A rare and beautiful type of algae called marimo grows in some lakes in Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido. Marimo forms soft green globes that sit in clusters on the lake bottom.
Combine the word marimo with the name of a phenomenon that’s not quite so rare—mokkori, meaning an erection—and you might picture a guy who looks as if he’s carrying a large ball of algae in the front of his pants.
That guy is Marimokkori, a funny green doll often found on key chains. The image originated in Hokkaido, and though the details may vary from one doll to the next, all Marimokkori have at least these two things in common: a big smile and a big bulge in their trousers.
One particular version of the character recently got its manufacturer in hot water. This adorable little fellow is in a seated position, and like all his counterparts, he sports the trademark big grin and big bump. Something sets him apart, however: In his gold headdress and ancient robe, he bears a distinct resemblance to common statues of the Buddha.
That, it seems, was a little too much for the monks of the famous eighth-century Todaiji temple in Nara. The irreverent figurine was being sold in the region, and the monks asked HN and Associates, its manufacturer, to take it off the market.
The company apparently didn’t put up much of a fight, promptly granting the monks’ wish. They must have figured it wasn’t a good idea to offend people with friends in high places.