CA Budogu Official Mascot: "CABY THE CAPYBARA" KENDOBUTSU Collectable Enamel Pin

Meet Caby the Capybara: 
The newest Kendobutsu and California Budogu's official mascot!

The group of Nyantou, Takotou, Hayatou and Akato had been traveling through a small town when Akatou the fiery red panda complained loudly that he could no longer stand his men. It was stink, the himo was frayed and cushion was worn out.

That was when they noticed a shop at the edge of the road. Inside sat a capybara, calmly sewing bogu with incredible precision. A perfectly balanced mandarin orange rested on his head, unmoving. Even when he stitched, measured, and hammered, the orange never fell. This was Caby.

He was the finest bogu craftsman anyone had ever heard of. His dō fit perfectly. His men were light but strong. His kote felt like clouds but blocked like stone. Somehow, he acquired rare materials from faraway lands, bamboo from distant forests, leather from places no one could name, and silk cords dyed in impossible colors, yet his prices remained unbeaten.

Before even a single word was said, the group watched in awe as Caby finished a men, set his tools down, and calmly slid it across the counter. Akatou put it on and froze. It fit perfectly. Caby could anticipate what was needed and so he had prepared this men in advance.

From that day on, Caby became their quiet cornerstone. Whenever straps broke, cords frayed, or Akatou trained a little too hard, Caby was there for their every need. He never rushed. He never panicked. He simply worked, orange balanced, eyes half-closed, completely unbothered.

The group learned many things from Caby: That good bogu mattered. That patience was a strength. And that true balance was not about speed or power, but about staying calm, even when the world got loud.

And so, they continued their travel, but always returned to the same place. The shop with the best bogu, the calmest capybara, and the little orange that never fell.

In collaboration with our friends at the Waipahu Seibukan and Aiea Taiheiji Kendo Clubs, California Budogu is proud to offer these premium—and adorable—enamel pins, each designed by their club members. 

As with the other Kendobutsu pins (Nyan-Tou, Taka-Tou, Haya-tou, and Aka-tou), proceeds from every purchase directly support Hawaii’s young Kenshi, helping to grow their local Kendo community and fund their journey to the Steveston Tournament in Canada. Each pin features a completely original character and story, making it not only a fun collectible, but also a meaningful way to support the next generation of Kendoka!