Meet the official mascot of the Japanese Program: タヌキくん (Tanuki-kun)! Tanukis (also known as “racoon dogs” or “trash pandas”) are known in Japanese folklore for being pranksters. Despite this, Tanuki-kun is a shy tanuki from Miyajima who wants to make new friends at Yale while sharing more about his culture. The small sprout on his head represents his eagerness to learn and grow as a student.
Tanuki-kun’s favorite pastime is seeing how much food he can sneak out from the different dining halls and cafes around campus.
Tanuki’s Journey to Yale
As a young tanuki, Tanuki-kun excelled in his studies and always dreamed of attending Yale…
After getting accepted into his dream college, Tanuki-kun made the harrowing journey across the Pacific from his island home to New Haven, CT (depictions of his journey may be exaggerated)…
Now, Tanuki-kun enjoys his Bright College Years having late-night study sessions in Bass, going out to karaoke with friends, and laying around on Cross Campus when it’s warm.
Tanuki-kun is eager to meet new people and share more about his culture and language…
“日本語を勉強しよう！”