“Kumamoto Gov. Ikuo Kabashima announced at a press conference on Jan. 4 that the ban on foreign companies selling products bearing the popular black bear character would be lifted. Kumamon is also set to star in his very own anime as well for both domestic and foreign audiences.”
– Kirk
P.S. The Japan Times also covered this story:
“Domestic and overseas sales of Kumamon-related products, including stuffed toys and stationery, increased 27 percent in 2016 from the previous year to some ¥128 billion, according to the prefectural government.”
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20180105/p2a/00m/0na/002000c
