Domo (NHK)


Domo is the official mascot of Japan's public broadcaster NHK, appearing in several 30-second stop-motion interstitial sketches shown as station identification during shows.

DOMO

Domo-kun first appeared in short stop-motion sketches on December 22, 1998 to mark the 10th anniversary of NHK's satellite broadcasting.
The name "Domo" was acquired during the second episode of his show, in which a TV announcer said "dōmo, konnichiwa", which is a greeting that can be translated as "Well, hello there!", but which can also be interpreted as "Hello, Domo", and thus is a convenient pun. The kun suffix on "Domo-kun", the name used to describe the character in the Japanese versions, is a Japanese honorific often used with young males.

Development

directs Domo episodes using stop motion animation. Gōda says that, by using this process, one can "create a work filled with feeling".

Characters

Domo, the main character, is a brown, furry and oviparous monster with a large, sawtoothed mouth that is locked wide open. His favorite food is nikujaga, a Japanese meat and potato stew, and he strongly detests apples for an unknown genetic reason. According to a Tokyopop press release of the Domo comic book, Domo "communicates sotto voce with a verve that only his friends can understand." Clint Bickham, the writer of the Domo comic book, said that to him Domo's expression is "a sort of cheery wonderment. Like when a kid wakes to a room full of presents on Christmas day." While Domo's face has variants, to Bickham most of his expressions have "an underlying sense of fascination." Domo is known to pass gas repeatedly when nervous or upset. He also sweats when nervous.
Domo lives in a cave with Mr. Usaji, known in Japanese-language versions as Usajii, a portmanteau of the words usagi,, and jii. Mr. Usaji is a wise old rabbit who has lived in a cave for decades, loves to watch television and drink astringent green tea. Mr. Usaji is not into any "new" materials, and does not own a telephone. In terms of fashion, Mr. Usaji focuses on materials instead of shapes. Mr. Usaji's favorite food is carrots, and his least favorite food is "something that is meaningless."
Also in the cave live two bats, a mother named Maya and her child Mario. Maya suffers from alcoholism; her favorite foods are seasonal while her least favorite food is alcohol. Mario's favorite food is Japanese-style tomato spaghetti, while his least favorite food is shiitake mushrooms.
The other main character in the shorts is a weasel girl named Tashanna. Tashanna, 17 years old, is a weasel who aspires to be a fashion stylist or model in Tokyo and is always using technology. In English Tashanna has a "weaselly accent" and ends her sentences with "y"s. In the Japanese version, she ends her sentences with "chi". She has not had a boyfriend in ten years and she is seeking a platonic boyfriend. She has a passion for bidding in auctions, but she gives up by the end. Tashanna's favorite food is apricot and mint tarts, and her least favorite food is sea urchin. The Japanese name originates from the word "multichannel" of digital broadcasting.
Bear Boy, also known as A Little Bear, is a Moon Bear and one of Domo's friends from the neighborhood; the timid cub enjoys playing baseball.
Hee and Haw are pixie twins from a flower. Domo is the only individual who can see them.
The Fox Trio consists of Esther, Brother Fox, and Fox Boy. Esther, the youngest member, enjoys producing crocodile tears, plotting schemes, and causing havoc. Brother Fox, the eldest member, dutifully cares for his youngest siblings and feels upset when referred to as "short-legged". Fox Boy, having a quiet demeanor, converses with Domo and Bear Boy and prefers to read.
Hungry Bear, a large and powerful bear, feels too hungry to take advantage of his strength.
The Ghost randomly appears and disappears.

In other media