This is a bit complicated, so please pay attention. In 1921, some French artists, probably because absinthe was in and total warfare out (both cases would prove temporary, but those are different stories), decided to found a new country which they dubbed "la République de Montmartre." Flash forward some 94 years later and - hey! - it still exists! Though not an actual country, they like to play so, with elected officials and traditional dress; actually, they are a philanthropic organization aiding children and artists.
Anyway, the reason i bring this up is that Kumamon was yesterday made an honorary citizen of la République de Montmartre, joining anthropologist Aoki Tamotsu (青木保) and Hyogo Prefecture governor Ido Toshizou (井戸敏三) as the only Japanese to have received that honor. Apparently, it was bestowed due to Kumamon's contribution to French cutlery. (Seriously. That's what the article said.)
Admit it: Who among us would not want to share a bottle of absinthe with Kumamon? - William
