Wikipedia
Marukome
Marukome, Inc. (マルコメ) is the name of a Japanese miso soup paste producer. Its headquarters are located in the city of Nagano. Marukome accounts for about 13% of the amount of miso produced in Japan each year which makes them one of the top in production volume among 1,500 miso producers in Japan.
On December 5, 2007, Marukome USA, Inc. opened its United States headquarters and factory in Irvine, California.
As a commercial gimmick, Marukome has organized contests for kids to become "Marukome Boy" (マルコメくん) who subsequently represents the company in advertisement. To be a winner, the Marukome Boy should look similar to the company logo of a small boy with a bald head.