As I was writing a few days ago, one of the first appearances of Santa Claus in Japan was in 1875 in Ginza, Tokyo, at the Harajo School, when the Santa appeared dressed... as a samurai. And we can say that this trend of unusual Santas was maintained over the years, in Japan Santa comes in many forms...
In Kumamoto, Santa is... Kumamon, the famous and beloved naughty bear mascot representing Kumamoto. Here he is photographed in front of the JR Kumamoto Station...
Kumamon Santa, Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto EXIF info:
Nikon Df
Lens: 24-70mm F/2.8G
Focal Length: 31mm
Aperture: F/7.1
Shutter Speed: 1/60s
ISO Sensitivity: ISO 1000