Interest

Shima Withdraws Official Backing for Pearl Diver Mascot

Shima, Japan, the location for the upcoming G-7 diplomatic summit, unveiled a mascot honoring its local female pearl divers in November 2014. Named Megu Aoshima, she is part of a trend of regions and cities in Japan promoting themselves through youthful, moe characters. But pearl divers (ama) are 70 years old on average and bear little resemblance to Aoshima. Some are offended by the character, and Isako Utsubo, a diver's daughter, has launched a movement for the city to withdraw its official recognition of the character (who was created by an outside design firm), claiming her appeal was "based on women's sexuality more than pearl diving."

On November 5, Shima's mayor, Hidekazu Ōguchi, held a press conference where he announced that Aoshima would no longer be recognized as Shima's official mascot. He said that the move had been undertaken on the request of the character designer, Yoshihiro Hamaguchi, and that speaking with pearl divers had revealed that about 30% were opposed to the city recognizing her. Hamaguchi will continue to use Aoshima, albeit no longer in an official capacity, since she has received much support and not all pearl divers agree with Utsubo.

On Aoshima's official Twitter account, she thanked Shima, affirmed that there were "lots of wonderful pearl divers" there, and promised to continue promoting the region with them.

[Via Nichi Tele News 24 and Netlab]