Ashoro and Japan. It has a unique program that allows visitors to excavate a genuine fossil or crystal. It also offers educational programs to the youth of Ashoro. Mascot Ashoro's official town mascot character is named , selected to promote the town in 1989. There are two generations of the mascot, and both are used today for town events. The first generation of the mascot was used around 1990. Due to his peculiar appearance, he was unpopular with children. He can be described as a large pink right foot with large toes, and a smiling face on the shortened sole/torso with a concerned looking unibrow. He has arms, long legs, and is wearing dark blue mittens and shoes. He is also holding a giant butterbur (rawan-buki) stalk. Right foot Ayumi-chan was stored in a warehouse when the second generation was created. He was put away in the late 2000's and was brought back out in April 2021 when characters that are creepy/cute characters started gaining popularity in popular culture. Second generation Ayumi-chan is a left foot, and is characterized as cute, friendly, and gentle. Since her appearance in the early 2010's, she has been very popular with children. Her appearance can be described as a large, more proportionate pink foot, with sparkling eyes, a friendly looking smiling face, short legs, and arms. She is wearing green gloves and boots, also holding a giant butterbur stalk. Both versions of Ayumi-chan are considered to be athletic and take part in different town sporting events. They also make an appearance during other cultural town events and have an active role in the town's social media pages. In 2021, the town released Ayumi-chan LINE stickers of both characters for Japan's commonly used messaging app. Education Ashoro has various education facilities: Day Cares: 4 centres (Ashoro, Rawan, Meto, and Kamitosibetsu) Elementary Schools 4 schools (Ashoro, Rawan, Meto, and Oyochi) Junior High Schools 1 school (Ashoro Junior High School) High Schools 1 school (Ashoro High School) Sister City and International Exchange In 1990, the Municipal Councils in Ashoro and in Wetaskiwin passed motions to proceed with the formal Sister-Cities Affiliation with the goal being "...to facilitate cross-cultural friendship and good will between the citizen of the city of Wetaskiwin and the citizens of Ashoro, Japan. In so doing, the society will encourage cultural exchanges, will promote and understanding of Japanese culture, and will facilitate the exchange