we are the real power
leaders in the shadow
The use of mascots has always been popular in the anime/manga industry. Reasons? First of all, they're cute and easy to recognize. Next, a mascot often represents its owner in the most appropriate (?) way. Of course, OKHC is no exception to this trend. Hence the creation of this section, introducing Ouran's three famous mascots: Tamaki's teddy bear, Honey's bunny and Nekozawa senpai's cat plushie (+ related products).
kuma-chan
Bears, when small in size, tend to give out the impression of a "soft" creature. In fact, some areas around the world
have adopted the shape of bear as a national symbol (eg. Russia and Germany) to promote the importance of peace. However,
bears are more often viewed as dangerous beings when they're grown up, largely contributed by their not-so-friendly appearance. Therefore in a sense, bears
are more or less two-faced, making them a race difficult to understand.
Tamaki is exactly a person like that. In spite of his goofy outlook, he can be a serious threat to his enemies when he decides to put in the effort. At the same time, he's got a soft heart for his loved ones and isn't afraid of showing so. It's fun to tease him, but not too much: you don't want to piss off the King when you're a faithful customer of OKHC!
usa-chan
If Tamaki's bear is a twin image of himself, Honey senpai's little bunny is even more so. Except the fact that rabbits are
non-violent animals while Honey was the national Karate and Judo champion back in junior high. Is usa-chan a camouflage to
Honey's true talents, then? Too deep is what Haruhi would say about the matter, which at the same time makes Honey
an alien in his younger brother's eyes.
Beelzenef
I wholeheartedly adore this.. cat-thing. Especially when it's eating an ice cream. And the name! How creative can
you get, Nekozawa senpai! I know I'm being biased because cats are my favorite type of pets but Beelzenef is made of
true awesome. Doesn't it remind you of Totoro from Studio Ghibli? (Nevermind the evil-looking
eyes, though)
What's more, Beelzenef is just like its master: dark, mysterious (?) and anti-social. In Japanese culture, black cats are often associated with misfortune, curse or Devil himself, all of which are highly valued topics in the Black Magic Club. Cats are also clever and proud beings, independent of general gossips and worldly fashion - do I hear Nekozawa senpai all over the place now? Aha!