日本人也許是最迷信吉祥物的民族，不但每個縣都有代表的吉祥物，連大大小小的企業都有專屬的吉祥物；每年的日本吉祥物大賽就是一覽各式各樣「吉祥物選手」的好機會。
說到日本歷史最悠久的吉祥物必定是日本隨處可見的達磨，橢圓形不倒翁的設計有永不跌倒的寓意，又有祈福的作用（許願時畫左眼，願望實現後才畫上右眼）；而有八成以上的達磨玩偶都是在群馬縣生產的，當中又以大門屋最為著名，很多人都會慕名而來參加達磨玩偶繪畫班。
It is probably not exaggerated to say Japan is the country that is the keenest on mascots. Be it big corporations or small businesses, all types of organizations love to create their own cute character. The annual Japanese Mascot Grand Prix is a perfect occasion to have a good overview of all the mascots joining the competition.
Speaking of the mascot that has the longest history in the Japanese culture, many would agree it should be the Daruma doll. The roly-poly shaped Daruma doll is a symbol of never falling from good fortune. It is believed that Daruma can help to realize one’s wish. When praying to it, people would paint its left eyes, before painting the right one too when the wish comes true. Over 80% of the Daruma dolls are produced in the Gunma Prefecture, with Daimonya being the most famous Daruma producer. Tourists even visit the city mainly for joining their Daruma painting workshops.
