Spend enough time in Osaka and you’ll start noticing him everywhere – the same seated figure with a pointy head, round belly and a mischievous smile peeking through narrow eyes. If you haven’t been properly introduced, meet Billiken, the unofficial mascot of Osaka.
True to Japan’s knack for adopting foreign ideas and making them its own, Billiken wasn’t originally Japanese. He was created by American artist Florence Pretz in 1908, but was wholeheartedly embraced by Osaka as a symbol of happiness, prosperity and good fortune. That’s why you often see people rubbing his feet.
So if you are looking for a souvenir (and a lucky charm) that’s uniquely Osaka, check out the Uniqlo Osaka Festival running throughout August. For this special occasion, all 62 Uniqlo outlets in Osaka are carrying a capsule collection of four UTme! graphic T-shirts featuring colourful illustrations of Billiken. These limited-edition designs are available only in Osaka.
Two of the designs were chosen by Uniqlo staff from Billiken Creators Osaka, an art project that invites the city’s creatives to reimagine Billiken in their respective styles. The other two T-shirts are original illustrations by artists Koji Toyoda and Urata Spancall, created exclusively for this Osaka event and not available anywhere else.
Known for his charming, smiley characters, surf artist Koji Toyoda brings his signature joyous aesthetic to Billiken. Urata Spancall, on the other hand, depicts Billiken on a sightseeing trip through Osaka, rendered in a playful, comic-inspired style. Both designs also come in special variations available only at Uniqlo’s Shinsaibashi and Namba City stores.
Each Billiken T-shirt is priced at ¥1,990, available only at Uniqlo stores in Osaka from August 1 to 31. For more information, check the website.
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