Fukuoka 1995 Summer Universiade - Bun Bun Kapapoo | Mascot Theme

Copyright (c) 1995 The Organizing Committee for the Universiade 1995, Fukuoka

A decade on since the 1985 edition in Kobe, the Summer Universiade came back to Japan for the third time in 1995 (and the fourth time overall following the winter version in 1991 at Sapporo), holding the event's 18th iteration at Fukuoka from 23 August to 3 September 1995.

This edition of the Universiade had attracted nearly 4,000 athletes from 162 countries, and the event featured 144 events in 12 sports. It is noted that hosts Japan had finished second in the medal tally after garnering 24 gold medals and 64 medals of any color, only to be placed behind the United States, which - too - have won 24 golds but pocketed 69 medals in the overall count.

Notably, the Fukuoka Universiade took place in a time of turmoil; at that time, war was still raging in the former Yugoslavia, but however, athletes hailing from both sides of the then-ongoing conflict were living themselves in peace while participating in a spirit of fair play.

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The mascot of the Games is a unicorn, and is named Kapapoo (カパプー). Although the unicorn itself was mostly popularized in European mythology, the legendary creature was chosen by the organizers because it is said to be invincible and tireless, and additionally, the unicorn also symbolizes courage, dignity, wisdom, nobility, justice and represents the sun and heroes.

In his fictional bio, Kapapoo is a 20-year-old boy from the planet Unicorn (ユニコーン星), and he has a friendly persona that he can easily become friends with anyone. Although he's very enthusiastic in sports back at his home planet, Kapapoo seems to be in a slightly different environment on Earth, so he, unfortunately, cannot become a representative athlete or player. Nonetheless, he tries to do his best with the support of his parents, and especially his cheery siblings, namely Pupooru and Pipo. Kapapoo even has his own dance theme song, entitled "Bun Bun Kapapoo".

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There is the official theme of Fukuoka 2001 world swimming championship B'z with their song Gold