Lobby, Lobinha and Lobita
Who's afraid of the big bad wolf?
Nobody seems to know exactly why Cerezo chose a wolf as a mascot. The only explanation the team offers is that Lobby symbolizes "intelligence, teamwork and aggressive play." The Japanese wolf is now extinct, and it certainly has little connection to Osaka. But as mascots go, a wolf is about as good as they come. And you must admit, "The Pink Wolves" has a nice ring to it.
But that is just one of the many characteristics that make Cerezo's mascots unique. Around the turn of the century, some of the top teams began introducing secondary mascots in a bid to appeal to individuals of all genders and age categories. By the mid-00s at least half of the (male) mascots had been joined by a female partner -- either wife or "girlfriend" -- and a few had even produced children. Cerezo, however, chose to expand their roster of mascots in a less conventional way. In 2007 or thereabouts, they debuted a rather plump, middle-aged female wolf in a pink pantsuit. At first, fans may have been scratching their heads at the new mascot's odd appearance. But the team quickly offered an explanation that secured the new mascot a place in their hearts.
The new mascot, the team explained, went by the magnificent name of "Elegante Esplendita Dida Lobinha de Cerezo." She was, in fact, Lobby's mother. For those not familiar with Kansai women, the middle-aged matrons of Osaka have a reputation throughout Japan for their outspoken ways, their slightly garish sense of fashion, and their powerful personalities. Apparently, team officials felt that this splendid, elegant lady mascot would help distinguish Cerezo as the "true representatives of Osaka culture" (no doubt a dig at their cross-town neighbours, Gamba). In any event, Madame Lobinha, as she is generally known, has become quite popular with fans -- perhaps even moreso than her toothy eldest son.
More recently, the family was extended further with the appearance of Lobby's younger brother, Lobita. Now, all we need to know is how Lobinho fits into the family picture...
Cerezo Osaka -- Team Uniforms (1995-present)
Click on the small pictures to see a larger-size image
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