Japan’s middle-aged fairy man character stole our reporter’s heart in a hot spring town

Atsuo fell in love with a hot spring town named Atami, and the town fell for him too. Atami, a popular travel destination in Shizuoka Prefecture, has its own mascot character, and Atsuo, a middle-aged man with a fairy-like appearance, is the one who has captured the hearts of many.

Although Atami is famous for its hot springs, seafood, and traditional inns, the region's mascot appears to be a kimono-clad woman. However, it's Atsuo, dressed in a yukata robe, who serves as the official spokescharacter for the Atami Hot Spring Hotel and Ryokan Association.

Atsuo, once a young salaryman, decided to stay in Atami after an employee trip to the town. Over the decades, he has matured into a middle-aged man, but his regular baths in Atami's hot springs have kept his skin youthful and shiny, even as his hair thinned. He sports a neatly trimmed mustache and has developed a pair of gossamer wings sprouting from his back, making him a fairy-like figure.

Despite not fitting the conventional mascot mold, Atsuo has been embraced by locals and visitors alike. The reporter, Natsuno Futon, encountered him for the first time during a family trip to Atami and quickly became a fan. Her children were particularly excited about the character merch, which included a plushie, stickers, and a terrycloth bath turban.

Natsuno's fondness for Atsuo grew throughout their stay, and they left the town as dedicated fans. They even found a QR code near Atami Station that allowed them to take AR pictures with the character. Atsuo's laidback but thoughtful aura, combined with his hobbies of taking hot spring baths, showing people around Atami, and helping tourists, has made him a beloved figure in the town.