What Does Hapidanbui Mean? Origin & Naming Concept
The name Hapidanbui (Japanese: はぴだんぶい) is an acronym coined directly from an encouraging Japanese phrase:
「ハッピーになりたい男子たち、V字回復をねらう」
(Happy ni naritai danshi-tachi, V-ji kaifuku wo nerau) → はぴだんぶい (Hapidanbui)
Translated into English, the name means “Boys who want to become happy and aim for a V-shaped comeback!” In Japanese pop culture, “V-shaped recovery” (V字回復) represents a dramatic, triumphant return to the spotlight after facing periods of lower visibility. Rather than viewing the 1980s and 1990s as distant history, Sanrio united these six charismatic characters to demonstrate that friendship, humor, and persistence can create an unstoppable revival.
2020 Formation: January 31 Launch Milestone
Hapidanbui was officially announced and launched on January 31, 2020, as Sanrio's premier all-male character unit. While each of the six individual characters possesses a rich personal heritage dating back to the late 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, the collective unit itself is an authentic 2020 formation.
Earlier third-party scrapers mistakenly assigned an arbitrary debut year of 1987 to Hapidanbui due to confusing individual member timelines. Sanrio corporate archives confirm 2020 as the sole canonical establishment year of the unit.
Why Was Hapidanbui Created? The Comeback Mission
In the late 2010s, Sanrio recognized that its classic male characters had immense nostalgic appeal and fiercely loyal fans, yet each character was navigating the modern digital landscape individually. Sanrio brought them together with a clear creative mission:
- Encouraging Authenticity: Showing fans that you don't need to be flawless to be loved—embracing your quirks is where true charm begins.
- Taking on Challenges: Stepping outside their comfort zones by forming a real rock band, learning musical instruments, filming comedy sketches, and performing live on stage.
- Intergenerational Bonding: Bridging retro nostalgia for long-time fans with energetic new music and viral social media content for new generations.
Current 5th-Anniversary Slogan & Official Fan Name “Danbii”
As Hapidanbui entered its landmark 5th-anniversary era, Sanrio established a refreshed creative phase marked by a new official slogan and dedicated fandom identity:
- Current Slogan:
「みんなとなら、どんなことも“だいじょうぶい”！」
(“Together with everyone, everything is 'Daijou-bui' / A-OK!”) — a heartwarming wordplay blending daijoubu (all right / okay) with the “bui” (V) from Hapidanbui. - Official Fan Name:
Danbii (だんびぃ) — the affectionate, official Japanese fandom title adopted by supporters who attend live shows, purchase merchandise, and vote in the Sanrio Character Ranking.
Meet the Six Members: Distinct Personalities & Roles
Hapidanbui's enduring popularity stems from the electric chemistry between its six iconic members. Explore each character's role within the unit and click to read their full standalone biographies:
Band Role: Guitar • 2026 #3
Pochacco (ポチャッコ)
Sporty, curious dog boy from Uguisu Alley who plays guitar in the band and serves as the athletic heart of the group.
Band Role: Drums • 2026 #8
Tuxedosam (タキシードサム)
Fashionable, gourmet-loving blue penguin from the South Pole who keeps the band's energetic tempo on the drum kit.
Band Role: Percussion • 2026 #14
Kerokerokeroppi (けろけろけろっぴ)
Energetic frog boy from Donut Pond who brings lively rhythm on percussion and tambourine while lifting everyone's spirits.
Band Role: Main Vocals • 2026 #11
Bad Badtz-Maru (バッドばつ丸)
Mischievous, ambitious penguin who grabs the center microphone as the charismatic, high-energy rock frontman.
Band Role: Bass • 2026 #9
Hangyodon (ハンギョドン)
Sensitive, romantic fish boy who dreams of heroism and lays down deep, groovy basslines for the band's songs.
Band Role: Keyboard • Unit Leader • 2026 #6
Ahirunopekkle (あひるのペックル)
Gentle, tap-dancing duck who plays keyboard and is officially designated by Sanrio's brand team as Hapidanbui's leader.
Who Is the Leader of Hapidanbui?
In official Sanrio brand materials, Ahirunopekkle (Pekkle) is designated as the official leader of Hapidanbui. Rather than acting as a strict, authoritarian commander, Pekkle's leadership is gentle, inclusive, and grounded in emotional support. When the other five members get carried away with silly banter or conflicting ideas, Pekkle's warm demeanor and patient encouragement keep the unit focused and harmonious.
