Is Badtz-Maru the Same as Bad Badtz-Maru?
Yes. Bad Badtz-Maru and Badtz-Maru refer to the exact same Sanrio character. In Japanese, his official registered name is バッドばつ丸 (Bad Batsumaru). The name playfully incorporates the Japanese symbols "ばつ" (Batsu / X), representing "wrong" or "incorrect", and "丸" (Maru / O), representing "correct" or "good". This XO motif symbolizes his contrarian nature. In official merchandise and media, Sanrio uses both "Bad Badtz-Maru" and the shortened "Badtz-Maru" interchangeably.
Is Badtz-Maru a Penguin?
Yes. Sanrio officially classifies Badtz-Maru as a penguin. With his glossy black plumage, white belly, yellow beak, and signature spiky crown feathers, he is one of Sanrio's most recognizable avian personalities alongside Tuxedosam and Ahiru no Pekkle.
Is Badtz-Maru a Boy?
Yes. Sanrio's official character profiles designate Badtz-Maru as a boy (男の子 / otokonoko).
When Is Badtz-Maru's Birthday?
Badtz-Maru's birthday is April 1. This date was intentionally chosen because it is April Fools' Day (エイプリルフール), perfectly matching his love for lighthearted pranks, playful deception, and humorous mischief.
How Old Is Badtz-Maru? (Age vs. 1993 Debut)
In official Sanrio lore, Badtz-Maru is an ageless character and does not possess a chronological human age. While his character franchise originally debuted in 1993, 1993 marks his brand introduction year rather than an in-universe birth year. In 2023, Sanrio celebrated the 30th anniversary of his 1993 debut rather than a biological age of 30.
Badtz-Maru's Personality
Mischievous, Contrary and Good at Heart
Badtz-Maru is characterized in official Sanrio profiles as ちょっぴりひねくれ者—a slightly contrary or contrarian penguin who naturally takes the opposite viewpoint just to be funny or provocative. He loves pulling harmless pranks, rolling his eyes, and walking with a bold, swaggering attitude.
However, Sanrio's official profile also notes that beneath his sarcastic exterior and tough attitude, he is actually a good guy at heart. He is fiercely loyal to his family, cares deeply for his pet Pochi, and remains inseparable from his gentle best friend Good Hana-Maru.
Is Badtz-Maru Evil?
No. While his name contains the word "Bad" and he loves acting like a miniature rebel, Badtz-Maru is not evil or villainous in any canonical sense. His rebellious demeanor represents comedic adolescent independence rather than malice, making him one of Sanrio's most endearing anti-heroes.
Badtz-Maru's Dream: Becoming a Company President
Ambitious Corporate Aspirations
Unlike many Sanrio characters whose dreams involve magical or artistic pursuits, Badtz-Maru has a very distinct, grounded ambition: he wants to become a company president (社長 / shacho).
Official Sanrio illustrations frequently portray Badtz-Maru dressed in a sharp business suit with a necktie, sitting behind an executive desk, or carrying an executive briefcase as he imagines himself leading his own enterprise in Gorgeoustown.
Badtz-Maru's Favorite Foods
High-Class Ginza Sushi and Poripari Ramen
Badtz-Maru's official culinary tastes reflect his charming mix of high-society ambitions and casual snack cravings:
- High-Class Ginza Sushi (銀座の高級寿司): Badtz-Maru has an exquisite palate for premium sushi from Tokyo's famed Ginza district, reinforcing his aspiration for a luxurious executive lifestyle.
- Poripari Ramen (ポリパリラーメン): A delightfully crunchy, savory dried noodle snack that he enjoys munching on while relaxing at home.
Badtz-Maru's Hobby
Badtz-Maru's official signature hobby is collecting pictures and bromides of movie bad guys and villains (映画で悪役を演じる俳優のブロマイド集め). He admires dramatic cinematic antagonists for their sharp style, memorable presence, and confident swagger, keeping scrapbooks of iconic movie characters.
Badtz-Maru's Family
A Lively Household in Gorgeoustown
Badtz-Maru belongs to a close-knit and spirited penguin family living in Gorgeoustown. His household includes his parents and three younger siblings:
- Papa (お父さん): A tough-looking, intimidating father who is surprisingly an ultra-optimist (超楽天家) at heart.
- Mama (お母さん): An education-minded mother (教育ママ) who stays deeply involved in the children's schooling and discipline.
- Bad Tsunko (バッドつん子): Badtz-Maru's younger sister.
- The Bad Twins (バッドツインズ): Badtz-Maru's younger twin siblings.
