Wednesday, May 03, 2006
WASEDA BEAR
Isn't it fitting that the nickname my mother gave me is "baby bear" and finally I'm going to school with a bear as a mascot? hee hee hee Go Go Waseda! :)
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Waseda University wanted to select a new mascot, a character that could gain the affection and attachment of people of every generation. It would replace 'Fuku-chan', symbolize our 'second century' and stand for the appeal of a newly-born Waseda both inside and outside of the University. We approached professionals such as designers and cartoonists, mainly from our alumni and received about 60 candidate works.
A 14-member selection committee selected a final three candidates. We then conducted a survey on these three candidates among students, alumni, staff and others using postcards and e-mails. Our Executive Board finally selected the work of comic book writer Kenshi Hirokane (Graduate of the School of Law 1970) together with the name 'WASEDA BEAR'.
The new mascot 'WASEDA BEAR' was official unveiled at the Homecoming Ceremony on October 22, 2000. By courtesy of Mr. Hirokane, all rights relating to the mascot character 'WASEDA BEAR' belong to the University. Going forward, we expect 'WASEDA BEAR' to be used widely in the University's various advertising media and web pages, in commemorative events and in the form of branded merchandise"