Unit Chemistry: The “Schoolboy Recess” Atmosphere
Sanrio characterizes the group dynamic of Hapidanbui as mirroring a group of lively elementary schoolboys during recess:
- The Pranksters: Bad Badtz-Maru and Kerokerokeroppi love teasing each other, making funny faces, and initiating chaotic jokes.
- The Straight Men & Reacters: Pochacco and Tuxedosam react with humorous exasperation, attempting to maintain focus while inevitably getting pulled into the fun.
- The Laid-Back Dreamer: Hangyodon offers dry, slightly sentimental observations from the side.
- The Peacemaker: Pekkle smiles gently, offers snacks, and brings everyone together for the next big performance.
Canonical Relationships & Family Clarifications
To preserve factual integrity and avoid common online misconceptions:
- Teammates, Not Biological Brothers: The six members belong to different species (dogs, penguins, frogs, fish, ducks). They are teammates and close friends, not biological brothers.
- No Romantic Lore: There are no intra-unit romantic relationships, dating subplots, or canonical girlfriends within Hapidanbui lore.
- No Franchise Villain: Hapidanbui does not battle evil organizations or recurring rivals; the unit's challenges involve mastering musical instruments, cooking dishes, staging events, and boosting fan morale.
- Discovery vs. Story Canon: External Sanrio recommendation cards (such as Hello Kitty or Pompompurin) appear solely for site discovery and do not represent internal Hapidanbui unit members.
Hapidanbui as a Band: Official Music & Songs
Music is the beating heart of Hapidanbui. Unlike fictional groups that only pose with instruments in illustrations, Hapidanbui actually commissions original songs from top Japanese rock artists and releases fully animated music videos:
1. Debut Single: 『ダイジョーブ』 (Daijoubu)
Released on March 14, 2020, “Daijoubu” (Everything's All Right) was written and composed by the energetic Japanese indie rock band KALMA. Featuring Bad Badtz-Maru on passionate lead vocals backed by driving punk guitars and crashing drums, the song delivers an empowering message that it's okay to make mistakes as long as you keep moving forward.
2. Second Anthem: 『ハッピー戦隊★はぴだんぶい』 (Happy Sentai★Hapidanbui)
Provided by the acclaimed hybrid pop-rock group MONKEY MAJIK in 2020, this high-spirited anthem adopted a lighthearted superhero cheer theme. Badtz-Maru commanded the lead verses with Keroppi and Pochacco providing catchy chorus harmonies, designed to bring smiles and comfort during difficult times.
3. 5th-Anniversary Song: 『はぴだんぶい！！！』 (Hapidanbui!!!)
Marking their triumphant 5th-anniversary music return, “Hapidanbui!!!” is the unit's first all-new original song in roughly five years. Crucially, this song expands beyond a single lead vocalist to give all six members individual solo vocal parts and personality-driven rap introductions, celebrating each character's unique identity.
Media Clarifications: Anime, Movies & Manga
- No TV Anime Series: Hapidanbui has not been adapted into a weekly broadcast television anime series. Official video media comprises animated music videos, comedy shorts, and event promos.
- No Theatrical Movie: There is no feature-length cinematic film.
- No Serialized Manga: There is no regular monthly manga magazine publication.
Publishing & Digital Content: 2026 Campaigns
Hapidanbui maintains a vibrant presence across modern Japanese media and retail:
- Ichigo Keywords Book Fair (2026): A special literary promotion pairing each member with renowned philosophical and personal development books (Pochacco with Dale Carnegie's How to Stop Worrying and Start Living, Badtz-Maru with Machiavelli's The Prince, Tuxedosam with Shakespeare, Pekkle with Nitobe's Bushido, Keroppi with Yoshida Kenkō's Tsurezuregusa, and Hangyodon with Laozi's Tao Te Ching).
- Digital Channels: Active official accounts on X (Twitter) (@hapidanbui) and TikTok, featuring daily comedy comics, behind-the-scenes band practice clips, and holiday greetings.
- Mobile Gaming: High-profile game crossovers, including the popular 2025–2026 collaboration with puzzle adventure LINE Pokopang Town.
2026 Current Activities: Hapidanbui Voyage & Commercial Partnerships
In 2026, Hapidanbui launched its nationwide campaign “Hapidanbui Voyage: Full-Power Summer Vacation 2026” (はぴだんぶい ぼやーじゅ 全開サマーバケーション), featuring:
- Special pop-up shops at Tokyo Skytree Town and Sanrio department store boutiques.
- Major apparel and accessory lines with fashion retailers Shimamura and BREEZE.
