Bu-nyan character appointed as PR ambassador for Shimotsuma City

Oyoneko LLC has announced several new developments for its character brand, ‘Oyoneko Bu-nyan’. The protagonist, Bu-nyan, has been appointed as the ‘Furusato Nozei Sweet Potato PR Ambassador’ for Shimotsuma City in Ibaraki Prefecture. The character will appear on the city’s special tax donation pages and promotional banners to highlight local agricultural products like ‘Beniharuka’ sweet potatoes.

In a collaboration with Akita Katsueka Co., Ltd., the brand is also launching ‘Namahage Bu-nyan’ themed food products. Two varieties of Akita-style kiritanpo—one with Hinai Jidori chicken soup and another with spicy miso garlic soup—are scheduled for release on September 18, 2026. These microwaveable single-serving packs will be available through the Akita Tengoku Rakuten online shop.

Additionally, the project is expanding its merchandise and digital presence with new charms available on the official Mercari Shops and the release of a seventh set of LINE stickers.