Mysterious Gooey Natto Fairy Mascot Nebaru kun ねば - る君
Mysterious Gooey Natto Fairy Mascot Nebaru kun ねば - る君
Overview
In this lively episode, John Daub travels to Mito City in Ibaraki Prefecture, the renowned capital of natto (fermented soybeans). The primary mission is to meet Nebaru-kun, the official natto mascot of Ibaraki. Standing nearly four meters tall, Nebaru-kun is a gooey, stretchy fairy character who embodies the sticky texture of the food itself. John is joined by his friend Jennifer for this encounter, which turns into an impromptu street performance filled with dancing, laughter, and crowd interaction.
The video explores the history of natto, dating back to 1086, and visits a bronze statue depicting the legendary discovery of fermented beans in straw bags. John and Jennifer engage directly with Nebaru-kun, testing his dance moves, receiving souvenirs, and even sharing a live natto tasting session on the street. The mascot's playful personality shines as he interacts with fans, pretends to sleep, and shows off his love for the slimy delicacy.
Beyond the mascot meeting, the episode highlights the local culture surrounding natto, including unique snack products like natto candy and natto senbei (rice crackers). John explains the linguistic connection between the mascot's name and the texture of the food (neba neba). The video serves as both an entertaining character showcase and a cultural deep dive into one of Japan's most polarizing yet beloved foods.
Highlights
- [00:00]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=0) John introduces Mito Station as the capital of Ibaraki and home of natto.
- [02:04]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=124) First encounter with Nebaru-kun, the four-meter tall natto fairy mascot.
- [03:22]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=202) Nebaru-kun gives a kiss on camera and confirms he is a male mascot.
- [12:44]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=764) John attempts to dance with Nebaru-kun while holding the camera.
- [13:28]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=808) Nebaru-kun receives a souvenir and gifts John a present in return.
- [14:51]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=891) John explains Nebaru-kun's relation to Funassyi, the famous pear mascot.
- [17:04]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=1024) Visit to the bronze natto origin statue near Mito Station.
- [18:42]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=1122) Explanation of the word nebaru (to stretch) and neba neba (slimy).
- [23:22]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=1402) Live natto preparation and tasting session with Jennifer and Nebaru-kun.
- [25:16]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=1516) John eats the premium natto and declares it delicious despite the smell.
Timeline / Chapters
- [00:00]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=0) Introduction at JR Mito Station
- [00:42]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=42) History of natto discovery
- [02:04]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=124) Meeting Nebaru-kun
- [03:00]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=180) Interaction with fans and children
- [12:44]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=764) Dance performance
- [13:28]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=808) Gift exchange
- [14:51]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=891) Mascot relations (Funassyi)
- [17:04]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=1024) Natto origin statue visit
- [18:42]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=1122) Language lesson: Nebaru vs Neba neba
- [21:22]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=1282) Natto snack products showcase
- [23:22]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=1402) Street natto tasting
- [27:31]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=1651) Closing and teaser for natto restaurant
Japan Travel Tips
- Getting to Mito: Take the JR Joban Line to JR Mito Station. It is the capital city of Ibaraki Prefecture.
- Meeting Nebaru-kun: The mascot is not there all the time. John mentions having a "hotline" to him, suggesting checking local event schedules or Ibaraki TV announcements.
- Natto Etiquette: When eating natto, mix it well to create the sticky strings (neba neba). It is acceptable to eat it on the street if prepared properly.
- Souvenirs: Look for natto-themed snacks like natto candy and natto senbei, available in local shops.
- Best Time to Visit: Autumn is pleasant, but mascot appearances depend on specific event dates.
Japanese Language & Culture Notes
- Natto (納豆): Fermented soybeans, a staple Japanese breakfast food known for its strong smell and sticky texture.
- Nebaru (ねばる): Verb meaning "to stretch" or "to persist." The mascot's name comes from this word.
- Neba neba (ねばねば): Onomatopoeia for slimy, sticky, or gooey textures (like natto or okra).
- Yuru-chara (ゆるキャラ): Local mascots designed to promote regions or products. Nebaru-kun is unofficial but popular.
- Itadakimasu (いただきます): Phrase said before eating to express gratitude for the food.
- Funassyi (ふなっしー): Famous pear mascot from Funabashi, mentioned as a relative/cousin of Nebaru-kun.