- Collectible candy dispenser collaborations with PEZ × Hapidanbui.
- Travel and tourism promotions with JR Central promoting scenic bullet train excursions.
How the Sanrio Character Ranking Works for Hapidanbui
A critical structural distinction in Sanrio's voting system is that Hapidanbui does not compete as a collective group on the general 90-character ballot. Instead, each of the six individual members enters the race under their own name. In both 2025 and 2026, all six members performed with extraordinary strength, sweeping positions across the global Top 14:
2025 & 2026 Hapidanbui Member Rankings Comparison
| Member | Band Role | 2025 Final Rank | 2026 Final Rank | Ranking Movement & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pochacco | Guitar | #3 | #3 | Solid Top 3 podium finish; 2026 Nakayoshi Yell Award Winner |
| Ahirunopekkle | Keyboard / Leader | #10 | #6 | Surged +4 positions into Top 6; 2026 Nakayoshi Yell Award Winner |
| Tuxedosam | Drums | #9 | #8 | Advanced +1 position into Top 8; 2026 Nakayoshi Yell Award Winner |
| Hangyodon | Bass | #8 | #9 | Secured another commanding Top 10 worldwide placement |
| Bad Badtz-Maru | Main Vocals | #11 | #11 | Stable #11 worldwide finish just outside the Top 10 |
| Kerokerokeroppi | Percussion | #14 | #14 | Consistent Top 14 finish worldwide (advanced from #15 interim) |
2026 Special Honor: The Nakayoshi Yell Award
In the 41st Sanrio Character Ranking (2026), Sanrio introduced the prestigious Nakayoshi Yell Award (なかよしエール賞), presented to characters who received tremendous joint voting support from fan communities. Three members of Hapidanbui—Pochacco, Ahirunopekkle, and Tuxedosam—were officially awarded this honor, highlighting the deep affection fans hold for their inter-character bond.
Partner Category History
In addition to individual character voting, Sanrio hosts a separate Partner Category (パートナー部門) for brand collaborations. In 2023, the high-profile crossover Donpen × Hapidanbui (collaborating with discount retail chain Don Quijote) achieved 1st Place (#1 Champion) in the Partner Category.
Hapidanbui Visual Gallery
Explore official artwork showcasing the unit's band performances, team challenges, celebrations, and daily adventures:
V-Logo Team Unity
All six members proudly wearing their signature V-logo shirts representing their comeback mission.
Rock Band Stage
Electrifying live concert performance featuring drums, keys, bass, guitar, percussion, and lead vocals.
Playful Pyramid
Balancing together in a cheerful pyramid formation during an outdoor park gathering.
Snack Time Break
Unwinding together with fresh donuts, burgers, and iced drinks during band rehearsal breaks.
Birthday Party
Gathering around a colorful pastel cake with glowing candles to celebrate member milestones.
Seaside Voyage
Planning their next coastal excursion with travel maps and cameras under sunny skies.
Meadow Sunshine
Lounging side by side in a lush grassy meadow filled with blooming daisies and fluttering butterflies.
Sunset Pier
Watching the golden evening sun melt over the ocean horizon in peaceful, heartfelt companionship.
25 Verified Facts About Hapidanbui
- Official Sanrio Unit: Formed, copyrighted, and managed by Sanrio Co., Ltd. in Tokyo.
- Debut Year: Officially announced and debuted on January 31, 2020.
- Six Members: Comprises Pochacco, Tuxedosam, Keroppi, Badtz-Maru, Hangyodon, and Pekkle.
- Name Origin: Derived from “Happy ni naritai danshi-tachi, V-ji kaifuku wo nerau”.
- V-Shaped Comeback: Created around the concept of classic characters achieving a popular revival.
- Official Slogan: 「みんなとなら、どんなことも“だいじょうぶい”！」 (Together with everyone, everything is A-OK!).
- Official Fan Name: Danbii, written in Japanese as だんびぃ.
- Designated Leader: Pekkle is officially recognized by Sanrio's brand team as the unit's leader.
- Rock Band Identity: Operates as a functional musical band with defined instrument assignments.
- Badtz-Maru's Band Role: Serves as the main lead vocalist and charismatic frontman.
- Pochacco's Band Role: Plays electric/acoustic guitar.
- Tuxedosam's Band Role: Plays the drum kit.
- Keroppi's Band Role: Plays percussion and tambourine.
- Hangyodon's Band Role: Plays the bass guitar.
- Pekkle's Band Role: Plays the keyboard and synthesizers.
