What's with the "mascot" in this video?

[scott]

This particular video is about the HB-E300 hybrid DMU, but I've seen this same figure and symbol on other videos, including one on the Shinano Railway. Anybody know what it represents? (There's a banner full of the figures starting at 0:17).

 

[bikkuri bahn]

That's the Shinshu (Nagano) destination campaign character "Arukuma". He or she can wear different headgear to promote the various aspects of the Shinshu area:

http://blog.nagano-ken.jp/usr/nihonichi/arukuma2_1028.jpg

[scott]

Oh, OK--so that's why I've seen it on different railways in that region.

 

Thanks!