CHAN? Gunma-chan is Gunma prefectures pony mascot, the 2014 winner of the Yuru-kyara Grand Prix held annually.

MASCOTS around Japan : Gunma-chan of Gunma Prefecture ……

Gunma-chan at Kusatsu Hot Spring of Sainokawara Park

Little is known on Gunma prefecture, but how many ever heard of successful drift comic turned animation and movie played by Taiwanese actor Jay Chou-Initial D with a huge international following? Yes right here within the Gunma prefecture on the Mountain Haruna the Initial-D drift happened. If I may say, perhaps till today there are some drifters on this very mount!

Gunma prefecture is a landlocked mountainous area located 90 minutes from Tokyo. Guarded by three main mountains, also known as a successful industrial prefecture today. Not forgetting to mention in the city of Takasaki of Gunma prefecture, it’s where Daruma Doll is said to have been created at Shorinzan Daruma-ichi (Temple of Daruma).

SO WHO IS GUNMA-CHAN? Gunma-chan is Gunma prefectures pony mascot, the 2014 winner of the Yuru-kyara Grand Prix held annually. Gunma-chan wears a green hat and is also the main PR person to promote this beautiful prefecture. Born on 22nd February under the star Pisces and “never” ages at 7 years old! A long time ago …….. during the Jomon period Gunma-chan’s ancestor roams the inlands. The ancient province of Gunma 5th C.E was the centre of horse breeding and trading by its earlier residents. Hence the perfect mascot was chosen to represent Gunma prefecture’s rich history.

Growing from there on, it blossomed into major Silk producing factories in the 18th century and today Tomioka Silk Mill is a UNESCO World Heritage, a major aviation producer in the 20th century by Nakajima Chikushi of Oizumi and leading till today its factory produces Subaru in the city of Ota and also heavy machineries well known as Fuji Heavy Industries. Nowhere in Japan is complete without an onsen, the city of Kusatsu is a place for hot spring resorts and also do not miss Yubatake (hot water stirring).