Just a quick talk I gave at Startonomics Tokyo. Introducing some Japanese web / tech mascots and explaining my findings when I gave one of my own products a "mascot" - it increased signups and sales, and had various internal & external benefits.

1. Japanese Mascots
A five minute cultural lesson that might give you
an idea for your startup - it did for me!
by Yongfook
www.yongfook.com

2. Japan has a reputation for Cute
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuteness_in_Japanese_culture

3. Mona from 2ch.net
http://2ch.net

4. Amoeba from ameba.jp
http://ameba.jp

5. Bear from so-net.ne.jp
http://postpet4you.jp

6. Various from nico-nico-douga
http://nicovideo.jp

7. Pichon-kun from Daikin
http://www.daikin.co.jp/pichon/index.html?ID=daikintop_tpx

8. Yume Lion from Tokyo MX
http://www.mxtv.co.jp/

9. Gnome from Lolipop
http://lolipop.jp

10. Various from the police force
Fukui Chiba Tokyo Yamanashi
Prefecture Prefecture Metropolitan Prefecture
http://homepage3.nifty.com/chara_town/Police_Chara-Dept/
newpage2.htm

11. Why mascots?
Lowers level of intimidation
Gives product a “face”, facilitates
conversations
Makes product development more
enjoyable
Can sell merchandise if the actual
business goes horribly wrong
...and more

12. Entirely unscientific example:
Gave the product creative direction
Made it more fun to create
Started more conversations
Increased signups
Also, “Rippl3” was just a dumb name

13. Entirely unscientific example:
2000
1500
1000
500
0
February March April May
Signups

15. My name is Yongfook.
I make web-based software.
www.yongfook.com
@yongfook
This presentation is available at:
http://www.slideshare.net/yongfook
Measure and increase sales from social media:
http://www.peashootapp.com
lols is teh new srs.