The internet shook in surprise, as Japan’s favorite unsanctioned mascot Chiitan has graced the internet with a video tribute for the renowned RWBY’s Red Trailer, gracefully reenacting Monty Oum’s beloved fight choreography by beating the everloving Grimm out of some metal boxes. The half-minute short has taken the FNDM by storm and deservedly got over 1.6 million views in just 8 hours, with universally positive reception. Some commenters already giving up this year’s Oscar to Chiitan. No, not the boy, the award.
To those not terminally online like me, Chiitan is a mascot of a real-life Japanese otter from the city of Susaki, that became increasingly more and more unhinged and, by extent, more and more funny. Featuring skits that might involve reckless bicycle stunts, violence against metal boxes or even participating in pro-wrestling matches, Chiitan has been the star in multiple viral videos and even a show with some funny British bloke. The mascot eventually outgrew the otter it was supposed to promote, and now is enjoying fame even after being abandoned the town it originated from and landing a ban from Twitter five years ago.
Many RWBY fans loved this tribute to our beloved show and even drew fan art for the occasion! After you finally stop giggling from the hilarious slapstick otterocities being committed, you can take a second to appreciate that this move was done, coincidentally or not, on the exact day of RWBY’s 11th birthday! And sure, it is very convenient for a recently-revived series to celebrate its birthday with a goofy Japanese mascot that’s also in the middle of promoting its brand-new crypto rugpull scheme. I’m not here to sour the mood or anything. But at least this time, I’m not claiming that there’s a massive VIZxChiitan conspiracy going on – let us just all enjoy the goofy violence and the positive attention it brought to our beloved show.