The Finance Ministry will allow companies to make and sell goods related to Custom-kun, an official mascot character of Japan Customs.
The ministry hopes that selling character goods such as stuffed toys and stationery will make the customs agency more familiar to people.
Born in 1993, Custom-kun is modeled on drug-sniffing dogs working at ports. He is popular for his round figure.
Custom-kun goods were once distributed for free at public relations events, but they ended up only in the hands of people who were interested in the customs agency.
"If Custom-kun goods are sold at airports and ports as a souvenir, we will be able to increase contact with people we have never been able to approach before," a ministry official said.
The ministry opened an Instagram account for Custom-kun in October, posting photos of stuffed Custom-kun toys enjoying travel and events.
"We want people to join the Instagram campaign once stuffed Custom-kun toys go on sale," the official said.
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