On the 19th, JR East announced the formation of a selection committee to choose a successor to the beloved Suica Penguin character. The committee, chaired by TV writer Kaoru Koyama, will narrow down the options to three finalists, which will then be subject to a public vote. Other members of the committee include model Saya Ichikawa and designer Tomoe Shinohara, who will work alongside young creators to develop preliminary designs. The final character will be revealed in November 2023 after the internet voting process. The Suica Penguin has been an enduring mascot since 2001, designed by illustrator Chiharu Sakazaki. The character has become synonymous with the Suica transit card system, appearing on various merchandise such as plush toys and stationery, and has a loyal following among fans. This transition comes as JR East looks to refresh its brand while maintaining the essence of the beloved penguin character, which has been a staple of Japanese pop culture for over two decades. The transition plan includes a public naming campaign after the new character is chosen, with the final handover ceremony scheduled for March next year. This initiative highlights the importance of engagement with fans, as the process allows for public participation in shaping the future of a key component of the Suica brand, ensuring that the successor resonates with the audience in a meaningful way.