Unveiled by the Tokyo embassy in Rome
He adores Italy, wears a Roman robe and carries Mount Fuji in his eyes: the Embassy of Japan in Italy has unveiled Nipponina, the mascot born from the artistic vision of Simone Legno, co-founder and creative director of the tokidoki brand, to celebrate the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Italy.
On the white dress that recalls ancient Rome, Nipponina shows elements inspired by the Embassy logo, while in her hair she wears a cherry blossom, accompanied – underlines a note – by a hairpin depicting the strawberry tree, thus evoking the colors of the two countries. “Nipponina has established a deep friendship with Italia-chan, the mascot of the Italian Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka-Kansai, another creature of tokidoki”, underlines the embassy.
“We are very happy that, thanks to Simone Legno, Nipponina was born to celebrate 160 years of relations between Japan and Italy. Through this and other initiatives, we will continue to work to strengthen the bonds of friendship with Italy”, commented the Ambassador of Japan, Ono Hikariko. “It is an honor for me – said Simone Legno – to design a character for the Embassy of Japan, a country that I love with all my heart and which has changed my life and my artistic vision”.
Nipponina’s debut will take place today at 6.30 pm at the Japanese Cultural Institute in Rome.
For the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the Embassy of Japan in Italy will continue to promote initiatives dedicated to the history, culture and collaboration between the two countries in 2026. Among the planned activities – continues the note – there is a campaign on the Embassy’s social channels, as well as a series of events at the Japanese Cultural Institute in Rome, including a workshop dedicated to Kabuki theatre.
