Just in case you haven’t realized it yet, Japan has a mascot for almost everything—like Madori-Kun, a wrestler that promotes a real state agency, and Seiri-chan, an anthropomorphized period that tackles menstruation taboos. And usually, these mascots served as literal representations of Japanese pop culture and its historical roots.
But this time, Japan introduced a new addition to its long list of mascots and its name is Quaran. According to Time In, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare had already created a mascot for quarantine even before they were hit by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Quaran, a winged fairy with goggles and a Q on its head, is the quarantine mascot for airports in Japan. pic.twitter.com/vjhcBwBXTQ
— Mondo Mascots (@mondomascots) January 3, 2020
Time In also added that Quaran’s purpose is to “promote the work of the Quarantine Information Office, which is under the purview of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.” Equipped with a shield and handy goggles, Quaran’s tasks include the following: prevent illegal movement of prohibited items into Japan’s border and protect Japanese citizens from any illegal activities.
Although many trips have been put on hold due to the coronavirus threat, locals and foreign tourists are more likely to spot Quaran at the airport.
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