JPN: Kumamon Square

8-2 Tetorihoncho, Tsuruya Department Store, Chuo, Kumamoto, Japan
Daily: 10.00am - 7.00pm

Who hasn't seen Kumamon before? Created by the government of Kumamoto Prefecture in 2010 to draw tourists to the region after the opening of Kyushu Shinkansen line, the black bear has been enjoying tremendous popularity not only in Japan, but also throughout the world. When in town, you can see it in action at Kumamon Square.



The place of interest is located at one corner inside the east building of Tsuruya Department Store, which is pretty much quiet as there aren't many stores there. As expected, there are lots of Kumamon merchandise for sale.


I visited Japan twice last year: Tokyo in March 2019 nearing the end of the Heisei era
and Kyushu and Kobe in December 2019 after the transition to the Reiwa era.

Shown on the poster is Amakusa, a city spread over several islands
in the southwestern part of Kumamoto Prefecture.

We reached around 45 minutes before the 3.00pm show. Apparently, there were already quite a number of people waiting inside. Do check the website beforehand to see when Kumamon will appear. Here is the link: https://www.kumamon-sq.jp/



Take a look at the two motorcycles on display.



Kumamon has got its own office.



An old-school rotary dial telephone!


You can write a letter to Kumamon to say how much you like it.
At last, Kumamon entered from outside at 3.00pm sharp.


Here are snippets of the two dances performed by Kumamon.



At the end of the show, one of my BFFs bought a cup of bubble tea. It wasn't really nice though.


The two photos below weren't taken at Kumamon Square, but at two separate locations in the department store. The calendar showing Kumamon in various places around the globe is pretty amusing.



According to Bank of Japan, in just a span of two years since its birth, Kumamon managed to generate US$1.20 billion (~S$1.68 billion) in economic benefits for the region. So cool!

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