In 1998, Yokosuka City Government and Yokosuka Chamber of Commerce & Industry, in cooperation with the Japan Maritime Defense Force (JMSDF), declared "Navy Curry Rice" (海軍カレー) to be an official food of the city.
In Japanese, "curry" is pronounced: "kah-reh".
Five years after the launch of Navy Curry Rice (which had become very popular), in 2003, local Yokosuka leaders decided to create an official "mascot character" for its signature dish.
The mascot character is named "Su-kah-reh" (スカレー) -- the "su(ka)" comes from Yokosuka, and "kah-reh" comes from the Japanese pronunciation pf "curry".
The cartoon-type design of Su-kah-reh is based on a seagull, wearing a navy sailor uniform, and holding a plate of curry rice.
Su-kah-reh is used to support city revitalization events and tourism promotion. Additionally, statues of Su-kah-reh have been placed near the entrances of Keihin Kyuko Yokosuka Chuo train station, JR Yokosuka train station, and "Yokosuka Navy Curry Honpo" restaurant.
FYI ... More background on Navy Curry at this link:
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