University of Osaka's crocodile mascot Dr. Wani gains fans after Nobel spotlight

The University of Osaka's crocodile mascot, Dr. Wani, has gained popularity and a following, thanks in part to its appearance at a Nobel Prize news conference. The character, named after the Japanese word for crocodile, has been the face of the university and has appeared at various events, captivating both students and attendees.

Dr. Wani was inspired by a significant academic discovery, a fossil of a giant crocodile, the Machikane Crocodylidae, which was found on the university's Toyonaka Campus in 1964. The fossil, estimated to have been about 7 meters long and 1.3 metric tons in weight, was the first conclusively identified crocodilian fossil discovered in Japan and is now designated as a national natural monument.

Dr. Wani first gained widespread attention in October the previous year when Professor Shimon Sakaguchi, the first sitting member of the faculty at the University of Osaka to win a Nobel Prize, was presented with the award alongside the mascot. The mascot's popularity has been further boosted by merchandise sales, with key chains and other products selling out quickly.

Even university applicants have started carrying Dr. Wani as a good-luck charm. University President Atsushi Kumanogoh expressed his admiration for the mascot, calling it a tremendous honor and a groundbreaking development. The mascot's creation was the result of fortunate coincidences, including the discovery of the fossil at the construction site of a School of Science building and the decision to halt construction to excavate the site.

Dr. Wani's popularity is attributed to its whimsical profile and the university's commitment to expanding its activities.