Riding the Rails with Suica’s Penguin
During my first year of living in Japan (Osaka to be precise), my coworker asked if I’d like him to bring me any souvenirs from his trip to Tokyo. I immediately replied, “A Suica card!”
Tokyo is known for it’s fast, efficient train service, and the convenience is heightened even further if you possess their regional transportation card, or Suica card. With several versions available, from a monthly commuter card to a rechargeable transit card, the contactless Suica card makes taking public transport a breeze, and can also be used to pay for goods at convenience stores, grocery stores, even vending machines! Yet for all the benefits listed, the best thing about the Suica card is, of course, it’s mascot.
Modeled after an Adelie penguin, the Suica mascot symbolizes the smoothness in which the Suica card can be used, in the same way a penguin swims smoothly through water. The character first appeared in the picture book Penguin Gokoro by Chiharu Sakazaki and was adopted by Suica in April of 2001 for use in promotional material. The first Suica cards, featuring the character, were released that November, along with a live-action television commercial starring a Suica penguin costumed mascot. Since then, merchandise featuring the penguin has become highly desirable, from home goods to plush toys and even apparel. Such goods can often be found at shops near major train stations.
In 2016, Suica’s Penguin Park opened just outside Shinjuku Station. A bronze statue of the penguin himself welcomes visitors to a small park dotted with plants, trees, benches and even some tables, an uncommon find among the high rises. During certain holidays and festive seasons, more penguins can be found in temporary installations.
The Suica penguin has no unique name, instead representing all Suica card users. That said, his short biography states that he came to Tokyo from Antarctica, and his favorite food is fish sausage.
I still have the Suica card my coworker brought me— it’s valid on trains in Osaka, too, and many parts of Japan. Do you have a unique penguin souvenir?