Bantora Kun, a brand mascot of Bangladesh and Japan aimed at increasing brand equity of Bangladesh and its products in Japan while gaining awareness of Japanese products and culture in Bangladesh, has been launched in the city.
Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed unveiled the logo of “Bantora Kun” at a city hotel yesterday. The meaning of Bantora Kun is Bangladeshi Tiger and Japanese ambassador Sadoshima gave the name.
Bantora Kun is painted by Nasir Hossain, who became popular in Japan since SIA festival held in 2013. The painting work takes an active part as a Japan Bangladesh Goodwill Ambassador.
“It’s a good beginning, as Japan, a close friend of Bangladesh since the independence, has taken the responsibility of branding Bangladesh,” said Tofail Ahmed while addressing the ceremony as chief guest.
In this regard, the minister explained, “Such an initiative was taken following the bilateral visits by both two premiers of Bangladesh and Japan, which paved a new way for us in trade cooperation.”
Addressing the ceremony, Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Masato Watanabe said, “The image of Bangladesh will create better understanding among the Japanese investors through the initiative.”
“As Bangladesh is the business hub of the Bay of Bengal, this initiative will help attract more Japanese investors here,” said Wantanabe.
Bantora Kun will be the bridge between Bangladesh and Japan in terms of trade relation and exchange culture and heritage, hoped the Japanese envoy.
Tofail also hoped that the trade volume between the two countries would exceed US$4bn in two or three years as Japan was becoming an important trade partner of Bangladesh.
“Bangladesh’s export to Japan will cross $2bn by next three years as it allows us duty free access for all the goods but hand gloves and arms,” said the minister.
He also urged the Japanese government to allow duty free access of hand gloves to its market.
Following the two Prime Ministers’ level visits in 2014, the Japanese Commerce and Industry Association in Dhaka (JCIAD) floated an idea to have a Yuru-Chara (original mascot charterer) to be playing a role of brand/good will ambassador of the two friendly countries.
Yuru-Chara is a Japanese term for a category of mascot character, usually created to promote a pale or region, event, organisation or business.
The name “Bantora Kun” is a compound word of Bangladeshi Tiger (Tora in Japanese) and Kun (Bhai or Ji in Bengali).
Since Bantora Kun will be the first Yuru-Characreated by any overseas Japanese organisation, it is expected to get maximum attention from Japan.
