The Debut of Bear-kun and Honey-chan
In a vibrant display of character charm, APAMAN Inc.'s official mascots, Bear-kun and Honey-chan, made their exciting debut at the
14th World Character Summit in Hanyu on November 15th and 16th, 2025. The event attracted a massive crowd, with over 4,000 visitors flocking to the company's booth, where they enjoyed immersive experiences and unique interactions with the beloved characters.
Event Highlights
The
World Character Summit is renowned as the largest gathering of character fans across the nation, providing an exceptional platform for brands to connect with their audience. For APAMAN, it was an ideal opportunity to showcase their family-friendly approach to living spaces through their fun-loving mascots, Bear-kun and Honey-chan. Both characters were the stars of the event, drawing attention with their synchronized dance performances and engaging crowd interactions.
Enjoying the Experience
Many visitors documented their experiences across social media, sharing moments where the characters interacted with fans. Comments flooded social media, praising the cute performances and the captivating choreography of Bear-kun and Honey-chan. Families and couples especially enjoyed the photo booth, where they captured memories with the characters, creating long lines of excited attendees eager for their turn. With over 4,000 families participating in the interactive photo sessions, the booth became a focal point of the event.
Unique Collaboration
In addition to the photo opportunities, APAMAN also collaborated with maze creator Mei Yoshikawa to distribute a limited number of “MEICA” maze cards related to Bear-kun and Honey-chan. These cards became instant collectibles, with the distribution running out much faster than expected, indicating the high demand from eager fans. Those who participated in the event eagerly expressed their delight in collecting these cards, often humorously lamenting about wanting more.
Social Media Buzz
The excitement didn't stop there. Posts and stories on Instagram garnered an impressive reach, with 8,327 views recorded on the event's stories alone. This surge represented a staggering 250% increase in engagement compared to the previous year's social media presence. Fans and visitors shared their experiences, commenting joyfully on the charm of the characters, with some stating their kids couldn’t stop hugging Bear-kun.
Looking Ahead
With such a successful debut, APAMAN is planning to strengthen its character strategy with future collaborations. They aim to participate in a myriad of national events, as well as explore partnerships with local governments and businesses. Moreover, 2026 will feature special events like the Bear-Hani Fan Meeting and more real-life gathering opportunities. Initiatives like a nationwide dance event across all 47 prefectures will continue to highlight regional attractions while engaging their audience.
Conclusion
The
14th World Character Summit in Hanyu not only marked the beginning of Bear-kun and Honey-chan's journey into the world of character branding but also demonstrated the potential for engagement and connection with the community. With plans for more exciting projects, APAMAN promises to continue spreading joy and charm through their beloved mascots. For updates on Bear-kun and Honey-chan's latest adventures, fans can follow the duo on various social media platforms using the hashtag #はにゅはにゅ.