Tokyo International News Agency

Tsubakuro, the beloved mascot of the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, has finally announced his return to activities after approximately one year on hiatus, sparking an outpouring of joy and emotion across social media. Ahead of his comeback at the Jingu opening day on Tuesday, March 31st, a special video released on the official YouTube channel brought many fans to tears, with some remarking, “Even non-Yakult fans would bawl their eyes out.” The official Tokyo Yakult Swallows account posted, “Tsubakuro will resume activities,” accompanied by a link to the special video. Immediately, messages like “Welcome back, Tsubakuro!!” flooded social media. The video, which depicts Tsubakuro slowly beginning to walk, prompted comments such as “So touching,” and “I cried from the very beginning, genuinely bawling,” underscoring the immense emotional impact of his return. Many fans reportedly spent the past year feeling a “void, as if trying to fill an empty hole,” highlighting just how significant Tsubakuro...

The Tokyo Yakult Swallows' team mascot, Tsubakuro, has announced its return to activity starting from the Jingu Opening Day on March 31st, sending a wave of joy across social media among fans. After nearly a year of silence, many are sending emotional messages like "We've been waiting for you!" and "Welcome back!" to the popular mascot as it prepares to return to the field. During Tsubakuro's hiatus, fans felt a profound sense of loss, deeply realizing the immense void left by its absence. At last year's opening game, fans even formed a human mosaic that seemed to express sorrow for Tsubakuro, highlighting its significant presence. Some social media posts conveyed understanding and appreciation for the team's respect for the beloved mascot's special circumstances, handling the situation discreetly. The long-awaited news of its return made "Tsubakuro" trend on X (formerly Twitter). Following the official team announcement, a video ca...

Tokyo Yakult Swallows' beloved mascot, Tsubakuro, is set to resume his activities from the Jingu Opening Day game against the Hiroshima Toyo Carp on Tuesday, March 31st, a revelation that has been met with cheers from fans. According to the team's official announcement, Tsubakuro is expected to make a lively appearance on the field, coinciding with the 6:00 PM game start. The announcement of his return was a surprise reveal at the end of the team's "Deployment Ceremony." Fans, initially disappointed by Tsubakuro's absence from the ceremony, erupted in excitement when he finally appeared on camera in the closing moments. Comments such as, "I thought Tsubakuro wouldn't be at the deployment ceremony, but they snuck him in at the very end!" were heard, and social media was flooded with warm messages from eager fans, including "Welcome back, Tsubakuro-kun😭😭" and "Tsubakuro, we've been waiting for you😌 Nice to have you back!"...

Tsubakuro, the beloved team mascot of the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, is set to resume activities from the next season. This surprise announcement was made by Manager Ikeyama at the Fan Appreciation Day held on November 23rd. The joyous news was met with loud cheers and applause from the fans gathered at Jingu Stadium, and expressions of delight quickly spread across social media. Tsubakuro's movements had been closely watched since the passing of the staff member who had long been in charge of the mascot in February this year. When Manager Ikeyama revealed at the Fan Appreciation Day, "He'll be back next season," the venue was filled with emotion. This announcement, reported by LiveDoor News and others, was long-awaited news for many fans. Social media was flooded with excited comments such as, "This is the best, jersey number 9 😭 Swallows are the best 😆😆😆😆", "I've been waiting for you, Tsubakuro!", and "Tsubakuro's revival makes me i...