This Japanese Baseball Team's New Mascot Is Making Waves
Japan’s penchant for bizarre outfits and outrageous costume designs is not limited to the world of fashion and cosplay. Baseball is huge in Japan, and the oddly charming combination of cute and weird– which nobody can pull off quite like the Japanese – often shows through in the creation of the team mascot. American baseball teams have been known to let a few eccentric characters run around on the field, but none compare to the weirdness of the new mascot for the Chiba Lotte Marines.
Mystery fish
While no one is exactly certain what to call the Marines’ newest representative, it looks a bit like an angler fish , which is considered by many to be the most hideous creature to ever dwell in the sea.
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Fortunately, the costume designers have taken some liberties and the end result is somewhat more endearing.
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The fish’s bizarre routine adds to its charm. After running and dancing on the field in yellow-and-black striped trousers, he (she? it?) pukes a skeleton-man out of its mouth, who then proceeds to run around erratically for a little while before jumping back into the fish to complete its routine.
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The other mascots may turn their back on our new fish friend, but the fans have been going wild for Lotte’s latest addition to the team.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVUWUHRFIIf/
About the author
Born and raised in (the safe suburbs of) Boston, Dave relocated to Tokyo in 2012 without telling any of his friends or relatives. Just a few short years later he found himself working for a major Japanese university, and his mom and dad eventually forgave him. He likes live music, nightlife, whiskey, and spicy food. He dislikes mayonnaise and slow walkers. Dave keeps a blog on his exploits in Japan at Yabatori.com. It is funny.
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