And that popularity can be seen: I visited dedicated Anpanman stores, I saw countless anime statues with him, and there is even a dedicated museum in Yokohama... plus of course an unlimited variety of Anpanman merchandise, like this Anpanman suitcase I noticed hanging near the Komagata Bridge in Asakusa.
I don't know who left it there, but it sure was a cute item, cheering up the area:
EXIF info:
Nikon D90
Lens: VR 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6G
Focal Length: 24mm
Aperture: F/5.6
Shutter Speed: 1/40s
ISO Sensitivity: ISO 400