Seattle NaNoWriMos have a mascot! It's a rubber duck, and if you entered a Seattle coffeeshop and saw writers with rubber ducks you'd know they were kindred and could join in!
They also incorporate it into their novels. (This year it's a duck on a hat that everyone incorporates.)
I want one for Japan.
It should be easy to obtain, Japanese, not necessarily brand-name, and not food (so we can bring it in to cafes without making the staff uncomfortable.)
Maybe it should be something so ubiquitous that you can get it at 100yen stores.
But what?
Feylias
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50,048 / 50,000
Nov 10, 2007 - 06 02
The only things I could think of that fit that criteria are Fude Pens and Chopsticks. Or maybe other types of dishes. Those are the only things I've seen in every 100 yen shop that I've been to. Then again, I've only been to about 3 or 4 different 100 yen shops. And since it's Japan, wouldn't out mascot also have to be drawn in a very cute manner with a catchphrase it always says, too?
50,590 / 50,000
Nov 10, 2007 - 07 02
I see those square black and white pigs all over the place.
Or maybe an open fan, that would be something you could get at the 100 yen store.
I can't think of a really great one. I'll keep thinking about it.
50,524 / 50,000
Nov 10, 2007 - 07 14
I'm with you on the catchphrase. ^_^ Engrish catchphrases are cute.
I'd like to aim at something that will be readily apparent when sitting on a coffeshop table, so not chopsticks or a bentou box.
The ideas I've had so far don't work yet:
Those metal puzzles you can buy: Not necessarily Japanese.
Black-Black Gum: It's food, brand-name, and has nicotine along with the other stimulants.
Those metal can yen banks: Not very cute.
A Gatchapon egg. (Actually, I like this one. It's not necessarily Japanese, though.)
Shogi Pieces: Still not very cute.
Pocky: Brand name, food, and not cute.
Square saucer: Not very conspicuous at a cafe.
My creativity's gone to bed. I think the rest of me had better follow.
--Feylias
I have an unopened pack of "Noire" menthol Virginia slims. I don't smoke, but the package is pretty, with black and pink line art, and the whole thing has a very Nana Loligoth feel that makes it semi-inspiring to me.
50,590 / 50,000
Nov 10, 2007 - 07 56
a little origami crane?
50,048 / 50,000
Nov 10, 2007 - 08 01
I'd suggest a real fude, but those things are pretty damn expensive. I just like the symbolism what with being used to write in Japan for a very very long time. The only reason I have some is because my calligraphy teacher gave everyone a sort of calligraphy set during the first lesson. Maybe I should draw a cute fude speaking in Engrish for printing out. Hmm... ::wanders off to find paper::
50,008 / 50,000
Nov 11, 2007 - 01 39
When you say cute, animated drawing, and easy to find, hello kitty is the first thing that pops into my head. The only probably is everyone has something hello kitty, so it'd be kind of hard to distinguish the hello kitty nanoers from the average Japanese person...
23,149 / 50,000
Nov 11, 2007 - 02 57
What about a silly little Japanese style "hachimaki" headband? You wouldn't have to wear it, though. (I mean, you could, but...for those who are shy about being so bold...) You could put it on a rubber duck...or a hello kitty...or your pencil case...or really anything... What do you think? It could just say ナノリモ小説家 or something similar on it. Yes? No? Maybe for next year?
50,524 / 50,000
Nov 18, 2007 - 00 41
Someone suggested a paper crane.
I think that's an awesome idea, and second it. I'd been bringing a paper fan to outings, but I was nagged by the knowledge that those are merely asian.
Other suggestions are:
Daruma (which would be handy, because we could fill in its second eye when we won NaNoWriMo)
Tanuki doll (because real tanuki either spray musk around wildly or else use transform and confuse the passers-by.)
It may be moot, but it amuses me. I'll miss being here, next year.
Feylias
PS: It's SNOWING!
50,032 / 50,000
Nov 18, 2007 - 05 49
I've got to toss my hat off to the crane as well. The problem I have with some of the items is, if it's encouraged to be included in the actual writing, my story takes place in 1870 and while it would hilarious to have a random gachapon capsule popping up in the story, I'd be much more likely to be able to squeeze a crane or a daruma in. Though I'm doubting I'll be able to make it to a meeting around here anyway since there aren't too many people down my way, I think both the crane and the daruma have an air of encouragement about them as well.
31,764 / 50,000
Nov 18, 2007 - 20 34
hmm.... kakashi/henohenomoheji is my mascot for every freakin' thing in the world. but....100yen stores...hm...maybe a ramen bowl or hm...a rice ball!
...
no clue.