Image via San-X

San-X has released a new flying squirrel character named Yonayona Poropo. They (as San-X did not reveal the gender of this mascot) also have a leaf fairy friend named Happa-chan who helps cheer up Poropo.

According to the character description for Poropo, they’re prone to tears and a little awkward. Every night, they think about how they messed up earlier in the day and reflect on their failures. Though there are a lot of days when nothing goes right and Poropo is feeling down, they still try their best every day. Happa-chan is a kindly friend of Poropo’s who makes Poropo feel better when they’re crying.

The name “Yonayona Poropo” is a reference to how they spend every day crying. “Yonayona” literally translates to “every night.” Meanwhile, poroporo is an onomatopoeia that’s usually used in association with tears falling down someone’s face. Design-wise, the stars in Poropo’s ears are their most charming feature. San-X also points out their droopy eyes, small hands, large tail, and round and soft-looking body.

Yonayona Poropo will join the existing roster of San-X mascots. This includes characters like Tarepanda, Kogepan, Afro Ken, and Rilakkuma. Poropo’s insecure personality, as well as the focus on how they cry in bed every night, slots in with how San-X designs its characters to lend a shoulder to people living in stressful modern times.

You can follow Yonayona Poropo on Twitter and TikTok to see more updates about merchandise and such.

Stephanie is a senior writer who has been writing for games journalism and translating since 2020. After graduating with a BA in English and a Certificate in Creative Writing, she spent a few years teaching English and history before fulfilling her childhood dream of becoming a writer. In terms of games, she loves RPGs, action-adventure, and visual novels. Aside from writing for Siliconera and Crunchyroll, she translates light novels, manga, and video games.