For Hiromi Kano, head of a well-known Japanese mascot outfit making firm, the costumed character not only means bringing joy to people -- it also signifies a labor of love by her all-female staff."Just as important as the happiness of customers is the happiness of our employees," said Kano, president of KIGURUMI.BIZ Inc., whose creations include Kumamon, a hugely popular red-cheeked black bear mascot representing Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan.Featured in foreign media, the firm based in the southwestern Japan city of Miyazaki has received orders from abroad in the past few years…READ FULL ARTICLE
