Japanese company admits it might change name of new mascot
Metro [UK] ^ |
A company in Japan that named its new mascot Fukuppy has admitted it is thinking of starting a rebranding exercise.
Fridge manufacturer Fukushima Industries, which does not have any connection to the nuclear plant of the same name that leaked in 2011 after an earthquake and tsunami, caused a few giggles with its unfortunately-named mascot.
Fukuppy, which resembles a gurning egg with wings wearing red shoes, is a contraction of the company’s name and the English word happy, and is pronounced foo-koo-pee in Japanese.
Cuddly mascots are commonplace among Japanese companies, while names are often formed from English and Japanese words, resulting in unexpected consequences.
A message on the company’s website alongside the new mascot read: ‘I’m Fukuppy. I think I’m kind, with a strong sense of justice, but people say I’m a little bit scatter-brained.’
Fukushima Industries has now said it is looking to rename its mascot.
Metro [UK] ^ |
A company in Japan that named its new mascot Fukuppy has admitted it is thinking of starting a rebranding exercise.
Fridge manufacturer Fukushima Industries, which does not have any connection to the nuclear plant of the same name that leaked in 2011 after an earthquake and tsunami, caused a few giggles with its unfortunately-named mascot.
Fukuppy, which resembles a gurning egg with wings wearing red shoes, is a contraction of the company’s name and the English word happy, and is pronounced foo-koo-pee in Japanese.
Cuddly mascots are commonplace among Japanese companies, while names are often formed from English and Japanese words, resulting in unexpected consequences.
A message on the company’s website alongside the new mascot read: ‘I’m Fukuppy. I think I’m kind, with a strong sense of justice, but people say I’m a little bit scatter-brained.’
Fukushima Industries has now said it is looking to rename its mascot.
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