A note from the Kumamoto International Mascot Desk (it’s difficult to type in our costumes): Chiitan, a giant otter wearing a turtle as a hat, is the unofficial mascot of Susaki (須崎市), our neighbor to the northeast in Kouchi, Shikoku, whose official mascot is Shinjo-kun, also a giant otter but with an upturned ramen bowl on his head rather than a turtle. Both are modeled after Chiitan, an actual otter, who, being an actual otter, abides no headwear.
With that, one can read trouble brewing: “Rival otter mascots with unconventional head-wear do not good bed-mates make.” (Shakespeare?)
Fortunately, British comedian John Oliver intervened, sending in his own mascot, Chiijohn. You must watch this to the end. - William