Who Is Bad Tsunko?
Bad Tsunko (バッドつん子)
Birthday: April 2
Role: Badtz-Maru's younger sister
Traits: Mischievous like her brother, she studies ballet, keeps a detailed personal diary, and has a charming habit of striking ballet poses while talking.
The Bad Twins (バッドツインズ)
Role: Badtz-Maru's younger twin brother and sister
Identification: The twin boy has three tufts of head feathers; the twin girl has two tufts.
Traits: Highly energetic, quick at running away from trouble, and constantly asking inquisitive questions.
How Many Siblings Does Badtz-Maru Have?
Badtz-Maru has three younger siblings in total: one younger sister named Bad Tsunko, and a younger twin brother and sister known as the Bad Twins.
Badtz-Maru's Friends
Good Hana-Maru: The Inseparable Best Friend
Badtz-Maru's closest companion is Good Hana-Maru (グッドはな丸), a friendly white seal born on August 7. Exceptionally good-natured, gentle, and talented at juggling ball tricks and gardening, Good Hana-Maru serves as the perfect wholesome counterpart to Badtz-Maru's mischievous antics.
In Japanese culture, a hanamaruko (flower-circle) is a symbol of excellence given on schoolwork, contrasting directly with Badtz-Maru's "batsu" (X) motif.
Pandaba and the Gorgeoustown Crew
Ijuin Pandaba (伊集院パンダバ)
A female panda born on August 8 in the rocky mountains of China. She has a delightfully contrary personality, loves listening to rap music, and can eat steamed shumai at lightning speed.
Hanatare Kame (はなたれカメ)
A cool and quiet turtle companion with a permanent runny nose who calmly accompanies the gang on their adventures.
Soga Iruka (スガイルカ)
A brilliant, super-intelligent dolphin friend boasting a verified genius IQ of 200.
Ogawa Sameo (小川サメオ)
A bold, energetic, and cheerful shark friend who brings lively enthusiasm to the group.
Pochi: Badtz-Maru's Pet Alligator
A Faithful Watch-Alligator
Unlike most Sanrio characters who keep dogs or cats, Badtz-Maru has a pet alligator named Pochi (ポチ).
- Birthday: August 2
- Role: Badtz-Maru's loyal domestic watch-pet who guards the home.
- Favorite Food: Grilled fish (焼き魚).
- Quirks: Pochi has a habit of chewing on almost anything in sight and loves taking walks on a leash with Badtz-Maru.
Bad Badtz-Maru and Hapidanbui
Sanrio's Landmark Boy-Band Unit
In 2020, Sanrio formed Hapidanbui (はぴだんぶい), an all-star boy character unit united under the inspiring motto "Happy Danbui" (Boys Who Want to Be Happy) and the core philosophy: "It's okay to be yourself."
Alongside Pochacco, Tuxedosam, Kerokerokeroppi, Hangyodon, and Ahiru no Pekkle, Badtz-Maru serves as a charismatic vocalist and performer, releasing original music, music videos, and special stage performances.
Badtz-Maru History and the 1996 Championship Victory
"In 1996, Bad Badtz-Maru achieved one of the most historic milestones in Sanrio history by winning first place (#1) in the official 11th Sanrio Character Ranking."
Key historical milestones in Badtz-Maru's franchise heritage:
- 1993: Official character debut by Sanrio, introducing an irreverent, humorous counterpoint to traditional pastel characters.
- 1996: Won #1 Grand Champion in the official Sanrio Character Ranking, cementing his place among Sanrio's all-time elite winners.
- 2006: Selected by FIBA organizers as an official promotional goodwill mascot for the 2006 FIBA World Basketball Championship held in Japan.
- 2020: Joined the official Hapidanbui boy-band unit as a core founding member.
- 2023: Celebrated 30 years since his debut with the landmark 30th Anniversary campaign and Miyashita Park exhibitions.
- 2026: Finished #11 Worldwide in the 41st Sanrio Character Ranking, maintaining his position as a global fan favorite.
Has Badtz-Maru Ever Won the Sanrio Character Ranking?
Yes. Bad Badtz-Maru won first place (#1) in the 1996 Sanrio Character Ranking. His grand championship victory broke the traditional dominance of female characters and established him as the leading boy character of the 1990s.
Animation, Media and Video Game Appearances
Badtz-Maru has starred in a wide array of multimedia productions:
- Classic Animation: Starred in original animated OVA productions including Bad Badtz-Maru: The Great Adventure, Badtz-Maru's Wolf Boy, and ensemble series such as The Adventures of Hello Kitty and Friends.
