Which character represents Japan? According to a multiple answer poll of 500 Japanese people, the first choice was Doraemon with 186 votes, followed by Pikachu (160 votes), Mario (145), Anpanman (116) and Hello Kitty (112). Read the full results here.

Anpanman creator Takashi Yanase passed away on October 13 in Tokyo. He was 94. May he rest in peace.