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Japanese companies, sports teams, and government departments typically use mascots promote all kinds of strange things. Now, in the era of the corona virus, an “anti-plague demon” from the 19th century from Japanese folklore has been reborn as a mascot in the fight against the corona virus.
It is even used to sell a new healthy type of vitamin C dessert. It barely protects you from COVID-19, but it can help fight off a cold.
The mascot in question: A humanoid fish called “Yokai” (“demon” or “ghost”) called “Amabie”.
In 19th century Japanese folklore Amabie lives off the coast of Kumamoto and often says people who see it“Draw me and show it to people so you are disease free.”
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the demon Amabie has appeared in many different forms across Japan. Amabie has reappeared as a mascot and Internet meme used by artists. Cooks and even that Japan’s Ministry of Health to fight as a symbol of hope COVID-19.
Now Amabie is trying to get you to eat “healthy” pudding from the Japanese company Nakauraya. The pudding is made in layers with yuzu citrus jelly and is apparently packaged with it vitamin C.
The pudding label art is “a beautiful illustration to make you feel relieved; we made it with the hope that you can regain your normal life as soon as possible”. according to the Nakauraya website.
If you want to find more Japanese demon products, there are also Amabie IPA beer and adorable demon donuts.
Do you feel particularly adventurous? Add another Japanese delicacy to your amabie pudding – try it dried Murder hornets on as a topping.