To celebrate the 60th anniversary of becoming a city, the city of Koganei, Tokyo is getting special motorcycle license plates with a character designed by Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki. The license plates will feature Kokin-chan, Miyazaki's mascot character for the city.

The license plates will be distributed for free beginning on October 1, and only 500 will be made. Depending on the size of their motorcycles' engines, bikers will receive one of 300 white plates, one of 50 yellow plates, or one of 150 pink plates. In addition to people newly receiving plates, people with registered motorcycles will also be able to exchange their existing plate for a special plate once. People with new registrations will also be able to choose an existing design if they do not want a plate with Miyazaki's character.

The headquarters of Studio Ghibli is located in Koganei. Miyazaki first drew Kokin-chan in 2008 at the request of city officials.

Source: The Asahi Shimbun (Ken Kawai)