The choice has been made by voters, but it has not been announced by JR East. The public ballot to pick a successor to the Suica Penguin closed at 11:59 p.m. Japan time on September 23, 2026. The winning design is due to be revealed on November 18, the day Suica turns 25.
That leaves a curious pause: three very different characters, one empty winner’s spot, and a penguin still on duty until next spring. Here is where the vote stands and what to watch next.
Where the vote stands now
JR East’s official voting page now says the ballot has ended. Voting ran from September 8 to September 23 and was open to people outside Japan as well as residents. Each person could cast one vote. JR East says it will check and count the ballots before confirming the candidate with the most valid votes.
No winner has been announced as of September 28. If you see a post naming Character A, B, or C as the successor before JR East’s reveal, treat it as a prediction rather than a result. The voting form is closed, so links inviting readers to “vote now” are out of date.
Meet the three finalists
The three designs came from young creators working from ideas gathered within the JR East Group. A selection committee chose the final trio. They are still identified by letters, and the public will help choose a name only after the winning design is unveiled.
We covered the start of the public ballot in our earlier Suica character vote story. Here are the finalists again for anyone joining the story after voting closed.
There is a pleasing difference between the proposals. A is built around a visual line, B around listening and forward movement, and C around the small story of taking someone along. You can see the creators’ fuller explanations on JR East’s project page.
Why the penguin is leaving
The Suica Penguin has been with the IC card since its 2001 debut. Its simple face has appeared on cards, station advertising, and souvenirs for a quarter of a century. JR East describes the change as part of “Suica Renaissance,” its plan to make Suica a broader part of daily life. The new character is meant to represent that next phase.
This is a change of image character, with a long handover rather than an immediate disappearance. JR East’s Penguin Years campaign is marking the old mascot’s final months with stories, goods, and events. The penguin’s official last day in the role is March 31, 2027.
Dates to watch
September 23, 2026: Public voting closed at 11:59 p.m. JST.
November 18, 2026: JR East plans to reveal the winning design on Suica’s 25th anniversary and explain how the public can suggest a name.
January 2027: The selection committee is scheduled to review name suggestions.
March 2027: JR East’s project timeline places the name announcement and handover ceremony in this month. The penguin’s graduation event is set for March 31.
April 1, 2027: The new image character takes over.
These are JR East’s announced plans. Check its official project page for any schedule changes.
What travelers need to know
For a visitor arriving this autumn, nothing changes at the ticket gate because a mascot vote has ended. You still tap a Suica as usual. JR East has announced a character handover; it has not announced a requirement to replace a working card because of the new design. For the practical details of getting and using one, see our Suica card guide for travelers.
If you are attached to the penguin, there is still time to catch its farewell season. The official Penguin Years site has the current event and merchandise announcements. November’s reveal will settle the design, but the name and the actual handover come later.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still vote for the new Suica character?
No. The public design vote ended on September 23, 2026. JR East’s site now marks it closed.
Who won the vote?
JR East has not announced a winner as of September 28. The reveal is scheduled for November 18, 2026.
Will the Suica Penguin disappear in November?
No. November is the new design reveal. The penguin remains the image character through March 31, 2027; the successor starts April 1.
Reporting based on JR East’s official project page and its September 8 announcement. Last checked September 28, 2026.
