Totto-chan, Tosu City’s (Saga Prefecture) popular mascot has been in the media after complaints he participated in obscene conversation during a late-night radio program. Not only has he been sidelined from public appearances, but the sale of Totto-chan goods have been stopped and he has been prohibited from participating in the upcoming national Grand Prix 2013 for mascots. Totto-chan has a big smiling yellow beak and green and white feathers like a “mejiro” (Japanese White-eye), which is the official bird of Tosu City.
The incident occurred during a live appearance on the popular “All Night Nippon” after 1am on Oct. 23. The problem arose during a segment in which the show’s host asked listeners for suggestions for new mascots. One listener suggested a mascot in the image of female genitalia. The conversation degraded further and complaints of inappropriateness followed. In the mascot’s defense, the show’s staff said they cleared permission with the Tosu Tourism Association for him to speak liberally, but in fact they hadn’t.
Toto-chan became the City’s mascot back in 2004 and actively supports many of the city’s events including the local soccer team. He has since apologized.
