Kumamon brings brief respite to children after Kumamoto quake
A mother whose home was destroyed by the earthquake welcomed the visit as children received sweets and stickers and shared hugs and high fives.
- Kumamon, the popular mascot of Kumamoto Prefecture, visited children at an elementary school being used as an evacuation shelter after a powerful earthquake.
- The visit was intended to provide a welcome distraction and stress relief for children whose families were displaced by the quake.
- During his appearance, Kumamon distributed sweets and stickers, shared hugs, and gave high fives to the children.
- This was the mascot's first activity in three weeks following the earthquake, with plans to continue visiting other affected areas.
A visit by Kumamon offered a welcome distraction for seven-year-old Kakeru Nagata, whose family are staying with relatives after their home was destroyed in the July 28 earthquake.
His mother, Chihiro, 48, said: “I’m glad it helps my child get stress relief in his unfamiliar surroundings.”
Kakeru found particular delight in touching Kumamon’s tail.
“His fluffy tail felt so nice,” he said with satisfaction.
His classmate Tenma Sassa, also seven, is a first-year pupil who often draws pictures of the mascot.
Describing Kumamon as “so cute”, he added: “I’m happy to meet him.”
The children met Kumamon, the popular mascot of Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan, at Ryuhoku Seibu Elementary School in Hikawa on Sunday (August 16).
Hikawa was badly affected by the powerful earthquake, and the school is being used as an evacuation shelter.
Kumamon’s arrival at the main entrance prompted some of the children to cheer: “Yes! It’s Kumamon!” He distributed sweets and stickers, shared hugs and high fives with them, and waved to evacuees at the school.
The appearance was Kumamon’s first activity in about three weeks following the earthquake.
He will continue visiting evacuation centres and childcare facilities in affected areas to spread cheer.
[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
