Nikko City introduces mascot ‘Kisuge-chan’ to support enterprises by people with disabilities

By Barrier Free Japan with extracts translated from The Tokyo Shimbun

July 6 2020

NIKKO City, Tochigi Pref – Nikko City has announced a new mascot character to support efforts such as expansion of workplaces for people with disabilities. It will be used in the packaging of products handled by persons with disabilities and sales promotion events.

The character is “Kisuge” and is made in the image of the city’s “Nikkokisuge”. Sayaka Itsuki, a a manga artist living in the city and ambassador of Nikko Tourism, designed it.

At a press conference, Itsuki said, “I designed through Kisuge-chan to open the circle of flowers for supporting welfare for people with disabilities, adding “[t]he bright yellow color of Nikkoukisuge gives warmth and power. I hope it contributes to the expansion of the circle of support.”

The flowery language of Nikkokisuge is said to be soothing, and the person in charge of the city expected it to be a character that gives comfort and peace of mind.