entertainment

Japan sets Guinness record for synchronized mascot dancing

19 Comments
By Jessica Ocheltree

It’s not surprising that in Japan, the land of cute and cuddly, pretty much everything has a fuzzy mascot. Even prefectural and city governments are getting in on the merchandising mania with adorable (or terrifying, depending on your point of view) characters called "yuru-kyara" meant to promote tourism and local products.

This week, 141 "yuru-kyara" from 25 prefectures across the country gathered in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture, to make their mark on history by becoming the largest group of mascots ever to do the same dance together.

Check out the video of the event.

HTB, the event organizers, set the goal of gathering characters from all over the country to perform a synchronized dance number to a song called "The Beard Dance" by The Drifters (a Japanese comedy rock band with no relation to the American R&B group). If, during the 5-minute song, less that 5% of the characters were out of sync or made mistakes, they would get a listing in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Although the "yuru-kyara" earnestly and enthusiastically shook their tiny arms and bulbous bodies to the music, they twice failed meet the requirements. However, 134 mascots put in a flawless performance on the third try and succeeded in setting the record! Congratulatory music played and the characters jumped around hugging each other, completely lost in the moment. Could there be any happier sight on planet Earth than 141 giant cuddly creatures dancing and embracing? We think not.

Kumamon, the bear-like mascot for Kumamoto, was heard to say, “I’m a little tired, mon,” after the successful third set, but with the guts and professionalism of a pro mascot, he and the other "yuru-kyara" happily agree to pose for photos with their fans.

Source: Nishi Nippon Shimbun

Read more stories on RocketNews24. -- Anime Princess Marriage Certificates Big Hit with Japanese City -- Japan Sets Guinness Record for Longest “Human Chair” -- Mascot Grand Prix 2012: Mr. Bari the Baby Chicken Declared Winner

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19 Comments
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Check out the video of the event

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No thank you.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Many years ago, the Guinness Book of World Records was an interesting collection of achievements. It was a record of the highest attainable feats in activities that had numerous competitors, and which would require a certain degree of effort or training.

Now the book is notable for allowing ridiculous entries that have no merit as 'competition', but are done simply to get recognition. Unfortunately, a lot of these entries come from Japan.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Why am I utterly not surprised at all. I'm sitting here thinking "what took them so long?" and "did it just happen by chance, or did someone organize it??"

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Only in Japan......I'm sure they will make a 2 hour TV documentry about this thrilling achievement and all the hard work it took to pull off this monumental feat. Like I said.......Only in Japan. What's next? The guinness record for how many dweebs can squat in front of a convenience store at the same time???

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Way to go. Something for the nation to be truly proud of.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

And is the ringleaders name, ABE? =)

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

I want to see synchronised mascot swimming.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

LOL I live in Sasebo, too bad I missed it.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Good ol' kudaranai Japanese TV.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

wow so pointless

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Of course they did.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

So how is this relevant as a "World record"? Many other countries have grownups thinking up childish mascots and have them dance together?

Much like plasticmomkey said, there was a time when records actually meant something. This does not.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I love that!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Sets a record in a field of..... one?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Has everyone lost their sense of humour?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I checked out the video. Hee hee!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Got to agree with PlasticMonkey on this. It is nothing but sad that Guinness would allow such a random idea to become a "World Record". When the only point of doing something is to get an uncontested entry into the record books, then there really is NO point.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

As if this was something to be proud of.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Has everyone lost their sense of humour?

The movies Ted and Hangover- funny A bunch of mascots dancing together- corny

Where does my sense of humor rank?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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