#Japan #Tokyo #mojojojo #Character Award #Akemi Aoki

Mojojojo Achieves New Face Award in Japan Character Awards 2026

In a recent development, the plushie brand Mojojojo has been honored with the New Face Award at the 2026 Japan Character Awards. This award is given to promising new characters and brands that have shown exceptional potential in the past year. The event is organized by the Character Brand Licensing Association and is considered one of Japan's prominent award ceremonies in the character business sector.

Background of the Award

Mojojojo gained significant traction on social media, primarily due to its capsule toys, which have sold over a staggering one million figures in total. This monumental success has led to a continuous sell-out of products both in physical stores and online marketplaces, especially among the younger demographic. Mojojojo's popularity is further evidenced by its climb in search rankings and its engaging presence on social media.

In addition to the award, Mojojojo was recognized in 2025 by Nikkei Trendy as a top-selling product for the first half of the year and ranked high in Yahoo! Search Awards' Next Breakthrough Products category. The brand is diversifying its product offerings across various categories, including apparel and stationery, and is involved in increasing collaborations with businesses for promotional activities.

What is Mojojojo?

Mojojojo is an original brand crafted by plush toy creator Ayumi Ozaki. Its unique expressions, warm aesthetics, and light-hearted humor create a captivating universe that invites individual interpretation from fans. The decision to refrain from detailing backstories and character names allows enthusiasts to create their own narratives, fostering a devoted fanbase.

Recently, Mojojojo has leveraged the capsule toy trend to expand its appeal across social media, which has led to collaborations in diverse sectors such as lifestyle products, toys, and apparel. The brand is successfully crossing generational and genre boundaries, continuously widening its audience and community.

Comments from Ayumi Ozaki

In reaction to receiving the New Face Award, Ayumi Ozaki expressed her heartfelt gratitude, stating, “It is an immense honor to receive the New Face Award at the Japan Character Awards 2026. Thank you! The number of people who appreciate the plushies I started creating alone is slowly growing, and now I've started seeing Mojojojo plushies around town. I owe this journey to my family, friends, collaborating companies, and everyone who loves Mojojojo plushies. I am genuinely thankful and would be happy to continue creating products that are loved for many years.”

Gakken Staful’s Initiatives and Future Plans

Gakken Staful officially obtained the licensing rights for Mojojojo products in December 2025, kicking off the licensing business. They are committed to preserving Mojojojo's enchanting universe while engaging in product development, particularly within lifestyle and apparel goods. Future plans include collaborations with major brands, promotional campaigns, and the introduction of pop-up shops aimed at expanding brand awareness and acquiring new audiences.

Upcoming Event: Licensing Japan 2026

• - Dates: June 17-19, 2026
• - Venue: Tokyo Big Sight, West Exhibition Hall, Booth No. 13-28
• - Featured: The award-winning Mojojojo will be showcased alongside the celebrated illustrator Rei Kurahashi to commemorate their 10th anniversary.

More information about the event can be found on Gakken Staful's official website.

For inquiries regarding licensing and product development, please contact the Gakken Staful Licensing Sales Division.

For more about Mojojojo, visit their official site: Mojojojo Official Website