In February of this year, Aaman, a mascot hero characterized as an Akita Dog, was born to save Akita Prefecture, which has been facing several challenges, including a declining population. Aaman has shown up at events throughout the prefecture and is gaining fans slowly but steadily with his easygoing appearance and behavior.
The man who created Aaman and serves as his manager is a 30-year-old company employee in Yokote City, Akita Prefecture. He is trying to attract tourists to Akita with a character based on the world-famous Akita Dog to “turn Akita Prefecture with many challenges into an attractive place.” He is also aiming for a ripple effect on the economy, as there have been cases in Japan where local characters have significantly helped increase the amount of hometown tax donations.
Aaman’s attractive points are his thick eyebrows and uniquely shaped eyes. He is 200 centimeters tall, and his face occupies nearly half of that height. His personality is “quick to joke around, and he is always easygoing.” During the event, he makes a variety of striking poses and occasionally leans against a pillar to rest. Some fans find that those free-spirited behaviors are relaxing and have come to every event where he appears. The number of followers on social media has also been gradually increasing.
It has been about four months since Aaman started his activities, though he has yet to appear at an event in the northern part of the prefecture. Aaman said,“I would like to visit Akita Inu no Sato in Odate City and collaborate with real Akita dogs. Eventually, I would like to work for the preservation of Akita Dogs.” His manager continues to promote, “If you see him at an event, please talk to him.”
