Ako is an important historical city in Hyogo, Japan. In 2012, based on the needs of urban development, a mascot design competition was held by Ako City. Our design concept stems from a famous historical event in Ako that occurred more than 300 years ago: the Ako Incident, also known as Chushingura. This event profoundly impacted the values of Japanese people and society, and it has been adapted into comic books, stage plays, TV dramas, and movies.  The design of the mascot Jinta-Kun originated from the war drums used by the samurai general, Oishi Kuranosuke, to encourage his soldiers before the famous battle. (Pictured in the upper left corner) This concept has won unanimous approval from the management and the public of Ako City, standing out from thousands of designs, and finally won the first prize.