"Japanese Mascots have gone wild all over Japan! There are literally thousands of them representing local towns and areas, cities, government agencies, banks, products – even prisons! Japanese mascots are called “yuru chara†in Japan and there are certain guidelines to become one: 1) The character must convey a love for the local area or hometown 2) Character movements or behavior should be unique, unstable or awkward 3) They should also be YURUI meaning unsophisticated, laid-bak – and absolutely lovable!