- Debut Song “Daijoubu”: Written and composed by Japanese rock trio KALMA (released March 14, 2020).
- Second Song: “Happy Sentai★Hapidanbui” provided by pop-rock group MONKEY MAJIK.
- 5th-Anniversary Song: “Hapidanbui!!!” released with individual vocal parts and raps for all six members.
- No Dedicated TV Anime: Stars in animated music videos and comedy shorts, not a TV anime series.
- 2025 Ranking Dominance: All six members finished in the global Top 14 in 2025.
- 2026 Ranking Dominance: All six members again secured Top 14 finishes in 2026 (Pochacco #3, Pekkle #6, Tuxedosam #8, Hangyodon #9, Badtz-Maru #11, Keroppi #14).
- 2026 Nakayoshi Yell Award: Won by Pochacco, Pekkle, and Tuxedosam for massive joint fan voting.
- Partner Category Champion: Donpen × Hapidanbui took #1 First Place in 2023.
- Active 2026 Campaigns: Star of the nationwide “Hapidanbui Voyage 2026” summer campaign.
- Active Merchandise: Supported across Sanrio stores, Skytree Town, Shimamura, BREEZE, and PEZ.
Myths & Misconceptions Cleared
| Misconception / Myth | Canonical Reality |
|---|---|
| “Hapidanbui debuted in 1987.” | False. Hapidanbui debuted as a unit in 2020. Individual members debuted earlier (1979–1993). |
| “Hapidanbui is a single mascot character.” | False. Hapidanbui is an all-star unit consisting of six distinct, established Sanrio characters. |
| “Hapidanbui is a sports-only category property.” | False. Music, band performances, comedy, camaraderie, and cheer challenges are central. |
| “The six members are biological brothers.” | False. They are close teammates and friends representing different animal species. |
| “Hapidanbui ranked #86 in the 2025 Character Ranking.” | False. The unit does not compete on the general ballot; its six members ranked #3, #8, #9, #10, #11, and #14. |
| “Hapidanbui has no real songs or music.” | False. The unit has released major official songs written by KALMA, MONKEY MAJIK, and 5th-anniversary singles. |
| “The unit shares one collective birthday.” | False. January 31 is the unit's formation date; each member celebrates their own individual birthday. |
| “2026 Sanrio Character Ranking results are still pending.” | False. Official final results for 2026 are verified and published worldwide. |
| “Partner Category results are overall Character Ranking ranks.” | False. The Partner Category is a separate voting division for corporate and mascot collaborations. |
| “Hapidanbui is an inactive, temporary collaboration.” | False. Hapidanbui is a permanent, active official Sanrio franchise celebrating its 5th anniversary. |
| “Pochacco is the leader of Hapidanbui.” | False. Sanrio's brand team designates Ahirunopekkle (Pekkle) as the official leader of the unit. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Hapidanbui
What is Hapidanbui?
Hapidanbui (はぴだんぶい, stylized as HAPIDANBUI) is an official six-member Sanrio character unit formed in 2020 comprising six beloved male characters: Pochacco, Tuxedosam, Kerokerokeroppi, Bad Badtz-Maru, Hangyodon, and Ahirunopekkle.
Is Hapidanbui an official Sanrio unit?
Yes. Hapidanbui is a 100% authentic, copyrighted Sanrio property created and managed by Sanrio Co., Ltd. in Tokyo, Japan.
What is Hapidanbui called in Japanese?
In Japanese, the unit's name is written as はぴだんぶい (in hiragana) and officially styled in Latin capital letters as HAPIDANBUI.
When did Hapidanbui debut?
Hapidanbui officially debuted in 2020. Sanrio announced the formation of the unit on January 31, 2020.
Did Hapidanbui debut in 1987 or 2020?
Hapidanbui debuted as a unit in 2020. Erroneous legacy database listings referencing 1987 confused the debut year of an individual member (such as Keroppi's 1988 era or Tuxedosam's 1979 era) with the unit's actual 2020 formation.
When was Hapidanbui formed?
Hapidanbui was officially formed and announced by Sanrio on January 31, 2020.
What does Hapidanbui mean?
The name Hapidanbui is derived from the official Japanese phrase: 'Happy ni naritai danshi-tachi, V-ji kaifuku wo nerau' (ハッピーになりたい男子たち、V字回復をねらう), meaning 'Boys who want to become happy and aim for a V-shaped comeback!'
What does 'V-shaped recovery' mean in the unit's concept?
