Yoko Tarou, creator of "Nia" and famously eccentric game developer, has his own personal brand of giant skeletal headpiece that he wears when he goes out in public. Or he had one such headpiece.

Taro is currently attending the 2023 Anime Expo in Los Angeles to promote his latest project, Kamielabi. When it came time for the panel, he was not dressed as fans might expect. According to Taro, this was made possible thanks to a drinking session between him and other creators, which resulted in a drunken TV station producer losing Emil's head (an oversized reproduction of the skull of one of "Nia's" most popular characters, the ever-grinning sphere) in a bar (Thanks, GamesRadar+!).

Despite this, Taro did not want to go up on stage at Anime Expo to show his face. When Taro appeared at the panel, he was cheered by the audience in his alternative disguise. He looked like a leprechaun, but a leprechaun who had just woken up with the worst hangover on the planet after two years of drinking. Taro's appearance was accompanied by a slide show of his adventures in LA.

Hopefully this is not a long-term replacement. Emil was scary enough, but this is uglier than sin. And perhaps this means someone is bouncing around LA wearing a giant moon head.

Taro's other recent projects include "Nia": the anime "Nia Automata" had a few episodes released before being delayed due to covid. The remaining episodes are scheduled for July; as for Nier games, Square Enix announced this year that Automata has sold 7.5 million copies. However, that doesn't mean there will be a sequel anytime soon.

If there is a sequel, hopefully Square Enix's marketing department can sort out Taro with a new head. After the panel at Anime Expo, Taro himself thanked the attendees and added: "Let me know if you find the mask. Please do.