From Japan, a Mascot for the Pandemic“Should an epidemic come,” Amabié is said to have uttered, “draw me and show me to the people.” Then it sank beneath the waves.Art work by Shunsuke Satake Sometimes it seems as if Japan’s human population is outnumbered by cute characters. A few, such as Hello Kitty and Pikachu, have achieved international superstardom. But many more quietly populate the daily lives of citizens. Illustrated signs