In Hapidanbui's lore, 'V-shaped recovery' (V字回復) refers to the six classic characters banding together to revitalize their popularity, take on exciting new challenges, and spread positive energy and confidence to their fans.
Why was Hapidanbui created?
Sanrio created Hapidanbui to unite six established retro male characters into a collaborative team, encouraging fans through themes of friendship, self-confidence, music, and embracing individuality.
How many members are in Hapidanbui?
There are exactly six official members in Hapidanbui.
Who are the six Hapidanbui members?
The six members are Pochacco, Tuxedosam, Kerokerokeroppi, Bad Badtz-Maru, Hangyodon, and Ahirunopekkle (Pekkle).
Is Pochacco in Hapidanbui?
Yes. Pochacco is an official member of Hapidanbui and plays guitar in the original band formation.
Is Tuxedosam in Hapidanbui?
Yes. Tuxedosam is an official member of Hapidanbui and plays drums in the band formation.
Is Kerokerokeroppi in Hapidanbui?
Yes. Kerokerokeroppi (Keroppi) is an official member of Hapidanbui and plays percussion/tambourine in the band.
Is Bad Badtz-Maru in Hapidanbui?
Yes. Bad Badtz-Maru is an official member of Hapidanbui and performs as the main vocalist/frontman in their debut songs.
Is Hangyodon in Hapidanbui?
Yes. Hangyodon is an official member of Hapidanbui and plays bass in the band formation.
Is Ahirunopekkle in Hapidanbui?
Yes. Ahirunopekkle (Pekkle) is an official member of Hapidanbui, plays keyboard, and is designated by Sanrio's brand team as the unit's leader.
Who is the leader of Hapidanbui?
Ahirunopekkle (Pekkle) is officially described by Sanrio's Hapidanbui brand team as the leader of the unit, providing gentle, patient, and collaborative leadership for the group.
What is Hapidanbui's current slogan?
Hapidanbui's current 5th-anniversary-era slogan is 「みんなとなら、どんなことも“だいじょうぶい”！」 ('Together with everyone, everything is 'Daijou-bui' / A-OK!').
What are Hapidanbui fans called?
Hapidanbui fans are officially called Danbii (written in Japanese as だんびぃ).
What is Danbii?
Danbii (だんびぃ) is the official fandom name for supporters and followers of the Hapidanbui unit.
Is Hapidanbui a musical band?
Yes. Band activity was the unit's first major public challenge in 2020, with each of the six members playing a specific musical instrument in their official music videos and live stage performances.
What instrument does Pochacco play in Hapidanbui?
Pochacco plays the guitar.
What instrument does Tuxedosam play in Hapidanbui?
Tuxedosam plays the drums.
What instrument does Kerokerokeroppi play in Hapidanbui?
Kerokerokeroppi plays percussion and tambourine.
Who is Hapidanbui's original lead vocalist?
Bad Badtz-Maru performs as the main vocalist in the unit's debut songs, bringing his signature energetic rock attitude.
What instrument does Hangyodon play in Hapidanbui?
Hangyodon plays the bass guitar.
What instrument does Ahirunopekkle play in Hapidanbui?
Ahirunopekkle (Pekkle) plays the keyboard/synthesizer.
What was Hapidanbui's debut song?
Hapidanbui's debut song is 『ダイジョーブ』 (Daijoubu), released with an official music video on March 14, 2020.
What is the message of the song 'Daijoubu'?
Written and provided by Japanese rock band KALMA, 'Daijoubu' delivers an uplifting anthem about reassurance, self-acceptance, and moving forward cheerfully even when facing setbacks.
Who wrote and provided 'Daijoubu'?
The song 'Daijoubu' was written and provided by the acclaimed Japanese indie rock trio KALMA.
What is 'Happy Sentai★Hapidanbui'?
『ハッピー戦隊★はぴだんぶい』 (Happy Sentai★Hapidanbui) is the unit's second major song, provided by pop-rock group MONKEY MAJIK in 2020, featuring superhero-style cheer and encouragement.
Who provided 'Happy Sentai★Hapidanbui'?
The song was created and provided by the renowned hybrid pop-rock band MONKEY MAJIK.
What is 'Hapidanbui!!!'?
『はぴだんぶい！！！』 (Hapidanbui!!!) is the unit's landmark 5th-anniversary comeback song, representing their first new musical release in roughly five years and featuring solo vocal lines and rap introductions for all six members.
Do all six members sing in 'Hapidanbui!!!'?
Yes. Unlike earlier tracks where Badtz-Maru was the sole lead singer, 'Hapidanbui!!!' features distinct vocal parts, harmonies, and personality-driven rap introductions for all six members.
