We created Mimiko, a character for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai

Mimikou, a long-established udon restaurant in Kyoto, asked us to design an original character for the product they showed at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. We called her Mimiko.

About Mimiko

She comes from two things: a rabbit and a bowl of udon. Her name plays on mimi, meaning ear, and also the hand-cut edge of an udon noodle. Those big curled ears are the result.

Her soft, rounded body stands for the chew and the slip of Mimikou’s thick noodles. The design puts that alongside how much the restaurant cares about the taste.

We drew her mid-slurp, spilling a little in her enthusiasm, to give her a cheerful, slightly mischievous streak. Someone who simply loves eating is easy for customers to warm to.

Mimiko will keep appearing on packaging, in promotional material and on social media.

Character and IP work

Designing IP that extends what a brand can say is something we are good at. If you are thinking about a character or a brand concept, get in touch through the contact form.