The orange-haired girl prominently featured as Crunchyroll's official mascot is Hime. She is the vibrant and beloved character who represents the streaming platform and its dedication to anime.
Meet Crunchyroll Hime
Hime is instantly recognizable by her distinctive features: her bright orange hair, often styled with a large ribbon or accessories, and her characteristic fox ears. She typically appears in traditional Japanese attire, blending modern anime aesthetics with classic cultural elements.
- Symbol of Crunchyroll: Hime serves as the embodiment of Crunchyroll, appearing across its website, social media, merchandise, and promotional materials. She guides users through the platform, celebrates new releases, and interacts with the anime community.
- Enthusiasm for Anime: Her cheerful and energetic demeanor reflects the passion of anime fans worldwide, making her a relatable and endearing figure.
The Origin Story of Hime
Interestingly, Hime was not always Crunchyroll's official mascot. Her journey to becoming the face of the company began as a creative fan submission.
- Fan Creation: Hime was originally conceived as a fan-made character for the "Anime Industry-tans Contest." This online fan art competition was a collaborative effort, organized jointly by major anime industry players including Crunchyroll, Funimation, Aniplex of America, and NIS America.
- Purpose of the Contest: The aim of the contest was to create "Gijinka," which are anthropomorphized mascots – essentially human-like representations – for each of the participating companies. Hime's design for Crunchyroll proved to be incredibly popular and fitting.
- Official Adoption: Her charm and unique concept resonated so strongly that Crunchyroll officially adopted her as their mascot, Solidifying her role as "Crunchyroll Hime." This unique origin story highlights the close relationship between Crunchyroll and its passionate fanbase.
Hime's Role and Appeal
Hime's presence extends beyond just being a mascot; she is an active participant in the Crunchyroll experience.
- She is often seen celebrating milestones, promoting new shows, and engaging with fans through various campaigns and events.
- Her character design and backstory foster a sense of community and brand identity, making Crunchyroll more approachable and personable for its vast audience of anime and manga enthusiasts.
