New Popular Characters in Japan

Japan has created many popular characters that are well known overseas, too. Friendly and cute characters from Japan are particularly well loved by many people across a wide age range. Recently, some characters have become famous after gaining attention on social media. These characters help relax and soothe people while bringing smiles to their faces. This article will showcase some characters in Japan that have gained popularity in recent years.

Japan Is Heaven When It Comes to Characters

Do you know any characters that come from Japan? People in Japan create a wide range of unique characters in anime, manga, and games that are enjoyed by people around the world. Cute characters with a pop aesthetic have been particularly well loved by a wide range of people worldwide over many years. One character called “Hello Kitty” with an iconic ribbon on her left ear has become world-famous as an icon of Japan’s cute culture. Ever since her debut in 1974, she has been active in many locations around the globe. She celebrates her 50th anniversary this year, and she continues to be loved by many fans.

The Appeal of New Popular Characters in Japan

In recent years, there have been some characters that have become popular in Japan after their creators posted them to social media and they spread among young people. For example, the characters in the “CHIIKAWA” manga by a famous illustrator called nagano originally won acclaim on social media and in manga books, and then they were shown in an anime starting in 2022, making them well loved among a wide range of people from kids to grown-ups. The name “CHIIKAWA” comes from the first half of the Japanese words “chiisai” (little) and “kawaii” (cute). It contains a fun but slightly somber story about “some sort of cute lil’ critters.” The main character called Chiikawa might cry sometimes when things get tough, but Chiikawa has many unique friends and acquaintances nearby. One of the characteristics of this work is that Chiikawa and friends are not just depicted in a cute way; the work also shows them in slightly severe and realistic settings that resemble human society, such as performing “labor” by picking weeds to get what they want, or working hard to achieve something but ending up failing. The characters care for one another and are kind to each other without making a fuss of it, no matter what may come, and they sometimes have humorous interactions. People are moved by these delicate displays of emotion, as well. In addition, the series is well known for carrying out fun collaborations with other organizations, and many fans enjoy seeing the characters on decorated trains, in merchandise, and even as food.

OPANCHU USAGI is a rabbit character wearing underwear that made a debut on social media in 2022. This character has become very popular through the two-panel manga and other works continually posted by OPANCHU USAGI’s creator. This series has particularly strong support among young people aged 10 to 29. This famous pink rabbit braves through many difficulties. For example, OPANCHU USAGI might try to take photos with friends in front of sweets to get a photogenic snap, only for OPANCHU USAGI’s shaved ice to end up all melted with the other treats intact, or OPANCHU USAGI might try to help an elderly person in the street, only to find that this individual was much heavier than expected. This character is pitiable (fubin in Japanese) but also cute (kawaii) at the same time, and so young people have referred to OPANCHU USAGI with a new term called “fubin-kawaii” that combines these two concepts. According to one company that sells unique merchandise based on this character, the reason for OPANCHU USAGI’s popularity is that this rabbit is not often fortunate and always appears to be on the verge of tears but still bravely lives on, which may have resonated with many people who see a part of themselves in OPANCHU USAGI. A touring exhibition in Japan was held in stylish facilities that are popular among young people, with a unique colorful setting that captivated many fans.

One mysterious character called obungu is squishy and soft like a Japanese mochi rice cake. Many people have expressed praise on social media and video sites for this character that soothes their hearts when they are tired. The character has a soft personality as well. For example, for spring cleaning, obungu picks up memorable books, stuffed animals, and other products while wondering what to throw away, but ends up deciding to cherish everything without tossing any items out. With a wide range of casual and laid-back scenes like this, the series has captured the hearts of generation Z and other young people. The animated videos are very popular, with over 200 million views in total. This series also has fun manga books and merchandise. The creator of this series has been familiar with popular Japanese characters and has been influenced by them since a young age. By drawing this character, the creator hopes obungu will be there for people as their feelings make small changes—in both pleasant and not so pleasant ways—on a daily basis.

Characters from Japan that have been popular in recent years each have their own personalities, and create a unique relaxing atmosphere of peace and calm as they are loved by many people on a daily basis.