Hello everyone! This is Saori from Kawaii Republic!

This time! It’s truly New Year's! Very cute mascots have arrived with Chiikawa and friends dressed in hakama, so let’s check them out right away!

What Chiikawa and friends are wearing this time is a type of kimono called hakama, which is worn to celebrate the New Year! They’re also holding auspicious golden folding fans, and their beaming smiles are so lucky! Their blissfully happy appearance is incredibly cute and might just make you feel happy just by looking at them!

Four characters have been released as mascots this time, and for some reason...... Ode has turned into oshiruko! It’s a delicious sweet eaten during the Japanese New Year made of mochi boiled until soft in sweet red beans! He’s tucked in there as if he’s a round piece of mochi! Usagi...... seems to be holding a shakuhachi instrument! It looks like the source material is the celebratory New Year illustration posted on January 4th, 2025!

And that’s it! These adorable mascots that are sure to make your 2026 happy are now here! Everyone, please welcome Chiikawa and friends into your home and grab some happiness!