Fortnite to feature Japan’s Kumamoto prefecture and mascot Kumamon 

It was announced today that Kumamoto prefecture and its mascot Kumamon will make a special appearance in Fortnite, starting on January 31. The new stage called Kumamon Island will allow players to befriend the prefecture’s cute bear mascots while learning about the real-life Kumamoto’s tourist attractions and local produce (source: 4Gamer). 

Kumamoto prefecture is located on Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands. Kumamoto’s red-cheeked bear mascot Kumamon is one of Japan’s most recognizable characters (Related article). In a novel strategy to convey Kumamoto prefecture’s appeal more widely, Kumamoto prefecture has teamed up with Tokyo-based media company Cyber Agent to add Kumamon Island to Fortnite. 

According to the official press release, Kumamon Island Tycoon works like a business sim-type game. On the island, players will be able to befriend Kumamon mascots and help resolve their problems (such as by helping them to build a giant hi-tech Kumamon robot that can convey the prefecture’s attractiveness to the world). Players can earn coins by growing Kumamoto produce (like watermelons) and by fishing. They can also build various attractions such as Kumamoto Castle and Kurokawa hot springs, all of which can be found in the real-life Kumamoto.  

A special website and trailer for Kumamon Island will launch on January 31 at 10am (JST). At the time of writing, it seems that this creative addition to Fortnite will only be available on Japanese servers. 

Fortnite is available on PC, PS4/PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and iOS.