Soohorang
Soohorang is the white tiger mascot of the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Games.
かわいい、ね？
When I see something like this, I feel Japan's soft power influence on Asia.
In Japan ゆるキャラ are employed in many situations from representing prefectures (Kumamon from Kumamoto Prefecture), to baseball teams (Lucky the Hanshin Tiger), to corporations (Domo-kun from NHK).
They typically carry some semblance to their referrer, but are cuter and more loveable. For example, through awkward, unstable movement. Or the appearance of cuddly vulnerability.
These characters exist beyond the やわらかい costume. Their lives are extended as LINE sticker sets, plush toys, video game characters and so on.
They even have their own ゆるキャラ national convention. In 2013, 376 of them gathered at the 4th annual, in Hanyu, setting a world record for the number of mascots at a single meeting.
So, what do you say to a cat like Soohorang?
Hello Kitty.
