Colorful mascot characters from Japan and elsewhere gathered in the western city of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, on Saturday.
More than 100 mascots from around Japan, as well as Hawaii and Hong Kong, entertained people in a local shopping street. Visitors took pictures with their favorite mascots and bought merchandise.
The event is part of local efforts to revitalize the economy.
A popular cat-like character named “Hikonyan” represents Hikone.
At least two of the mascots came from Ishikawa Prefecture, which was severely damaged by the New Year’s Day earthquake and torrential rains in September.
They included the multi-colored, daruma doll-shaped “Hyakuman-san,” which is Ishikawa Prefecture’s tourism mascot, and the boiled egg-like “Wakutama-kun,” the mascot for Wakura hot spring in the city of Nanao.
A woman who came from Kanagawa Prefecture, south of Tokyo, said she was delighted to meet her favorite character first thing in the morning. She said it had a healing effect.
The event will continue on Sunday.