TV-Series
Description
Created by Sanrio designer Hisato Inoue in 1993, Badtz-Maru debuted in the May 1993 issue of Strawberry News. He stands as Sanrio's first intentionally "not nice" character, presenting a rebellious contrast to the company's typically sweet creations. Born on April Fool's Day in Oahu, Hawaii, his name fuses the Japanese "batsu" (X, wrong) and "maru" (circle/O, correct), embodying his mischievous yet good-hearted duality, often symbolized by an "XO" motif.
Visually, he is a black penguin sporting spiky hair, frequently depicted pulling one eye down and sticking out his tongue. He lives in Gorgeoustown with his family: his formidable mother, a gang-leading father who enjoys pachinko, mischievous younger twin siblings (one male, one female), and his younger sister Tsunko—a pink penguin born April 2nd who wears a nurse's uniform and practices ballet. His pet is an alligator named Pochi, whom he walks regularly.
Defined by mischief, sarcasm, and ambition, this perpetually first-grade penguin dreams of becoming "the boss of everything." He exhibits a selfish streak, often choosing "the wrong side" for amusement. His hobbies include collecting photos of movie villains and eating expensive sushi in Ginza, Tokyo. Despite his rebellious nature, he shows loyalty and capacity for growth, influenced positively by characters like Hello Kitty. He leads the "XO Clan" with closest friends Hana-Maru, a gentle white seal, and Pandaba, a rap-listening giant panda. His wider circle includes Kahme (a poetic turtle), Iruka (an intelligent dolphin), Sameo (a manga-loving shark), Goro (a flirtatious bird), and Anko (a mysterious angler fish).
Badtz-Maru stars in the OVA *Hello Kitty's Animation Theater* segment *The Boy Who Cried Wolf* as the Shepherd Boy, highlighting his mischievous streak. He also appears in *Kitty's Paradise*, *Hello Kitty Stump Village* ("Strange Penguin"), *The Adventures of Hello Kitty & Friends*, and *Hello Kitty and Friends: Supercute Adventures*. In the latter, he owns the "XO Arcade," is an avid gamer, is best friends with Keroppi, and harbors a crush on Kuromi. He is vocalist for the Sanrio boy band Hapidanbui, formed in 2020 with characters like Tuxedo Sam and Keroppi, promoting self-acceptance.
Beyond animation, he appears as a plushie in films *Bring It On* and *Like Mike*, and briefly in *Ready Player One*. He served as official mascot for the 2006 FIBA World Championship basketball tournament in Japan, with event-specific merchandise. After original creator Hisato Inoue left Sanrio in 1995, designer Kaori Harada modernized his appearance while retaining core traits. Merchandise spans stationery, apparel, plush toys, and collaborations like A Bathing Ape for his 25th anniversary. A dedicated Badtz-Maru restaurant, requiring guests to wear black, operated at Sanrio Puroland in 2018.
In Sanrio's global popularity polls, he reached 1st place in 1996, maintains a consistent ranking presence, and often performs better in the United States. As of 2023, he ranked 10th globally, with notable popularity in Taiwan, Brazil, and Italy.
Visually, he is a black penguin sporting spiky hair, frequently depicted pulling one eye down and sticking out his tongue. He lives in Gorgeoustown with his family: his formidable mother, a gang-leading father who enjoys pachinko, mischievous younger twin siblings (one male, one female), and his younger sister Tsunko—a pink penguin born April 2nd who wears a nurse's uniform and practices ballet. His pet is an alligator named Pochi, whom he walks regularly.
Defined by mischief, sarcasm, and ambition, this perpetually first-grade penguin dreams of becoming "the boss of everything." He exhibits a selfish streak, often choosing "the wrong side" for amusement. His hobbies include collecting photos of movie villains and eating expensive sushi in Ginza, Tokyo. Despite his rebellious nature, he shows loyalty and capacity for growth, influenced positively by characters like Hello Kitty. He leads the "XO Clan" with closest friends Hana-Maru, a gentle white seal, and Pandaba, a rap-listening giant panda. His wider circle includes Kahme (a poetic turtle), Iruka (an intelligent dolphin), Sameo (a manga-loving shark), Goro (a flirtatious bird), and Anko (a mysterious angler fish).
Badtz-Maru stars in the OVA *Hello Kitty's Animation Theater* segment *The Boy Who Cried Wolf* as the Shepherd Boy, highlighting his mischievous streak. He also appears in *Kitty's Paradise*, *Hello Kitty Stump Village* ("Strange Penguin"), *The Adventures of Hello Kitty & Friends*, and *Hello Kitty and Friends: Supercute Adventures*. In the latter, he owns the "XO Arcade," is an avid gamer, is best friends with Keroppi, and harbors a crush on Kuromi. He is vocalist for the Sanrio boy band Hapidanbui, formed in 2020 with characters like Tuxedo Sam and Keroppi, promoting self-acceptance.
Beyond animation, he appears as a plushie in films *Bring It On* and *Like Mike*, and briefly in *Ready Player One*. He served as official mascot for the 2006 FIBA World Championship basketball tournament in Japan, with event-specific merchandise. After original creator Hisato Inoue left Sanrio in 1995, designer Kaori Harada modernized his appearance while retaining core traits. Merchandise spans stationery, apparel, plush toys, and collaborations like A Bathing Ape for his 25th anniversary. A dedicated Badtz-Maru restaurant, requiring guests to wear black, operated at Sanrio Puroland in 2018.
In Sanrio's global popularity polls, he reached 1st place in 1996, maintains a consistent ranking presence, and often performs better in the United States. As of 2023, he ranked 10th globally, with notable popularity in Taiwan, Brazil, and Italy.