In Dotonbori, Osaka, you can find several famous landmarks. One of the most well-known is the “Glico Man,” the sign of the Glico company. Among the local Japanese, another popular character is known as the “Hungry Boy” or “Kuidaore Taro.”
“Kuidaore Taro – The Boy Who Eats Until He Drops”
Kuidaore Taro is a mascot and character representing a boy eating excessively. The mascot is in the shape of a boy with a height of approximately 2.7 meters, resembling a large doll.
“Kuidaore (食い倒れ)” in Japanese translates to “eating oneself bankrupt” or “eating until one collapses.” The term implies either spending all money on food until bankruptcy or humorously overeating until one’s stomach bursts.
“The Kuidaore Restaurant, Opened in 1940”
Kuidaore Taro is a doll that once served as the sign for a restaurant. Crafted in 1940, it was the first moving sign in Japan, gaining attention for its innovation.
The restaurant behind the Kuidaore Taro doll prospered, leading to the construction of the eight-story Kuidaore Building in 1959. The entire building, from the first to the eighth floor, was adorned as a restaurant, establishing itself as a landmark in Osaka. However, in 2008, due to special circumstances, the building was demolished, putting the Kuidaore Taro doll in jeopardy.
Fortunately, the doll survived, guarding the first floor to this day. While the restaurant disappeared, the mascot and character business persist, still representing Osaka.
If you visit Osaka now, you can witness the doll in its place, tapping to the beat, symbolizing Dotonbori for the locals.
“A Variety of Character Merchandise in Dotonbori”
Thanks to Kuidaore Taro, you can find shops selling related souvenirs in the Dotonbori area. In the actual building where the character resided, you may find stores on the first floor selling items related to the doll.
Although the Kuidaore restaurant met its end, the Kuidaore Taro character still stands, serving as a symbol of Dotonbori alongside the Glico Man.
“Japan Osaka Dotonbori, Kuidaore Taro”
- Address: 1 Chome-8-25 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 542-0071, Japan
- Phone: +81 6-6211-5300
- Website: Kuidaore Restaurant