A giant image of the popular mascot "Kumamon" has been created on grass at a park in Kumamoto City, southwestern Japan.

The chubby, red-cheeked black bear promotes the attractions of Kumamoto Prefecture to tourists at home and abroad.

A local gardening industry association made the design for the autumn festival at Suizenji Ezuko Park.

The image is 45 meters long by 63 meters wide. It includes an anniversary logo, as next March will mark 15 years since the bear made his debut.

Kumamon visited the park on Thursday. Children cheered when he got onto a boom lift. He checked his own image from above, clapping his hands in delight.

Visitors aged four or older will be able to ride the boom lift for a fee this weekend.