- Hello Kitty Island Adventure: A major resident on the island in the acclaimed Apple Arcade, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and PC adventure title, where he runs the comic stand and invents clever gadgets.
- Digital and Mobile Titles: Featured across Sanrio Characters Miracle Match, Hello Kitty Dream Village, and Tomotoru.
Sanrio Character Ranking History
Bad Badtz-Maru possesses an illustrious voting record spanning over three decades of official Sanrio polling:
| Year | Final Rank | Votes | Milestone Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | #11 | Worldwide Finalist | 41st Sanrio Character Ranking; Initial #10, Interim #10, Final #11 |
| 2025 | #11 | 1,852,644 votes | Sustained top-tier international voting support |
| 2024 | #13 | 1,633,492 votes | Strong global top-fifteen performance |
| 2023 | #10 | Official Top 10 | Historic 30th Anniversary campaign top-ten finish |
| 2022 | #12 | Official Top 15 | Consistent global standing |
| 2021 | #14 | Official Top 15 | Solid worldwide support |
| 2020 | #10 | Official Top 10 | Inaugural Hapidanbui unit launch year |
| 1996 | #1 | Grand Champion | 11th Sanrio Character Ranking Grand Championship Winner |
Bad Badtz-Maru Key Facts
- Character Identity: Mischievous penguin boy created by Sanrio.
- Official Birthday: April 1 (April Fools' Day).
- Debut Year: 1993.
- Grand Ambition: Dreams of becoming a company president.
- Favorite Foods: High-class sushi from Ginza and Poripari ramen.
- Signature Hobby: Collecting pictures and bromides of movie villains.
- Parents: Tough-looking optimistic Papa and education-minded Mama.
- Siblings: Younger sister Bad Tsunko and younger twin siblings (The Bad Twins).
- Best Friend: Good Hana-Maru (the gentle white seal).
- Pet: Pochi the guard alligator who loves grilled fish.
- Boy Band: Founding member and vocalist of the Hapidanbui unit.
- Championship History: Won #1 in the 1996 Sanrio Character Ranking.
- 2026 Ranking: Finished #11 Worldwide in the 41st Sanrio Character Ranking.
Myths and Misconceptions
Is Badtz-Maru evil?
Myth. While he acts contrary and loves pranks, official lore confirms he is good at heart.
Was Badtz-Maru born in 1993?
Myth. 1993 is his debut year. In Sanrio lore, he is an ageless character.
Is Bad Tsunko his twin sister?
Myth. Bad Tsunko is his younger sister (born April 2). His twin siblings are the younger Bad Twins.
Is Pochi his friend or pet?
Fact. Pochi is officially Badtz-Maru's pet alligator who guards the house.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Bad Badtz-Maru?
Bad Badtz-Maru is Sanrio's mischievous penguin boy character who debuted in 1993, celebrates his birthday on April 1 (April Fools' Day), and dreams of becoming a company president.
Is Badtz-Maru the same as Bad Badtz-Maru?
Yes. Bad Badtz-Maru and Badtz-Maru are official names for the exact same character.
What animal is Badtz-Maru?
Sanrio identifies Badtz-Maru as a penguin boy.
When is Badtz-Maru's birthday?
Badtz-Maru's birthday is April 1 (April Fools' Day).
How old is Badtz-Maru?
In Sanrio lore, Badtz-Maru is an ageless character. 1993 is his public debut year, not a biological birth year.
What is Badtz-Maru's personality?
Badtz-Maru is mischievous and contrary, often taking the opposite stance, but is fundamentally a good guy at heart.
Is Badtz-Maru evil?
No. While he acts tough and plays pranks, official Sanrio lore highlights that he is not truly evil.
What does Badtz-Maru want to become?
Badtz-Maru dreams of becoming a company president.
What foods does Badtz-Maru like?
His favorite foods are high-class sushi from Ginza and Poripari ramen.
Who is Badtz-Maru's best friend?
Good Hana-Maru is Badtz-Maru's close best friend, providing a kind and gentle contrast to Badtz-Maru's mischievous nature.
Does Badtz-Maru have a pet?
Yes. Badtz-Maru has a pet alligator named Pochi.
Has Badtz-Maru ever won the Sanrio Character Ranking?
Yes. Bad Badtz-Maru won first place (#1) in the 1996 Sanrio Character Ranking.
What rank did Badtz-Maru get in the 2026 Sanrio Character Ranking?
Bad Badtz-Maru finished in 11th place (#11) worldwide in the 2026 Sanrio Character Ranking.
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