A Legacy of Cuddly Companions
Since their debut in January 2011, UniBEARsity characters have grown significantly. The collection has expanded beyond Mickey & Friends motifs to include “Disney Princess BEAR by UniBEARsity” and “PIXAR UniBEARsity,” resulting in over 100 unique characters. Fans can find a wide array of merchandise, from plush toys and keychains to custom-designed costumes.
To commemorate this special occasion, Disney Store has unveiled exclusive new artwork. It depicts Mickey & Friends gathered in the Disney University courtyard, surrounded by the UniBEARsity bears they created, all celebrating around a grand anniversary cake. The scene is vibrant, full of joy and camaraderie.
Meet the Iconic Bears
Each UniBEARsity bear embodies the spirit of its creator, a delightful reflection of their Disney University counterparts.
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Mocha: Created by Mickey, Mocha is easily recognizable by his larger ears and a red tie, mirroring Mickey’s iconic style. The “DU” emblem on his paw represents Disney UniBEARsity, a nod to the Disney University’s crest.
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Pudding: Minnie’s creation, Pudding, shares Minnie’s distinctive large ears, a large red polka-dot ribbon, and long eyelashes, making her undeniably adorable.
Other beloved characters, such as Whip, Puffy, Maple, Mont Blanc, Scone, and Rusuku, also contribute to the diverse and charming collection, each with their own unique flair.
New ‘Zootopia’ Inspired UniBEARsity Characters Launch
Adding to the excitement, new UniBEARsity characters inspired by Disney’s hit film “Zootopia” will be released. These new additions bring the vibrant personalities of the movie to life in plush form.
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Paw Carrot: Modeled after Judy Hopps, Paw Carrot features long, perky ears and a round tail, holding a carrot-shaped recorder pen.
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Paw Sicle: Inspired by Nick Wilde, Paw Sicle boasts pointed ears, a long tail, and an expressive gaze, complete with an ice pop from the film.
These new plush toys, keychains, and dedicated costumes will be available from January 21, 2026, at Disney Flagship Tokyo, all Disney Store locations, and the official Disney online store.
Join the Anniversary Social Media Campaign!
Fans are invited to join the celebration with the “#ユニベアシティ15thおめでとうキャンペーン” (Congratulations UniBEARsity 15th Anniversary Campaign) on Disney Store’s official X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram accounts. By following the official accounts and sharing memorable episodes related to UniBEARsity, participants have a chance to win one of 500 exclusive, non-sale 15th-anniversary book-shaped accessory cases. The campaign runs from January 21, 2026, 12:00 JST to January 27, 2026, 23:59 JST. Details on participation will be shared in a later campaign post. This is a fantastic opportunity for fans to share their love and potentially snag a unique piece of UniBEARsity history!
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Official X account: @Disneystorejp
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Official Instagram account: @disneystore.jp
Discover “UniBestiez”: A New Chapter Unfolds
Launched in March 2025, “UniBestiez” is a newer series spun from a story where Mickey and Minnie at Disney University create an animal encyclopedia for a class project. UniBEARsity friends like Mocha and Pudding also appear in this narrative, bridging the two enchanting worlds. The first characters introduced were Yeck Rabbit and Ain Rabbit, imagined by Mickey and Minnie as adorable bunnies. The ongoing story promises more charming additions, inviting fans to look forward to new adventures.
Where to Find the Magic
For more information on UniBEARsity and to explore the full range of products, visit the special 15th-anniversary page: http://disneystore.jp/disney-unibearsity/2026/.
Detailed store information can be found on the Disney Store official website: https://www.disney.co.jp/store/storeinfo.
The Future of Kawaii Culture
UniBEARsity has carved out a unique niche in the global kawaii landscape, proving that original characters with heartfelt backstories can resonate deeply with audiences. As it evolves with new collaborations and series like “UniBestiez,” UniBEARsity continues to be a vibrant example of Japanese character culture’s ability to innovate while staying true to its charming roots, ensuring many more years of cuddly companionship for fans worldwide.
