About Saitama Prefecture’s Mascot: Kobaton
Kobaton is a stylization of Saitama’s prefectural bird, the shirakobato (Eurasian collared dove). It debuted in 2004 at the 59th Annual National Sports Festival and the 4th Annual National Sports Festival for People with Disabilities where its presence really energized both events. Following the conclusion of those festivals, on January 1, 2005 the Kobaton became the Saitama Prefectural mascot. Now Kobaton is beloved by many from children to adults and has become an irreplaceable part of Saitama prefecture.
Kobaton
Debut of the Kobaton
The high school student’s successful submission
The original Kobaton design was born in May 2000. To publicize the 59th Annual National Sports Festival, mascot designs were sought from the general public. From a total of 795 submissions, the winning picture was designed by a high school student and based on the prefectural bird, the shirakobato (Eurasian collared dove). This became the basis of the current design.
The Thought Behind the Name “Kobaton”
The base Kobaton design from the 59th Annual National Sports Festival
The name Kobaton was selected from over 15,000 proposed names. It is symbolic of the hope that “the lovely shirakobato, the mascot for the National Sports Festival held in Saitama, will fly lightly about from place to place from one person to the next, one sports festival to the next, like a baton connecting the enthusiasm and sincerity of all.” It was named Kobaton by combining the words “shirakobato” and “baton”. Isn’t this a name with a delightful meaning?
Becoming Saitama’s Beloved Mascot
Kobaton being issued its appointment from the governor of Saitama
Kobaton has grown to be a mascot beloved by children and adults alike. After the end of the National Sports Festival, the prefectural government received many requests asking that Kobaton be kept. Responding to these requests, Kobaton was officially made Saitama’s mascot in January 2005.
Kobaton Now
The Development of Kobaton
Kobaton has been actively appearing in a number of events publicizing for Saitama. Wherever Kobaton appears, adults and children alike soon break out into smiles. Kobaton has come to be known by all the people of Saitama prefecture.
Kobaton participating in a variety of events
Kobaton Designs Continue to Increase
There are currently more than 300 official Kobaton designs. Businesses, groups, and individuals can use them free of charge, and there are plans to create new Kobaton designs so that even more people can use them.
Left:Kobaton printed on publications from the Saitama Prefectural Government
Right: The Kobaton design used for a variety of items
Beyond Japan and Launching into Space
Going into space with Wakata-san
On March 15, 2009, Koichi Wakata, an astronaut from Saitama, set out to the International Space Station (ISS) in the space shuttle Discovery. In that space shuttle rode a Kobaton stuffed toy, marking the first time that the mascot of any local government has been taken on board a space shuttle. Once Kobaton returns to Japan, it will receive a flight certificate from NASA and come home to a “hero’s welcome” from the eagerly awaiting residents of Saitama.
Kobaton:Leaping across the world and launching into space. We in Saitama hope that Kobaton, the prefecture’s mascot and a symbol beloved by many, will be the bridge to link the prefecture with the people of the world.
