The Truth Behind the "Kumamon Cheek Disappearance Incident"!?

On November 5th, Kumamoto Prefecture held a press conference at the Prefectural Assembly Hall in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, regarding its public relations campaign to promote the prefecture's appeal nationwide. Attendees included Governor Ikuo Kamashima, the prefecture's "Publicity Director" and talent Suzanna, and "Sales Director" Kumamon.

Governor Kamashima explained the project and recounted the "Kumamon Cheek Disappearance Incident," followed by a video summarizing the event.
According to the video, one day Kumamon's trademark red cheeks vanished. The prefectural office was flooded with inquiries, prompting the governor to hold an emergency press conference. A special investigation headquarters was established, and the incident escalated into a major public uproar.

Three days later, reports came in of the cheek being found in tomato fields, watermelon fields, and ranches. The truth was that Kumamon had eaten Kumamoto's specialty products and, overwhelmed by their deliciousness, had dropped his cheek. During the search, Kumamon visited Peepo-kun, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's symbol mascot, and filed a lost property report.

The prefecture, noting its many red specialty products like tomatoes, watermelons, strawberries, and red cattle, and its reputation as the "Land of Fire," launched a campaign with the slogan "Red! Delicious! Kumamoto!" and opened a special website ( kumamoto-red.com). Alongside information dissemination, they planned promotions including developing branded gifts and restaurant fairs. The site also features a video of the "incident."

Suzanne smiled as she told Kumamon, who looked happy with his cheeks back in place, "I don't want you to lose your cheeks again by eating too much. Stay just the way you are, Kumamon."