Manto-kun, a rival mascot which was created by a citizens group as an alternative to the official mascot of Nara, Sento-kun, officially came to life in costumed form.  Previously, the character was just a drawing.

The costumed version of Manto-kun was finally completed and displayed to the public on December 2 at the Kasuga Taisha Shrine (春日大社) in Nara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is one of Nara's most celebrated shrines and was built in 768 A.D. by Lord Fujiwara. Kasuga Taisha is famous for its many stone lanterns that lead to the shrine as well as the bronze lanterns in its interior.

Manto-kun prayed for luck and success at the shrine.