Fuzz and Fur

Our second book is officially out! Fuzz and Fur delves into the world of kigurumi or fur suit mascots. The adoration of mythical creatures and popular anime characters is nothing new in Japan, but kigurumi, is a growing pastime and successful marketing tool. An oversized daikon radish, a skiing egg, a bear with an apple for a head, an erupting volcano – these furry mascots wander the streets of Japan, and the pages of Fuzz & Fur.

Created to promote anything from bridges, castles, the police, water purification plants and most notably prefectures they incorporate landmarks, local points of interest, regional produce, historical figures, civic institutions, and traditional folklore into their designs.

Profiling over 100 kigurumi with photographs and text that explains these mascots’ origins, as well as their likes and dislikes, Fuzz & Fur is the definitive compendium of this fascinating subculture, and the perfect companion to Edward and John Harrison’s Idle Idol.

The book should hit shops in July but if you’re lucky you might find one over at Amazon. To find out more about the book check out Fuzzandfur.net.

Ektopia

Ektopia has got to be one of my favourite blogs (just after boing boing). There’s always loads of awesome links, the author has impeccable taste in art, he seems to uncover the most unusual and experimental music, showcases great books and cool t-shirts. Anyway I’m really happy to see a glowing review of Idle Idol on the site.

Boing Boing

I’m really really pleased that the always awesome boing boing have picked up on Idle Idol. I selected a number of my favourites and some of the most important Japanese mascots from the book, see it here.

Welcome to all boing boingers. If you’d like to get involved and show us your ‘Idle Idol’ photos please join our flickr group.

Buy the Book

Idle Idol is now available to buy from the What What Shop. To look inside before you buy check it out here and here.

Heres what people are saying about it;

“An Entertaining and Richly Observed Japanese Tradition”
Grady Harp

“Fabulously bright photos, in depth descriptions, history and locations of these wondrous Japanese mascots. 140+ pages of them! The Japanese are obsessed with cartoon characters, and this book gives a real insight into the history of brand marketing in Japan and it’s influence on the development of Manga in the 20th Century. A lovely production.”
Lyneon Brazman

“The stories for each mascot is short but entertaining, sometimes hilarious.”
Parka

“For any Japan enthusiast, this is a must-have book…. While I initially bought it to pass on to a good friend, I’m now keeping it for my own collection while they got a giftvoucher.”
Sebastian

“If you like 3D images and are visiting Japan this book gives a real flavour of what you will see on the streets of Tokyo & other big cities.”
Mart

Metropolis

Nestled between an article on pink films (softcore Japanese porn) and a piece on the beautiful Meisa Kuroki was an interview with me about characters, Japan and Idle Idol. The article was featured in the September issue of Metropolis (Japans No1 English Magazine) and now available online. There’s also a great editorial on underground Manga, so it’s a pleasure to be featured in such an awesome issue.

The Daily Yomiuri

Last month I was interviewed by Tom Baker for the Daily Yomiuri. The article appeared in the Friday August 20th issue but you can read it online here. Tom has spotted some great Idle Idols including a huge Marilyn Monroe and an even bigger lion both spotted in Kawaguchi.

1st prize They could be twins © 2010 trentcsc

2nd prize Hodag Attack © 2010 wplyn

3rd prize Popeye © 2010 buffalok08

Mike hanging out with Jollibee © 2010 silverakshi

Takeout © 2010 MyUtopian

Mr Frite & I © 2010 Anam_uk

David and Wicked Servant © 2010 Keemka

Big Ed with Gorilla © 2010 BigEd Stites

Mr.Hot Dog © 2010 Getwithit

bilz y pap © 2010 cristalyeah

Pillsbury Doughboy © 2010 EvilDilara

Father Christmas © 2010 Elanor Bull

Green Chinese Dude © 2010 Anton

Competition Winners

We had lots of great entries to the Idle Idol competition but have finally decided on the winning three.

Third place went to Kim Papa (buffalok08) for ‘Popeye’ an amazing mascot from the border of Thailand and Burma. The character represents a burger and pizza restaurant called Popeyes. What a great colourful shot and fun pose.

Second place went to Warren Lynn (wplyn) for ‘Hodag Attack’ found in Wisconsin. An unusual and very large Idle Idol.

First place went to Trent Clarke for his shot ‘They could be Twins’ taken in Den-den town, Osaka. One of the earliest entries, we particularly liked the twin reference and the pose of the friend and Kamen Rider.

Well done to you all, we hope you enjoy the prizes which should be arriving soon. Thanks to everyone else who entered, we’ve included the runners up below. We particularly liked Big Ed with Gorilla, looking slightly uncomfortable but as though he’s pretending to be friends with the large ape.

Edward with Nyanta

John meeting Crayon-chan

Win a Signed Copy of the Book

Idle Idol: The Japanese Mascot is officially out and to celebrate we’re offering the chance to win a copy of the book. All you have to do is take a photo of yourself or a friend with your favourite mascot. The entries will be judged by ourselves based on the awesomeness and bizarreness of the mascot and how cool the pose of the individual is.

The Prizes:
1st Prize: A signed copy of the book with a goody bag including Kero-chan and Koro-chan finger puppets, a Satoko-chan mobile phone strap and two badge sets.
2nd prize: A signed copy of the book with a badge set.
3rd prize: A badge set of your choice.

How to Enter:
There are four different ways to enter. Please also let us know where the photo was taken when submitting your entry.
1. Email your photos to comp@idleidol.net.
2. Join the Idle Idol facebook group and add your photo.
3. Upload your photo to flickr, post it to the Idle Idol flickr group and tag it with “idleidol”.
4. Follow whatwhatjohn or whatwhated on twitter and include a link to your photo along with #idleidol in your tweet.

We look forward to seeing your photos. Winners will be announced on the 22nd July and the winning entries will be displayed on the website.

**UPDATE**
The competition has now closed. The esteemed judges will carefully select a winner and the results will be announced very soon. Thanks to everyone that entered.

Idle Idol at Tate Modern Bookshop

Now available in all Good Bookshops

My first sighting of the Idle Idol book happened at the Tate Modern bookshop on the weekend. The book was proudly on display alongside the equally awesome Drainspotting by fellow MBP author Remo Camerota.

Idle Idol will be available at all good bookshops, and if it’s not stocked I’m sure if you ask them nicely they can order it in for you. Alternatively you can order it online at Amazon.

Idol Eyes

Fun with the Idol Eyes badge set in the park. If you attempt this at home make sure you don’t poke your eye out with the pin, and If you take any photos of yourself with Idle Idol badges we’d love to see them, send us an email. You can buy the badge set at the whatshop.