OHIO
Prof. Morio’s OSU Field Report-5
This is the fifth volume of Prof. Morio’s OSU field report.
This time it is about the character of OSU. In fact, this is the story he wanted to write about the most.
When it comes to “Yurukyara” characters in Japan, “Kumamon” from Kumamoto Prefecture is the most popular. Does his blank expression soothe the weary hearts of people who are busy with their daily lives?
In the case of OSU, that crisp and snappy movement in a stuffed animal costume is rather similar to the “Funassyi (unauthorized)” of Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture, Prof. Morio says.
At the end of the article, Prof. Morio describes the relationship between the characters. I am personally curious as to how many people can read this statement and say, “Oh, yes, I agree!”
(ISS Program Office Editor)
Written by Prof. Morio
When we talk about OSU, we can’t forget the character ‘Brutus,’ which is based on the Buckeye fruit.
The Buckeye is related to the ‘Tochinoki’ tree in Japan, so as a resident of Tochigi Prefecture, it holds a special place in my heart.
I secretly call him ‘Tochinomi-kun.’
Brutus performs with the cheerleaders during halftime at sports games and, after the game, joins the players and staff in singing the team song while linking arms, adding to the excitement of the event.
University of Tsukuba also has a character named ‘Cosmi-kun,’ based on an owl, who helps liven up games. I would love to see Brutus and Cosmi-kun perform together in an exchange match between OSU and University of Tsukuba.
Cosimi-kun
Brutus and Cosmi-kun have a similar body type to Doala and Tsuba-kuro (mascot characters of Japanese professional baseball teams of Nagoya Chunichi Dragons and Tokyo Yakult Swallows, respectively), so they would definitely make a great pair.
