Rise of Mascot Popularity in Japan

It's not uncommon to see mascots at just about any public event in Japan.  If Japan is taken over by mascots, people would probably be OK with it as they are loved by young and old fans. Japan's first mascot is said to be created in 2004 by Jun Miura. The comic writer and essayist named it Yuruchara and even registered the name as a trademark.  Small towns all over Japan created their own Yuruchara as they play a significant role in driving local economy.