Yurukyara Grand Prix 2016
Shinjo-kun" Wins
Shinjo Kun of Susaki in Kochi Prefecture wins the Yuru-Kyara Grand Prix on November 6, 2016, in Matsuyama, Japan. Yuru-Kyara (Japanese cuddly cute mascot characters) are very popular in Japan and both companies and local authorities use them to promote their products and region. The Yuru-Kyara Grand Prix is an annual event, first held in 2010, that brings together over 1000 mascots from all over the country. Visitors to the event are able to vote for their favourite character and each year a winner is chosen. (Photo by Rod Walters/AFLO)