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Unofficial, Yet It Even Has LINE Stickers! Have You Met 'Muroran-kun'?
Born from a Doodle: Muroran-kun's Journey and Merchandise
Muroran-kun was born in 2020 from a doodle by me, Sato of BROCKEN (my business name), who runs a planning and editing business in the city.
World premiere, the original drawing: "Proto Muroran-kun"
Muroran-kun wasn't created with any particular commercial goal in mind, but rather from the lighthearted thought that "it would be kind of interesting if something this weird existed." Since his birth, he has been active in a guerrilla-like and localized manner, from making character T-shirts to causing a stir at events with a cardboard costume.
Muroran-kun handing out marshmallows at an outdoor event.
Currently, the T-shirt variations have increased, and the product lineup has expanded to include pin badges and handmade straps. Apparel items are also sold at the special "Muroran-kun-ya" shop on the SUZURI platform.
The palm-sized straps are all one-of-a-kind items made by an artisan.
Big-silhouette T-shirts and hoodies are popular.
For certain reasons, I can't name names, but an actor from Muroran City has worn one of the T-shirts, and we've even received orders from Honshu (Japan's main island).
Released Worldwide! "Bizarre! Muroran-kun LINE Stickers" Are Here
A sticker with text that looks like it's about to launch in a robot.
And finally (?), in May 2023, Muroran-kun's LINE stickers were released!
The classic greeting stickers are all there.
There are also collaboration stickers with Muroran scenery (photo is the sunset at Daikoku Island).
In addition to standard greeting stickers like "Yoroshiku onegaishimasu" (Nice to meet you/Thanks in advance) and "Gomen" (Sorry), there are also unique ones meant to be used in pairs, such as Muroran-kun peeking out from a wall or flailing about.
Recommended for when you throw a tantrum and still get rejected.
Some stickers even feature the Muroran yakitori that Muroran-kun holds as the main character. They are being used not only by Muroran residents but also as gifts for people from Muroran living elsewhere, and it seems they are slowly spreading across Japan.
This solves the problem of wanting to go eat Muroran yakitori!
There are also stickers where the yakitori Muroran-kun holds is the star.
"Muroran-kun," the unofficial mascot of Muroran City that sometimes makes children run away in fear, will continue to promote Muroran through merchandise and events.
A full set of 24 LINE stickers costs 120 yen. Available for purchase on the LINE STORE.
Energizing the region with entertainment! Keep an eye on Muroran-kun's activities!
BROCKEN Homepage https://www.brocken.work
Special Shop "Muroran-kun-ya" https://suzuri.jp/BROCKEN
Purchase "Muroran-kun" LINE stickers here
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Writer Profile
Editor/Writer
Daisuke Sato
After working for a travel agency, traveling around the world, and then working for a travel magazine company, he returned to his hometown of Muroran. He was involved in promoting local tourism and organizing outdoor events as Muroran City's first Community-Reactivating Cooperator Squad member. Currently, under the business name BROCKEN, he collaborates with creators from various regions to undertake a wide range of projects, including planning and editing for magazines and websites, logo design, and video production.
"Domingo Local Topics" brings you the charm of various regions through the "raw voices" of local people. The content varies by region, featuring unique local shops, student initiatives, community-built events, and more. We deliver news from the regions that will make you feel closer to the local scene and want to visit.
