Kumamon arrives in Thailand

The first official theme stores of Japanese bear character Kumamon have opened in Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok.

Kumamon is a mascot created by the government of Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan. It was created in 2010 for a campaign called to draw tourists to the region after the Kyushu Shinkansen line opened. Now it has grown into an internationally-recognised character, especially in Southeast Asia where Japanese and Korean cartoon and animated characters, and fashion trends, are quickly adopted.

The first Kumamon store opened on the third floor of Siam Paragon shopping centre, at B-Trends in late July. That was followed by a more recent opening at Studio B Trend in the Emporium shopping centre.

The Thai rights to Kumamon have been acquired by ICC International, who invited Kumamon’s creators to visit Thailand during a recent trade fair.

ICC says it plans to open more themed stores inside premium department stores in Bangkok and in other Thai provinces.