Key Facts

• The Japan Character Awards 2025 were announced on July 3
• Chiikawa won the Grand Prix
• Awards were presented at Licensing Japan at Tokyo Big Sight
• Other winners included Minecraft, Sanrio Characters, and Esther Bunny
• Promotional and retail awards went to Mizuno, McDonald’s Japan, and Daiso

On July 3, the Japan Character Awards 2025 recognized the most prominent licensed characters and brands of 2024. The Grand Prix was awarded to Chiikawa, developed by Spiral Cute Co., Ltd. The awards ceremony took place at a special venue within Licensing Japan, currently being held at Tokyo Big Sight. The awards aim to promote the value of the licensing industry and support its healthy development.

Chiikawa Takes the Top Prize

The Grand Prix of the Japan Character Awards 2025 was awarded to Chiikawa, a character developed by Spiral Cute Co., Ltd. Known for its expressive, small animal designs, Chiikawa has gained strong popularity across merchandise, media, and social platforms in Japan. This recognition solidifies its position as a leading character brand in the Japanese licensing industry.

The awards are presented annually to honor the most successful and influential licensed characters and brands in Japan, based on performance, cultural impact, and popularity.

Other Award-Winning Characters and Brands

In the Character License Awards category, three brands were recognized:

Sanrio Characters by Sanrio Co., Ltd.
Chiikawa by Spiral Cute Co., Ltd.
Minecraft by Microsoft / Mojang AB / CAA Brand Management
The New Face Award went to Esther Bunny, a character by K VISION Inc., for its growing presence in the Japanese market.

The Product Licensee Award was given to Mizuno Corporation for its “PEANUTS” design series within the Mizuno Healthy Interior product line. Meanwhile, the Promotion Licensee Award was awarded to McDonald’s Japan for its collaboration with Evangelion. Daiso Industries Co., Ltd. received the Retail Award for its wide-ranging licensing initiatives in stores nationwide.

The Special Jury Prize was awarded to Pan Dorobou, a character by KADOKAWA CORPORATION.

Event Details and Industry Significance

The announcement of the Japan Character Awards 2025 took place at Licensing Japan, a major trade fair for character and brand licensing, held at Tokyo Big Sight from July 3 to 4. The awards aim to highlight excellence in licensed character branding and encourage continued innovation and growth in the field.

By recognizing characters that span categories from entertainment and fashion to promotions and retail, the event offers a comprehensive view of Japan’s dynamic character business. With popular titles like Chiikawa, Minecraft, and Evangelion among the winners, the 2025 awards reflected both domestic favorites and global influences in Japan's licensing market.

FAQ

Q: Who won the Grand Prix at the Japan Character Awards 2025?
A: Chiikawa won the Grand Prix.

Q: Where were the awards announced?
A: At a special venue within Licensing Japan, held at Tokyo Big Sight.

Q: Which characters won the Character License Awards?
A: Chiikawa, Sanrio Characters, and Minecraft.

Q: Which brand won the Promotion Licensee Award?
A: McDonald’s Japan for its Evangelion collaboration.

Q: What company received the Retail Award?
A: Daiso Industries Co., Ltd.

Source : ORICON NEWS