September 30, 2025
Join us for an engaging lecture by Professor William Tsutsui, Chancellor and Professor of History at Ottawa University and renowned expert on modern Japanese history and monster culture.
Talk Title: “Mascots, Cryptids, and UFOs: Civic Monsters in Contemporary Japan”
Date & Time: Tuesday, September 30 | 4:30 PM
Location: MSU International Center, Room 303 & 305
Why are Japan’s cities and regions filled with adorable yet eerie mascots? From Japanese Bigfoot to UFO sightings, Prof. Tsutsui explores the rise of “civic monsters”—imagined and unexplained creatures shaping regional identity, tourism, and commercial campaigns. Drawing from Japan’s rich folklore, this talk also connects these cultural phenomena to global politics, capitalism, and media.
Hosted and moderated by Associate Professor Ethan Segal. This in-person event is free and open to the public.