Foreign Tourists Have Trained You Well, Young Bear

So in the Sapporo Beer Museum, there is a bear. A mascot.

Of course there is - in Japan every city, every company, every social campaign has a mascot. A Smiling Tiger (on a poster) to remind you that you should stand up from your seat only AFTER the bus stops. Mr. Panda With a Microphone, the patron of karaoke. And millions others. These modern kami look usually friendly and more often than not hilarious.

Now, the bear's name is Poro. From Sap'poro, you know. The bear walks around the factory, waving to visitors, taking pictures with them. Happy pictures with the whole family, where the bear holds his paw on the youngest's head, or waves cheerfully.

Yours truly approaches the bear. "Hello Poro", I say and point at my camera. "Picture?".

Poro does not have to be asked twice. Thumbs up, he's ready. He takes a pose....wait, Poro? What are you doing?... This is... Oh, ok, I guess I'll just go with it..

Polskie streszczenie: Misiu w w fabryce piwa w Sapporo. Misiu jest niegrzeczny.