Suica Penguin to Retire The Suica penguin, mascot for JR East's Suica IC card since 2001, will "graduate" by the end of fiscal year 2026 (March 2027). This decision was announced on November 11, 2025.

Reasons for Graduation

JR East aims to evolve Suica into a global lifestyle device beyond transportation, passing the baton to a new character. The change aligns with service expansions like code payments (teppay) and cashless advancements, after 25 years of the penguin's role. The character's creator, Chiharu Sazaki, views it as a natural endpoint, respecting its lifespan.

Public Reaction

Fans expressed shock and sadness on social media, with petitions exceeding 20,000 signatures urging reconsideration. Many highlighted emotional attachments, calling the penguin a daily companion. A successor remains undecided, potentially shifting to non-character branding.