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Much-loved Suica penguin to retire in 2026
After being with us for more than two decades, Tokyo’s favorite commuter Suica penguin has finally hung up its flippers. JR East announced on November 11 that the affable black-and-white mascot, which has been the spokesperson for Suica cards since 2001, will “graduate” at the end of fiscal year 2026.
If you’ve ever passed through a ticket gate or bought a convenience coffee with a Suica, this feels like the end of an era. The penguin’s calm little smile and soft, rounded silhouette have quietly become a part of our lives.
JR East says a new character will take over, and plans to involve the public in the selection process – so while details have yet to be announced, it seems fans will have the chance to decide who to pass the Suica Penguin baton to. Before then, the railway company will launch a series of farewell activities to celebrate the Penguin’s 25th anniversary in service.
Shinjuku Suica Penguin Plaza
The story behind Suica penguin
This cute penguin was born in 2001, the same year Suica was launched as Japan’s first IC card. its creator, Chiharu Sakazakiis a picture book artist and illustrator known for his minimalist yet endearing and expressive style.
In a 2014 interview with advertising giant Dentsu, Sakazaki explained that the penguin was originally a character in her picture book. Dentsu’s Art Director Tomotomo Tanaka discovered this fascinating book while developing the visual identity for JR East’s new IC card. The penguin first appeared in a poster promoting the launch of Suica, but customers found it so cute that they decided to put it on the card as well.
Since then, the penguin has been seen almost everywhere: on posters, vending machines, stationery, stuffed toys and more. It’s so famous that it even has its own statue in Suica Penguin Plaza in Shinjuku.
end of an era
It’s hard to overstate how iconic this character is. As of March 2025, JR East reports that more than 110 million Suica cards have been issued, meaning almost everyone in Tokyo has seen the penguin.
When news broke of Penguin’s retirement, social media was flooded with bittersweet reactions and comments of disbelief. “I still remember the shock when I saw Little Penguin printing out a new IC card in 2001. It was unforgettable.” One user wrote. Another commented: “Because of the Suica penguin, many other railway companies started creating their own mascots.”
Others expressed genuine sadness: “Oh no… this is so lonely,” one post read. “I used to look forward to browsing Suica Penguin merchandise while waiting for the Shinkansen, and I even bought some myself.” Some people questioned this decision, saying: “I don’t think it is necessary to ‘graduate’ the penguins.” There must be some adult reason behind this. “
At the time of writing this article, Jerry Mall The website selling Suica penguin merchandise is so heavily visited that it takes five minutes to enter.
On the same day, Sakazaki shared a heartfelt message through JR East: “It is a joy to walk with everyone as a Suica penguin. I will do my best in the final year.”
