Suica's penguin mascot gets cute new regional merchandise

JR East has unveiled a pair of regionally-themed Suica penguin plush mascots.

The Suica Penguin, created by illustrator Chiharu Sakazaki, has become an iconic figure associated with JR East’s contactless smart card system.

Many Japanese mascot characters such as Pikachu, Doraemon and Domo-kun see products released which take inspiration from local areas of Japan and the Suica Penguin is no different.

JR East will be releasing two Suica Penguin plush mascot keychains inspired by Kanagawa Prefecture and Niigata Prefecture.

These new plush keychains bring to life regional illustrations used to promote Suica in Kanagawa and Niigata prefectures.

The two designs available will be:

Suica Penguin Plush Keychain (Kanagawa)

This keychain is based on Yokohama Chinatown.

The Suica penguin is depicted wearing a traditional Chinese-style hat and holding a steamed bun, which are sold at by many shops, restaurants and street vendors in the area.

The keychain measures 10.5cm in length, 4.5cm in width, and 7cm in thickness.

Suica Penguin Plush Keychain (Niigata)

This keychain celebrates Niigata’s history of rice production.

The Suica penguin is shown holding a bowl brimming with Niigata rice and a pair of chopsticks.

It measures 9cm in height, 8cm in width, and 6cm in thickness.

Both palm-sized plush keychains come complete with a convenient charm and will cost 1,980 yen ($13.14 USD / £10.44 GBP) each.

They are available for purchase at the following TRAINIART locations:

Museum Shop TRAINIART Railway Museum Store (Saitama)
TRAINIART TOKYO Gransta store (Tokyo Station)
TRAINIART JRE MALL store (online)

Ironically, it currently does not look like it will be possible to buy either of these keychains in Kanagawa or Niigata prefecture as TRAINIART do not have stores in those prefectures.

Source: PR Times