Introducing Japan's #1 Rogue Mascot: Funassyi

5 things you need to know about Japan's most popular mascot character—a yellow marshmallow looking lump dressed in a Japanese pre-schooler’s outfit. But don't worry, it's a pear fairy.

i.ytimg.com / Via youtube.com

Within the past decade, many prefectures began producing representative mascot characters called yuru-chara to appeal to the public. They're usually gentle characters with a sweet disposition, but Funassyi (pronounced Funasshi) is anything but. It speaks; it's erratic, abrasive, uncanny, and well loved.

The best part? It never had any backing from Chiba prefecture's Funabashi city government to be a mascot, so was doing promotional work *just because* #ThatFreelanceLife

images.keizai.biz / Via keizai.biz

1. Funassyi is a 1,876 year old pear fairy--a rare creature appearing once every 2000 years.

Via tumblr.com

Though the human world was first introduced to Funassyi in November 2011, it was born in 138 AD (Coincidentally, the same year that Hadrian died. I’m not suggesting a Japanese-mascot-Roman-emperor-reincarnation-theory, but no one’s ever seen them together. And we all know Japanese-Roman culture has a history of absurd connections.)

2. Funassyi's moves are no joke.

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Funassyi's theme song encourages people to find their own path no matter how many times they fall (pretty fitting for a rogue mascot that fought its way to the top.)

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Funassyi narrowly escapes becoming pear compote. An ending we all desperately try to run from.

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So very worldy.

3. Funyassi eats and drinks through a special "illusion."

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Stay hydrated. Stay juicy.

up.gc-img.net / Via girlschannel.net

Once you master smize-ing, you can engage in vocal communication through your eyes, also known as interviewing.

Yup, definitely no one in there.

4. Funassyi is doing the most.

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From key chains, plushies, stationary, and candy...

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...to curry

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...and cup noodles

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...and even bath bombs.

#StartedFromTheBottomNowWePear

You can catch Funyassi on the news and in the movies.

Did you know Funyassi is in the Japanese release of your favorite movie Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters?

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Half of the characters in this whole screenshot is voiced by ~yours truly~ (hint: another Roman connection, it's the caduceus.)

5. Do Funassyi got a booty?

pinterest.com / Via Twitter: @funyassi

IT DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

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Funassyi's fairy mission is to cheer up Japan with enthusiasm and energy.

As its appearances turn global, may Funassyi christen you with some of its holy pear juice.

All in a day's work for Japan's top pear.

livedoor.blogimg.jp / Via blog.livedoor.com