Iriomote cat
On July 30, 2010, the Taketomi Town Tourist Association invited residents to create a design for a local mascot. A Komi Elementary School sixth grader's design, which was based on the Iriomote cat, was chosen. The island of Iriomote, where Taketomi is located, is pictured on the mascot's chest. It was named in the same manner it was designed; on August 31, 2010 the name was chosen based on the submission of an Ishigaki resident who drew inspiration from the local nickname of the cat, "yamapikaryaa".