Three candidates have been named as finalists to replace Suica, the penguin as mascot symbol of Japan’s smartcard for public transportation and cashless payments.
Suica has had the role since 2001, and will be retired next March despite sentimental objections from generations of users. The cards originated with East Japan Railway, which will choose the winning character after a public online vote.
The three chosen are a squirrel, a rabbit and an orange creature of unspecified species wearing a crossbody bag with a mole on it. Voting results will be announced on November 18, and JR East will then start asking the public to help choose a nickname for the chosen creature.
