The highly anticipated cultural event, "Nico Nico Chokaigi 2025," took place on April 26-27 at Makuhari Messe, featuring a standout appearance by actress and talent Suzu Yamanouchi. As the ambassador for the first-ever fan interactive program, "SAN-X Unit Festival," she captivated audiences with her charm and energy, celebrating SAN-X's whimsical characters. The event was filled with excitement, including various stage performances and exclusive merchandise, making it a historic occasion for fans.
On April 26, Suzu Yamanouchi made a striking entrance sporting a hairstyle inspired by the beloved mascot "Rilakkuma." She participated in the "SAN-X Unit Festival Stage" and discussed her affinity for the SAN-X characters. During a segment titled "Recommendations from Suzu Yamanouchi," she expressed her fondness for characters like "Rilakkuma," "Ebitenshi no Shippo," and "Ishi Yowa-chan," saying, "I often cook at home, and it gets lonely eating alone, so I’d love for Rilakkuma to stay with me!" Her heartfelt words showcased her deep connection to the characters.
As the results of the festival’s final voting for the top five character units were revealed, Suzu commented on her favorites enthusiastically: "Every unit radiated the love from those who combined them. I particularly felt drawn to the unit 'Ashita wa Hareru kamo,' as it resonates with the current transitional season and the need for adult comfort."
The two finalist units vying for the "Best Unit Award" were "Handy Craft" featuring Shirokuma and Shappo, and "N." with Korilakkuma and Honechikin. When both finalists appeared on stage, Suzu remarked, "From their introduction to the end, the emotional depth and endearment just increased! Watching the characters support each other with their determined gazes was incredibly healing!"
Additionally, Suzu participated in a fun TikTok challenge with the characters to popular songs like "CUTIE STREET" and "Ai ScReam," delighting the audience by personalizing the catchphrases. For the finale, she led the crowd in a dance to her favorite song, "Berry Gyu to Korilakkuma," sharing, "Dancing with the characters and audience was so much fun! The characters were adorably engaging throughout!"
On April 27, excitement escalated as the "Best Unit Award" would finally be announced. Suzu opened the second day’s stage by expressing her joy in meeting the charming characters the previous day and shared her anticipation for more interactions. The returning characters participated in a dance to "CUTIE STREET," showcasing their perfect coordination.
When asked about her favorite unit among the SAN-X characters before announcing the winners, Suzu revealed, "I have a soft spot for sloths, so I would love to see a combination of Daijoubu-san and Dekiru-mon! It would create a calming atmosphere!"
Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived: the announcement of the "Best Unit Award!" The winning unit, an adorable combination of Korilakkuma and Honechikin, known as "N.,” received praise from Suzu, who said, "The combination of Korilakkuma and Honechikin makes everyone smile, and it fills the venue with warmth and love!" She presented the award to the duo with heartfelt congratulations, while also offering encouragement to the runner-up, "Handy Craft," with kind words like, "You did great! That's wonderful!"
The event wrapped up with a choreographed dance to "Berry Gyu to Korilakkuma" alongside all characters, including Rilakkuma, Ebitenshi no Shippo, and Ishi Yowa-chan. Suzu expressed her genuine joy by stating, "I’ve been humming this song lately, so dancing with everyone was a dream come true! Watching the audience join in the fun made it even more enjoyable! Over these two days, my love for SAN-X characters has truly grown!"
After the stage concluded, we had the opportunity for an exclusive interview with Suzu Yamanouchi, where she reflected on her overall experience. "The moment I stepped on stage, seeing the smiling faces of SAN-X fans brought me immense happiness. The characters’ movements were irresistibly cute, reminding me of the very essence of joy! I’ve admired Nico Nico Chokaigi since childhood, so participating was incredibly fun!" she shared.
During our chat, Suzu revealed her childhood memories, saying, "I grew up enveloped by mountains and the sea, often playing tag on my way home from school. I’d wear tank tops and shorts even in winter, and my teachers would worry about me! To this day, I still get hot easily!" Her delightful stories painted a picture of her vibrant youth.
When asked about her recent experiences, she warmed hearts with a touching episode about nurturing her plants. "I have around ten plants at home. They’ve recently started thriving again with the arrival of spring, and witnessing that change has brought me such joy!" she shared, reflecting her nurturing spirit.
Suzu also spoke about her first media appearance, mentioning, "For the first time, I cut bangs to change my look! I’ve been growing my hair for three years, and now I can see much better!" Lastly, when asked about her ideal teammate beyond the stage, she promptly named her manager, citing their close bond, which signifies a deep personal and professional relationship beyond the work sphere.
Nico Nico Chokaigi 2025 Schedule:
- - Dates: April 26 (Sat) 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Last Entry 5:30 PM)
- - April 27 (Sun) 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last Entry 4:30 PM)
- - Venue: Makuhari Messe, International Exhibition Halls 1-8 and Event Hall
- - Official Website: Nico Nico Chokaigi
About SAN-X:
Founded in 1980, SAN-X is a Japanese company known for its extensive lineup of unique characters, such as Rilakkuma and Sumikkogurashi. With over 1,000 original characters, SAN-X continues to create endearing and whimsical designs delivered through products, promotions, and events worldwide. Characterized by their cuteness and quirky charm, SAN-X characters resonate deeply with fans of all ages. For more information, visit their official website:
SAN-X.