Reuters

An instructor teaches a trainee dressed as a character mascot at the Choko Group mascot school in Tokyo, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2012. Choko Oohira, a 20-year veteran of the mascot arts, founded the school - the only one of its kind in Japan and, quite possibly, the world - in 1985. Her goal: to help mascot wannabes perfect the art of moving and playing the characters. Students are taught everything from traditional dance to different walking styles that illustrate different ages while wearing costumes. Read the full story.

Reuters

Choko Oohira (R) teaches trainees in character mascots on Wednesday.

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