Funassyi (ふなっしー, Funasshī) is a fictional Japanese mascot character, unofficially representing the city of Funabashi, Chiba.

It has subsequently appeared at events and festivals, as well as on numerous TV programs and commercials, gaining popularity around Japan.

It starred in its own anime series and live-action drama special, headlined its own concert at Budokan, and merchandise has been sold at a Funassyi character goods store.

While it remains as an unofficial character,[1] Funassyi is used frequently in official events for Chiba prefecture, the city of Funabashi, and Japan itself due to their popularity and high name recognition.

When it speaks, it usually ends its sentences with "nassyi" (～なっしー, ~nasshī) which sounds like the Japanese word for "pear" (梨, nashi).

The character was first created by a Funabashi citizen involved in retail trade in November 2011 as an illustration to advertise his business.

[10] On March 5, 2015, a Funassyi press conference for the overseas media at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan.

[11][12] On March 6, 2015, the flagship store "Funassyiland" was opened in the Lalaport Tokyo Bay shopping center in the town Funassyi is said to be from, Funabashi.

[16] On August 23, 2016, Funassyi headlined a concert called Nassyi Fes at Budokan in Tokyo, drawing 12,000 fans.

Funassyi appears on the Tamagotchi 4U officially released by Bandai as a promotional touch spot character named "Funassyitchi".

There has been frequent speculation in the Japanese media regarding the personal income of Funassyi's creator, as well as the revenue he helps to generate for the city of Funabashi and Chiba prefecture.