JR East begins public vote for new Suica mascot

Suica JR East character mascot public vote brand identity

JR East has launched a public vote to select a successor for the “Suica Penguin,” the mascot for its Suica smart card system that has been in use since 2001. The current character is scheduled to “graduate” on March 31, 2027.

Three design candidates, selected by a committee of creators and experts, are being considered: a brown squirrel (Option A), a purple rabbit (Option B), and an orange creature carrying a mole in a pouch (Option C). The voting process, which began on September 8 and runs until September 23, aims to find a character that embodies the “Suica Renaissance” and reflects the brand’s expansion from a transportation tool to a broader lifestyle service.

The winner will be announced on November 18, 2026, with its official debut set for April 1, 2027. In anticipation of the transition, JR East is also planning various commemorative campaigns, including a “Penguin Years” series and special merchandise sales at Tokyo Station’s Gransta facility.

Entities

JR East · Suica · Suica Penguin

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Candidate A is an orange squirrel-themed design. www.watch.impress.co.jp · weekly.ascii.jp
[○ 1 SOURCE] The new character is scheduled to debut in April 2027.
[● 3 SOURCES] JR East is seeking a new image character to succeed the Suica Penguin. www.watch.impress.co.jp · weekly.ascii.jp
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Suica Penguin will graduate from its role on March 31, 2027. www.watch.impress.co.jp
[● 3 SOURCES] Candidate C features an orange character with a mole in a pouch. www.watch.impress.co.jp · weekly.ascii.jp
[● 3 SOURCES] Candidate B is a rabbit-themed design with purple coloring. www.watch.impress.co.jp · weekly.ascii.jp
[○ 1 SOURCE] The winning character's name will be selected via public application starting November 18, 2026. www.watch.impress.co.jp
[● 3 SOURCES] Public voting for the three character candidates began on September 8 and ends on September 23. www.watch.impress.co.jp · weekly.ascii.jp