Food & Drink Guide
- Natto (Fermented Soybeans)
- Description: Sticky fermented soybeans, often eaten with rice, soy sauce, and karashi mustard.
- Where: Mito Station area, supermarkets nationwide.
- John's Reaction: Loves it, describes it as "really good" and "premium" when using big soybeans.
- Timestamp: [23:22]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=1402)
- Natto Candy
- Description: Candy flavored with natto.
- Where: Souvenir shop (gift from Nebaru-kun).
- Timestamp: [21:22]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=1282)
- Natto Senbei (Rice Crackers)
- Description: Rice crackers containing pieces of natto.
- Where: Souvenir shop (gift from Nebaru-kun).
- Timestamp: [21:22]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=1282)
People
- John Daub: Host. Enthusiastic about Japanese culture and food. Leads the interaction with the mascot and explains the history.
- Jennifer: Guest. Joins John in meeting Nebaru-kun and prepares the natto for tasting.
- Nebaru-kun: The Natto Fairy Mascot. A large, gooey character representing Ibaraki's natto. Playful, dances, and interacts with the crowd.
- Ibaraki TV: Mentioned by John as the organization that challenged him to come to Ibaraki.
Key Takeaways
- Mito City in Ibaraki Prefecture is the historic home of natto.
- Nebaru-kun is a highly engaging mascot who draws crowds despite being unofficial.
- Natto has a history dating back to 1086, discovered accidentally in straw bags.
- The texture of natto is described as neba neba (slimy/sticky), which is the root of the mascot's name.
- Natto products extend beyond the traditional dish to include snacks like candy and crackers.
Notable Quotes
- [02:04]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=124) "Yes, Japan has a mascot for stretchy, gooey, fermented soybeans."
- [03:22]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=202) "Everyone who likes natto is a friend, he said."
- [14:51]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=891) "This Nebaru-kun is related to Funassyi. Funassyi is the mascot of Funabashi. They're kind of relatives, cousins."
- [18:42]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=1122) "The word Nebaru means to stretch. And neba neba, if you say neba neba, is slimy."
- [25:16]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=1516) "World peace with natto stuck between your lips!"
Related Topics
- Yuru-chara Grand Prix
- Funassyi Official Videos
- Ibaraki Prefecture Travel Guide
- Japanese Fermented Foods
- Mito City Tourism
Search Tags
#only-in-japan-go #tokyo #travel #mito #ibaraki #natto #nebaru-kun #mascot #japanese-food #fermentation #yuru-chara #funassyi #street-food #culture
Full Transcript
[00:00]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=0) John Daub: Yeah, we're here in front of Mito Station. There's JR Mito Station in Ibaraki Prefecture. This is the biggest city, at least it's the capital of Ibaraki. And Mito is famous for natto (fermented soybeans). This is the original natto that they made. It says Mito natto on the package. Natto is fermented soybeans, discovered in the year 1086, I think.
[00:42]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=42) John Daub: The story goes like this: a guy was boiling beans for horses to eat when they were attacked. He quickly packed up, put the beans into straw bags, and hurried off into battle. It wasn't until a few days later that they opened it up and saw that all the beans were fermented. Soldiers being soldiers, they ate the natto anyway, and they loved it.
[02:04]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=124) John Daub: That's Nebaru-kun (natto mascot), and that's why we're here. We've come to meet Nebaru-kun, the Ibaraki mascot for natto. Yes, Japan has a mascot for stretchy, gooey, fermented soybeans. And he goes as high as four meters, which is like 20 feet.
[03:00]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=180) Jennifer: Onee-san, are you mistaken for a stuffed animal?
[03:08]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=188) John Daub: Yes, I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I was mistaken! It's a natto fairy! He's a fairy of natto!
[03:22]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=202) John Daub: Do you like natto? I like it! I was surprised! Nebaru-kun, do you like natto? Natto is cute! Kiss on the camera! Thank you, Nebaru-kun!
[03:58]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=238) John Daub: You're such a star, John! Yeah, but I can't keep this guy from doing crazy things. Thank you, thank you! Welcome! Nebaru-kun, you look so familiar, but you don't even know his name! Who is he? You didn't even ask him his name! We're all friends! Everyone who likes natto is a friend, he said. Nebaru-kun loves natto! He really loves natto! Are you a man or a woman? I'm a man! He's a man, not a woman! He's a guy, not a girl! Wow! Touching! He's a real star!
