As a surprise for our Publicity Manager at work, our "Marketing Department" asked if I would make cupcakes for her birthday. As if I needed to think about the answer! So, we debated decorating cupcakes with something publicity related (ex: a phone), but I also suggested Domo-kun which I knew she loves! For those of you who are unfamiliar with Domo-kun, he is a mascot from a Japanese television station.
It was settled once I forwarded the above photo of Domo to Marketing. Even though the blue snake gave her the "heebie jeebies" (I love that word and I totally laughed out loud when she told me).
The "heebie jeebies" snake!
Domo is this cute and funny creature who was hatched from an egg on the first episode. His favorite food is Japanese-style meat and potato stew - yum! No apples though, due to his unexplained DNA. Domo communicates by producing a low-pitched noise but other characters appear to understand him. Domo loves watching television. Best of all, Domo-kun is known to pass gas when he is nervous or upset!
Domo lives in an underground cave with an old wise rabbit named Mr. Usaji. He loves to watch television and drink green tea. Not surprising, Mr. Usaji's favourite food is carrots.
Also living in the cave are two bats: a mother named Maya and her child Mario. Maya's favorite foods are seasonal while her least favorite food is alcohol. Mario's favorite food is Japanese-style tomato spaghetti, while his least favorite food is Shiitake mushrooms. Mario also loves sports. (I acknowledge that their tiny feet and antennas are missing in their fondant form.)
Tashanna is a female weasel who wants to be a fashion stylist or model in Tokyo. She always uses the latest technologies (television, cell phone, digital camera, laptop). Tashanna's favorite food is apricot and mint tarts, and her least favorite food is sea urchin. Fun fact: she once called Domo-kun a "weird-looking chocolate."
Hee (Flower One) and Haw (Flower Two) are pixie twins. To everyone else, they are regular flowers and Domo is the only one who can see them.
Domo-kun and friends laying on the grass, looking up at the sky (or my camera).
I also got the idea for the Domo-Kun cupcake faces from justJENN Recipes. The one twist I added to the appearance was making the surface of the cupcake liner a square.
Okaaay fine, point out that it is squarish. To get this lovely squarish effect, simply pinch the cup to create four corners! Love the versatility of these baking cups! Then, bake your chocolate cupcake, put on some dark brown frosting, add your fondant Domo mouth and use candy for the eyes.
Tashanna, Domo-kun, and Mr. Usaji.
References:Domomode, Domo (NHK), and Domo Nation. You can also watch some of the Domo episodes by searching on YouTube.
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