1.
character; fictional character
A person or figure in a story, anime, manga, game, or other fictional work.
2.
mascot character; branded character
A designed character used as a mascot or brand representative, including corporate mascots, regional mascots, and product characters.
From English 'character'. Very frequently shortened to キャラ in casual speech. In Japanese, this word primarily refers to fictional or mascot characters, not to personality or moral character (which would be 性格 or 人格).
Common collocations
- キャラクターグッズ: character merchandise
- 人気キャラクター: popular character
- 公式キャラクター: official character/mascot
- ご当地キャラクター: local mascot character (regional mascot)
- キャラクターデザイン: character design
- キャラクターを演じる: to play/portray a character
Cultural note
Japan has a rich culture of mascot characters (ゆるキャラ). Almost every prefecture, city, company, and organization has its own character. Famous examples include くまモン (Kumamoto Prefecture) and ふなっしー (Funabashi City).