[05:02]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=302) Jennifer: Peekaboo! You should say, do you like natto? Say, you like natto! Haruki, you say you like natto! You like natto? I like natto! Yay! Scary, scary! I love natto!
[12:44]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=764) John Daub: This is crazy. Yes, I'd like to dance, but I can't hold the camera and dance at the same time.
[12:52]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=772) John Daub: Oh my! I love you! John is making a new friend. This is the mascot of Ibaraki, the natto mascot. Yay! That was awesome! You were not bad. You were okay, John. But Nebaru-kun, he's so good. He's such a great dancer. He's really good. Get his number, John.
[13:28]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=808) John Daub: Nebaru-kun, look at this. What are you going to do? You can bring a souvenir. Natto tempe. He's excited that he does that on his own. Oh, yeah. Oh, a souvenir? Wow! Please play the music. Okay. Then give it to Nebaru-kun. Oh, wow. He's got a present for you. Wow! Thank you! Wow! Is that Nebaru-kun? Oh, nice present! Thank you, Nebaru-kun! It looks delicious! I love natto!
[14:20]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=860) Jennifer: This is love, I'm telling you. What's wrong? I'm sorry. Oh, sorry. It's okay. Oh, my. Oh, my. I'll try to go to the natto zoo. No, but I think more... There's an open-car at the natto zoo. Oh, amazing! An open-car! Nebaru-kun's open-car! It's dangerous. Oh, it's a normal business. It's a salon.
[14:51]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=891) John Daub: He's such a star. That's why that's one of my favorite mascots. This Nebaru-kun is related to Funassyi. Funassyi is the mascot of Funabashi. They're kind of relatives, cousins. So, of course, when you come to Mito City, you're gonna wanna see Nebaru-kun. Yeah, but I think you need to... He's not here all the time. No, he's not here all the time. I called him. I got a hotline to Nebaru-kun. But I really wanna thank Nebaru-kun for joining us.
[15:27]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=927) John Daub: Hey! Oh! He's so cute! Amazing! Amazing! Are you okay? What? What? Don't move! Don't move! Oh, my word! It's dangerous! It's okay! It's dangerous! It's not a harikiri! Nebaru-kun, be careful! He's so freaking cute! Good boy! And we're like all following him like stalkers! Look at these people! Everybody's following him. Everybody loves Nebaru-kun.
[16:05]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=965) John Daub: What is that natto behind Nebaru-kun? Yeah. What is that, Nebaru-kun? Natto! Eh? I didn't know! This! This! This! It's this! It's this? This! I love this! I love this! I LOVE IT!
[17:04]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=1024) John Daub: That's so cute! I know! Nebaru-kun is so cute! How old is Nebaru-kun? Nebaru-kun, can you tell me how old he is? Oh, really? 710 years old! Natto! 7, 10, natto! Ahahaha! Japanese joke! 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7! 7! 10, 10! And 10 is 10, so 70. 710! Look, can I take this? No, if we can't. This and this! This! Be careful! Look! Natto! I found natto! The same! This statue! That's how natto was originally made a thousand years ago! It seems like in the year 1086! And it's all fermented and sticky! Looks pretty good, doesn't it? Yeah! This is the same bronze statue as this one! This is the bronze statue! This is the gold inside of this statue! And this is Nebaru-kun! Right? Nebaru-kun loves natto!
[18:42]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=1122) John Daub: Did you explain the name Nebaru? Yeah! The last thing that we want to explain to you is the word... He really loves his natto! The word Nebaru means to stretch. And neba neba (slimy), if you say neba neba, is slimy. And neba neba would be like natto or okra. It's that slimy food like this! You can see the strings of it. So neba-nebaru! Nebaru! is falling asleep! We've really worn out Nebaru-kun. Please sleep! He's drooling! He's so tired! He's saying neba neba when he's sleeping! Cute! He's like my dog actually. He looks like Charlie when he's sleeping. He's sleeping! He's so cute! Nebaru-kun, go see him! He's so cute! I look like a little kid when I wake him up. Look Nebaru-kun, I have a baby! A drooling baby! He's hiding! Oh he's awake! Hello neba! Don't take his eye! He's so cute! Oh! Heart! Pull that out! A slimy kiss from Nebaru-kun! That's so awesome! So neba neba slimy Nebaru-kun! The king of slime! Nebaru-kun!
