I want to share something awesome I came across today. Kumamon is number one in the Yurukyara Prefecture Character Contest!


What? You didn't know there was such a contest? Neither did I. It turns out that you can vote once a day for your favorite character.
You can see all the characters here: http://yurugp.jp/
And the ranking here: http://yurugp.jp/ranking.php?start=1&uk=
The pages are all nihongo. If you aren't able to wade your way through it, you can vote for Kumamon by sending a blank e-mail to: req(at)yurugp.jp and putting "93" in the subject line.
Kumamon HP: http://cyber.pref.kumamoto.jp/kumamon/