Kobaton, Mascot character in Saitama Prefecture, Japan
Kobaton is the mascot character of Saitama Prefecture, featuring a rounded white body shaped like a dove, large expressive eyes, small wings, and an overall friendly look. The character was created to serve as the face and symbol of the prefecture in public spaces.
The character made its official debut on May 31, 2000, as part of Saitama Prefecture's regional promotion efforts. Since then, it has grown into a recognized symbol of the prefecture and a key part of its public outreach.
Kobaton belongs to the yuru-chara movement of regional mascots that use gentle, approachable characters to promote local areas in Japan. The figure speaks to visitors of all ages and helps people feel connected to Saitama Prefecture.
Official merchandise and souvenirs can be found at the Saitama Prefecture Tourist Center inside Sonic City Building, about five minutes on foot from JR Oomiya Station. This location makes it easy to browse and learn about other attractions while picking up local items.
The name combines 'kobot', the Japanese word for dove, with the suffix 'ton', a deliberate naming choice. This connection between the animal and the linguistic element makes the character name memorable and reinforces its identity.
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