News

Debuts, redesigns, awards and events11 stories

2026 Mascot of the Year Opens Soon

Daily Mascot and Lud Dynamics are jointly hosting the event. It will select the mascots that were loved over the past year.

Nov 10, 2026

Feature

What 10 Years of the Yuru-chara Grand Prix Left Behind

Japan's mascot popularity contest drew a record 1,727 characters in 2015. After controversy over organized voting, it ended in 2020.

Nov 10, 2026

Feature

South Korea's Mascot Awards: Who Runs Them and What They Pick

Public characters compete at a festival, while club mascots run in a class president election. Each award differs in who can enter and how winners are chosen.

Nov 10, 2026

Analysis

The Mascot Directory by the Numbers: 5,091 Mascots

Local government mascots are the most numerous in the Mascot Directory. Public institutions and elementary schools come next.

Nov 10, 2026

Notice

How Daily Mascot Writes Its Stories

The newsroom sets out its commitments on publication dates and event dates, sources and corrections, and the labeling of sponsorships and conflicts of interest.

Nov 10, 2026

Notice

Daily Mascot Launches With a Directory of 5,091 Mascots From Across South Korea

An online newspaper that covers only mascots has launched. It is also publishing a record of South Korean mascots going back to 2023.

Nov 10, 2026

Feature

May 2026: Characters at Family Month Events

Characters took center stage at museum children's festivals and at Children's Day events in Daedeok District and Busan. A carbon neutrality center in Nowon and Hyundai Motor also put characters in front.

Archive · May 5, 2026

Feature

New Faces and New Versions for Mascots in the First Month of the Year

Samcheokdongja got its first new look in 25 years. Soeburi gained an eco version, and Starkona hosted an event as an AI character.

Archive · Jan 2026

Feature

Hospitals That Gained Mascots in 2025, From Bubaegi to Ilbaegi

Busan Paik Hospital unveiled Bubaegi and Ilsan Paik Hospital unveiled Ilbaegi. KIRAMS and the National Center for Mental Health brought out their characters as plush dolls and costumes.

Archive · Oct 10, 2025

Feature

Characters Take Their Place at Trade Fair Booths in July 2024

Fubon Hyundai Life Insurance and Shinhan Financial Group set up booths at a character licensing fair. KT and Dongduk Women's University also put their characters forward at fairs.

Archive · Jul 2024

Feature

Five Mascot Stories That Opened 2023: January in Review

From a tiger brother and sister in Songpa District to a wedding at the Inje Smelt Festival, these were the mascot stories of January 2023.

Archive · Jan 2023