Fujiya’s Iconic Duo, Peko and Poco, Unveil a Whimsical New Crew of Animal Friends to Enchant Fans Globally
After a Three-Decade Wait, Japan’s Beloved Candy Mascots Introduce ‘Peko-chan, Poco-chan, and Their Merry Friends’ with Exclusive Goods
Japan’s beloved confectionery brand Fujiya is set to introduce a delightful new chapter in its rich character history. In January 2026, the iconic Peko-chan and Poco-chan will welcome a charming ensemble of new animal characters, collectively debuting as “Peko-chan, Poco-chan, and Their Merry Friends.” This marks a significant expansion of their universe, being the first addition of new companions in nearly three decades.
Peko-chan first captivated hearts as a storefront doll for Fujiya’s confectionery shops in 1950. The following year, in 1951, Poco-chan joined her on the packaging of the famous “Milky” candies, solidifying their status as a beloved duo. Their loyal canine friend, Dog, an adorable boy puppy, was introduced in 1995. Now, after almost 30 years, this cherished family is growing, bringing fresh faces and stories to fans worldwide.
The new additions include a diverse group of animal friends, each with their own unique charm. Joining Peko-chan, Poco-chan, and Dog are:
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Neko-nyan (Cat): A girl cat with big eyes, known for being an honest friend who follows her heart.
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Usagi-chan (Rabbit): A girl rabbit with long ears, characterized by her kindness and thoughtfulness.
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Kotori-chan (Bird): A girl bird with flapping wings, embodying the spirit of freedom.
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Hamuo (Hamster): A small boy hamster with round, beady eyes, a friend who shares laughter.
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Kamekichi (Turtle): A boy turtle, slow and steady but incredibly patient, making him a reliable friend.
These characters promise to bring new dimensions of fun and friendship to the Fujiya family, enriching the world of Peko-chan and Poco-chan.
Exclusive Goods Debut at Keio Department Store Shinjuku
Fans will have their first opportunity to acquire merchandise featuring “Peko-chan, Poco-chan, and Their Merry Friends” at the “Peko-chan’s Chocolate Kingdom” event. This special pop-up will be held at Keio Department Store Shinjuku, starting Friday, January 23, 2026. Among the exciting new items, adorable stationery mesh pouches showcasing the charming designs of the new characters will be available for pre-sale. These practical pouches, adorned with character patches, are perfect for everyday use or as thoughtful gifts.
Fans worldwide are buzzing with excitement, eager to welcome these new friends into the beloved Fujiya family, anticipating a fresh wave of charm and cheer.
More products and goods featuring “Peko-chan, Poco-chan, and Their Merry Friends” are slated for release in the future, promising a continuous stream of delightful items for collectors and enthusiasts. The future looks bright for this expanding cast of characters.
For more information on Peko-chan and her friends, visit:
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Peko-chan’s Room (Character Profile): https://www.fujiya-peko.co.jp/pekoroom/profile/
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Fujiya Website: https://www.fujiya-peko.co.jp/
This expansion of the Peko-chan and Poco-chan universe with new, endearing animal characters signifies the enduring appeal and dynamic evolution of Japanese kawaii culture. As these new friends step into the spotlight, they are set to capture new hearts and strengthen the global love for Japanese character brands, ensuring that the spirit of cuteness continues to flourish across borders.