[20:48]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=1248) John Daub: Japan comes up with some of the best mascots in the world. Nebaru-kun! Is that an unofficial mascot? So you won't see him at the Yuru-chara Grand Prix or anything like that. He's an unofficial mascot like Funassyi of Funabashi. But I have to say if I had to vote for the best mascot, even at least for today, Nebaru-kun has won.
[21:13]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=1273) Jennifer: That's a good one. That was good. You got a good one. Thank you for the gift!
[21:22]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=1282) John Daub: This is a natto pack. Inside there's candy with natto in it. Natto candy! Japanese senbei (rice crackers). Natto senbei. Natto snack. It's crackers. Natto crackers. You can see in here there's Nebaru-kun. These little pieces are natto. Little pieces of natto. Can you see the natto inside? Wow! So, natto candy and natto senbei. That's awesome. Thank you, Nebaru-kun. Arigato. Amazing.
[22:19]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=1339) Jennifer: Do you have Jennifer's natto? My natto? My modern one? Yeah. I got chopsticks. Are you going to do that? No, but later. Just in case. Oh, that's awesome! We need the chopsticks. Just in case, I got it at the convenience store. Thank you.
[22:39]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=1359) John Daub: This is a really good one. It looks good. It's a premium natto. It's with big soybeans. The beans are big. It's big size. You want me to make it now? Please! Nebaru! Nebaru! Nebaru! They're going to scream when you mix the soybeans. Trust me. It's going to be a lot of fun. Hurry up, Jennifer! Once you've unleashed the smell. Nebaru-kun, hurry up and prepare.
[23:22]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=1402) John Daub: While Jennifer prepares the natto, we're going to take a look at Nebaru-kun. Nebaru-kun can sense natto from a distance. Do you know what natto smells like? It smells good. Nebaru-kun, she's preparing natto right now. There's natto! Get her! Attack Jennifer! Jennifer was not ready for the Nebaru-kun love affair. I can eat it. As she prepares the natto, it's a sort of flirtation with Nebaru-kun. More! More! A little more? Free natto! That's real natto! Freedom! Give the natto freedom! Yes! Love natto! Okay, Nebaru-kun! Can I eat it? I'll eat it! Thank you! Eat neba neba! How is it?
[24:49]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=1489) Jennifer: It's neba neba. The big because it's really big soybeans. Big soybeans and? It's? Tasty and the texture is so nice. And? It's Nebaru- Neba- It's tasty! No, neba is tasty. I can't make a word. Just say it's very delicious! Tasty!
[25:16]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=1516) John Daub: That's what I was waiting for! She loves it! I love it! The people are backing away. I can't even fit Nebaru-kun in the picture. It is good. It is really good. It's real stuff. This is the stuff we can find in Tokyo supermarkets. I can tell you. Nebaru-kun, don't touch this. That's good. That's good. I'm going to try the natto now. I'm going to eat it! Wow, it's really neba neba! I'm going to eat it. Itadakimasu! It's so good! Nebaru-kun! I love it! Natto! It's stretching! You idiot! World peace! World peace with natto stuck between your lips! Natto is made by hand! Ahahaha! It's weird! Are you eating all of my natto? This is my natto! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! No, I'm just kidding. It's actually really really good. It's really good. Haha, Nebaru-kun! Oh, you're so tired! Look at this! I think I've been working out a lot. It's okay! Are you sleeping? It was so much fun! Thank you, Nebaru-kun! Nebaru-kun is sleeping! It's okay! You can sleep! Sorry! I'm sorry! Nebaru-kun, please relax! Nebaru-kun! I'm not sleeping! I'm not sleeping! Shhh! Shhh! Nebaru-kun is sleeping!
[27:31]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=1651) Jennifer: Jennifer, come here! I want to say thank you to Nebaru-kun!
[27:36]( - る君_saP5hwtw2PY.opus#t=1656) John Daub: That was a lot of fun! And, uh... Thank you! Thank you, Nebaru-kun! Next in the livestream, we're gonna go to a natto restaurant! To eat natto cuisine! Yeah! They made a cuisine out of this food! And it's pretty good! And we're gonna go there next! So, stay tuned for the next livestream! I want to thank Ibaraki TV for this challenge of coming here and seeing some amazing stuff in Ibaraki Prefecture! Is he alive? I don't know! But we're gonna eat him again! Yeah! Totally! Got more natto! Natto is so good! Natto is very good! So, bye-bye from Mito Station! See you at the next stream, everybody! In a few! Bye!