Does Hapidanbui have a dedicated TV anime series?
No. While Hapidanbui stars in numerous animated music videos, promotional animated shorts, and live stage theatricals, there is no standalone broadcast television anime series.
Does Hapidanbui have a theatrical movie?
No. There is no feature-length theatrical movie for Hapidanbui.
Does Hapidanbui have a serialized manga series?
No dedicated serialized manga magazine run exists for Hapidanbui.
Are there official Hapidanbui books?
Yes. In 2026, Sanrio collaborated on the 'Ichigo Keywords' publishing fair, associating each of the six members with classic philosophical and literary titles (e.g., Pochacco with Carnegie, Badtz-Maru with Machiavelli).
Does Hapidanbui have a single group birthday?
No. There is no shared fictional birthday for the unit. January 31, 2020, is the formation announcement date, while each of the six members celebrates their own individual canonical birthday.
How old is Hapidanbui?
Hapidanbui has no collective numeric age. The unit formed in 2020, but Sanrio does not calculate a biological age for the group.
Are the six members of Hapidanbui friends?
Yes. The six members share a deep canonical friendship, camaraderie, and team bond described as having the playful, energetic atmosphere of schoolboys during recess.
Are the six members of Hapidanbui biological brothers?
No. The members are distinct individual characters belonging to different species (dogs, penguins, frogs, fish, ducks) who formed an official team; they are not biological brothers.
Does Hapidanbui have canonical romantic relationships?
No. There are no romantic storylines or intra-unit pairings in canonical Hapidanbui lore.
Does Hapidanbui have an enemy or villain?
No. Hapidanbui does not fight recurring villains or monsters; their storylines focus on overcoming self-doubt, taking on fun challenges, and spreading joy.
Does Hapidanbui enter the general Sanrio Character Ranking as a single unit?
No. Hapidanbui does not compete as a single entity on the main 90-character ballot; its six members participate and are voted for individually.
Did Hapidanbui rank #86 in the 2025 Character Ranking?
No. The '#86' number was an internal encyclopedia catalog sorting index, not an official Character Ranking placement. Hapidanbui's six members each achieved top-tier individual rankings.
What were the six members' individual 2025 rankings?
In the 2025 Sanrio Character Ranking, all six members placed in the global Top 14: Pochacco #3, Hangyodon #8, Tuxedosam #9, Ahirunopekkle #10, Bad Badtz-Maru #11, and Kerokerokeroppi #14.
What were the six members' individual 2026 rankings?
In the final 2026 Sanrio Character Ranking, all six members once again secured positions in the global Top 14: Pochacco #3, Ahirunopekkle #6, Tuxedosam #8, Hangyodon #9, Bad Badtz-Maru #11, and Kerokerokeroppi #14.
What is the Nakayoshi Yell Award?
The Nakayoshi Yell Award (なかよしエール賞) is a special official award presented in the 2026 Sanrio Character Ranking to honor characters who received massive simultaneous combined votes from passionate fans.
Which Hapidanbui members received the 2026 Nakayoshi Yell Award?
Three Hapidanbui members—Pochacco, Ahirunopekkle, and Tuxedosam—were officially awarded the 2026 Nakayoshi Yell Award.
What is the Partner Category in the Sanrio Character Ranking?
The Partner Category is a separate voting division in the Sanrio Character Ranking where Sanrio characters collaborate with corporate partners, external mascots, or special entities.
Did Donpen × Hapidanbui win the Partner Category?
Yes. In the 2023 Sanrio Character Ranking, the collaboration between Don Quijote's mascot Donpen and Hapidanbui won 1st Place (#1) in the Partner Category.
What is Hapidanbui Voyage 2026?
Hapidanbui Voyage: Full-Power Summer Vacation 2026 (はぴだんぶい ぼやーじゅ 全開サマーバケーション) is an official 2026 nationwide event campaign featuring summer pop-up shops, stamp rallies, stage appearances, and exclusive travel-themed merchandise.
Is Hapidanbui merchandise still available?
Yes. Sanrio regularly releases official Hapidanbui merchandise including apparel, plushies, acrylic stands, stationery, and collaborations with brands like Shimamura, BREEZE, and PEZ.
Is Hapidanbui still active in 2026?
Yes! Hapidanbui is exceptionally active in 2026, celebrating its 5th anniversary era with new music, major retail campaigns, nationwide events, and dominant Top 14 Character Ranking performances by all six members.
