Meet Hanepyon: The Beloved PR Character of Ōta City

When visiting Tokyo, many international travelers are eager to explore the well-known highlights—Shibuya Crossing, Asakusa’s Sensoji Temple, or the bright lights of Shinjuku. Yet just a short ride from Haneda Airport lies a part of Tokyo that many visitors overlook: Ōta City. This vibrant district is rich with history, culture, hot springs, traditional shopping streets, and a warm community spirit. And at the heart of Ōta City’s promotion is its adorable official PR character, Hanepyon.

In recent years, Hanepyon has become surprisingly popular with inbound tourists. From children fascinated by its cute appearance to adults who enjoy discovering unique local mascots, Hanepyon is winning the hearts of people from around the world. If you are planning a visit to Ōta City—or even just passing through Haneda Airport—here is everything you need to know about Hanepyon: its origin, personality, and how you can bring home Hanepyon goods as souvenirs.

Who is Hanepyon?

Hanepyon is Ōta City’s official PR mascot, designed to embody the friendly and welcoming spirit of the community. At first glance, Hanepyon looks like a cute rabbit, but it has some unique features that make it truly special. Its design incorporates both the image of a rabbit and the concept of flight, representing Haneda Airport, one of the busiest international gateways in Asia, located right in Ōta City.

The name “Hanepyon” comes from two ideas. The first is “Hane” (羽), referring to Haneda Airport—Japan’s major gateway to the world, located in Ōta City. The second is “Pyon” (ぴょん), a playful sound in Japanese that suggests light, lively movement. Together, the name expresses the image of Hanepyon cheerfully hopping around to discover the charms of Ōta City, from cherry blossom spots to traditional public bathhouses.

The Meaning Behind the Design

Every part of Hanepyon’s design reflects a feature of Ōta City:

Airplane headpiece – Symbolizes Haneda Airport, Japan’s international gateway and the pride of Ōta City.
Cherry blossom necklace – Highlights the many famous cherry blossom viewing spots found throughout the city.
Bath bucket – Represents Ōta’s abundance of public bathhouses with natural hot springs, the largest number in Tokyo. Some of them even feature the rare black-colored hot spring water known as kuroyu.

Together, these elements make Hanepyon not only cute but also a living symbol of Ōta City’s unique culture and attractions.

Why Inbound Tourists Love Hanepyon

Japan is famous for its local mascots, often called yuru-chara. For many travelers, collecting photos with these mascots is a fun way to experience different regions of Japan. Hanepyon, however, has an extra advantage: because Haneda Airport is located in Ōta City, many visitors first encounter Hanepyon right after landing in Tokyo. Seeing Hanepyon on posters, goods, and events gives travelers an immediate feeling of being welcomed.For families traveling with children, Hanepyon adds a touch of playfulness to sightseeing. For adults, it is a fun cultural discovery—proof that Japan’s passion for cuteness is deeply woven into daily life.

Hanepyon Goods and Where to Find Them

If you want to take a piece of Hanepyon home, you’re in luck. A wide variety of official goods are available, and they make excellent souvenirs. Popular items include:

Plush dolls: Soft and huggable, available in various sizes.
Keychains and straps: Easy to carry and perfect for attaching to bags or suitcases.
Stationery: Notebooks, pens, and stickers featuring Hanepyon illustrations.
Eco-bags: Reusable shopping bags with Hanepyon’s cute design, practical for everyday use.
Snacks with Hanepyon packaging: Local treats decorated with Hanepyon make tasty and charming gifts.

Hanepyon goods are available at the Ōta City Tourist Information Center, where visitors can easily pick up official merchandise as souvenirs.

Becoming a Fan

Hanepyon is more than just a character; it is a symbol of Ōta City’s open and friendly identity. By learning about Hanepyon, tourists gain a deeper understanding of how local communities in Japan express pride and creativity.

If you are planning a trip to Tokyo and want to discover something unique beyond the famous landmarks, exploring Ōta City with Hanepyon as your guide can be a delightful experience. Whether you purchase a keychain, snap a photo, or meet the mascot in person, you will carry home not just a souvenir, but also a story—one that connects you to the local spirit of Tokyo’s southern gateway.