Chicchai Ossan is one of Japan’s most popular regional mascots along with Kumamon and Funassyi. While there are more than 3,000 mascots in Japan, each representing a specific prefecture or city, Chicchai Ossan is the first speaking character. Chicchai Ossan, whose real name is Shinichi Sakata, is a middle-aged Japanese man from Amagasaki in Hyogo prefecture. Speaking in a Kansai dialect with a sharp tongue and giving warm fatherly advice, Chicchai Ossan has become one of Japan’s favorite pop culture characters. He appears on Harajuku kawaii fashion shows, game shows and at other events. Tokyo Journal met with Chicchai Ossan at Anime Expo 2015 in Los Angeles.

TJ: Not many ossans [middle-aged guys] become famous in Japan. How do you feel about your newfound fame?
OSSAN: I’m surprised. I appreciate everyone supporting an ossan like me… Who are you calling ossan?!

TJ: Can you tell us about yurukyara [anime-style cartoon mascots]? Do they usually promote prefectures and cities?
OSSAN: I know Kumamon [Kumamoto’s mascot] very well. He’s my senpai (senior). We can feel his strong passion to boost the island of Kyushu. He inspired me to represent my region too. Many characters started to appear one after another. I think each region has many appealing things. There are some unofficial characters representing cities or prefectures like me who are produced by companies or volunteers. I once visited city hall to say, “Hello,” but they told me to work on my own. I didn’t even get an invite to the city festival! There are advantages and disadvantages. If it’s official, the character works with money from the city as its representative. On the other hand, as an unofficial character, I can work freely without restrictions.

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