Rika-chan (リカちゃん) is a “fashion doll” (きせかえにんぎょう、着せ替え人形) of a rather mature 50 years of age; Kumamon is an ursine-like blob of mania 43 years her junior. Common sense would dictate their paths would never cross - yet they have, and in that eternal capital of romance, Paris. Both have been selected as Goodwill Ambassadors to promote tourism between Paris and Japan, a position to be held for one year. The photo below shows Kumamon wearing a tuxedo and a cardboard image of Rika-chan along with le Ambassadeur de France au Japon Thierry Dana (right) at their inauguration ceremony held at the French Embassy in Tokyo. Kumamon’s spokesperson was quoted as saying, “Kumamon would like you to learn of the places he visits and of the tasty food he discovers, and he will do his best to help the French people know about the Yoka of Kumamoto.”
There is no word as to why the real Rika-chan did not show up. This next year will be nail-biting. Will they ever meet in person? Considering their age difference, is true romance possible? We at Kumamoto International will keep you up to date. Whatever happens, though, they will always have Paris. - William