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Badtz Maru: Fun facts & untold secrets about Sanrio’s coolest penguin
Looking for something quirky, mischievous, and absolutely unforgettable in the Sanrio universe? Meet Badtz Maru, the spiky-haired black penguin with an attitude. Unlike his sweeter Sanrio counterparts like Hello Kitty or My Melody, Badtz Maru stands out as the ultimate cool rebel. In this blog, Japan Figure'll dive into the fun facts and untold secrets of this iconic character, beloved by fans around the world.
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1. Who is Badtz Maru? Origin and backstory explained
Badtz Maru (or Bad Badtz Maru) was created by Sanrio in 1993 and instantly captured hearts with his cheeky smirk and punky hairstyle. He was born in Oahu, Hawaii, which adds to his unique, international flair among Sanrio characters.
He quickly became a favorite among those looking for an edgier alternative to the sweetness overload often seen in the Sanrio lineup.
Key facts about Badtz Maru:
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Birthday: April 1 (April Fool’s Day)
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Species: Penguin
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Hometown: Gorgeoustown
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Debut year: 1993
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Notable trait: Signature mischievous grin and spiky hair
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Personality: Sassy, rebellious, but not evil
>>> Browse Sanrio Bad Badtz-Maru Plush Toy and add ultimate cuteness to your collectibles shelf!
2. What is Badtz Maru's personality and quirks?
Badtz Maru isn’t your typical goody-two-shoes character. He dreams of becoming rich and famous, and he often acts like a know-it-all. However, that’s what makes him so charming and relatable to fans around the world.
Highlights of his personality:
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He’s sarcastic but not mean.
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He loves to roll his eyes and think he’s cooler than everyone else.
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He has a pet alligator named Pochi.
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Despite his antics, he's not a villain.
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His hobbies include collecting pictures of bad guys and being the center of attention.
>>> Fun fact: Badtz Maru often walks around with his hands behind his back, as if he’s always plotting something.
3. The world of Badtz Maru: friends, crush, family, and rivals
Let’s meet the characters that surround Sanrio Badtz Maru and add even more personality to his world:
3.1. Hana-Maru – Badtz Maru’s best friend
Hana-Maru is a gentle white seal who is the complete opposite of Badtz Maru. While Badtz is loud and mischievous, Hana-Maru is calm, innocent, and endlessly supportive. They balance each other out like yin and yang.
Fans love their dynamic friendship, where Hana-Maru often serves as the quiet voice of reason when Badtz gets too carried away with his schemes.
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Species: Seal
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Color: White
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Personality: Quiet, loyal, calm
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Role: Best friend who tempers Badtz Maru’s impulsive nature
3.2. Pandaba – Badtz Maru’s stylish crush
Pandaba is a fashion-forward panda who always wears a red dress and a flower on her head. Badtz Maru has a major crush on her, but Pandaba tends to ignore him or treat him like a little brother. Her fashion sense and self-confidence make her one of the coolest characters in Badtz's universe.
This crush dynamic adds humor and heart to Badtz Maru’s storylines.
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Species: Panda
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Signature look: Red dress, flower accessory
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Personality: Trendy, independent
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Role: Badtz Maru's unrequited love
>>> Shop Sanrio Bad Badtz-Maru Mascot Holder Pandaba to complete your Badtz Maru collection!
3.3. The Maru Family – Badtz Maru’s quirky household
Badtz Maru comes from a humorous and unique family that reflects his eccentric charm. His family includes his homemaker mother, pinball-loving father, twin younger brothers known as the Badtz Twins, and his younger sister Tsunko, a fashionable pink penguin.
Mama Maru often appears in an apron, caring for the household with traditional flair, while Papa Maru is a sushi chef who secretly enjoys playing pinball machines. The Badtz Twins bring chaotic sibling energy, and Tsunko adds extra sass to the family with her cool, pink-feathered appearance.
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Mama Maru: Loving homemaker, apron-clad, keeps the family grounded
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Papa Maru: Sushi chef with a hidden love for pinball
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Badtz Twins: Younger brothers, mischievous and fun-loving
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Tsunko: Stylish pink penguin, Badtz’s younger sister and occasional rival
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Role: A colorful family that gives Badtz Maru his edge
3.4. Tsunko – Badtz Maru’s rival in coolness
Tsunko is a classmate who constantly challenges Badtz Maru for attention. With her own edgy look and sharp wit, she’s the perfect rival. Their rivalry is fun and competitive rather than hostile, making their interactions amusing for fans.
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Gender: Female
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Personality: Snarky, clever, stylish
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Role: Friendly rival who keeps Badtz on his toes
3.5. Pochi - Badtz-Maru's pet alligator
Pochi is not your average pet—he’s a little green alligator with a serious face and a loyal streak. His presence adds absurdity and humor to the Badtz Maru universe.
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Species: Alligator
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Color: Green
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Personality: Silent, loyal
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Role: Quirky pet sidekick
4. Badtz Maru's appearance in media
Badtz Maru has left his mark on a wide range of Sanrio entertainment and merchandise, showcasing his rebellious charm across multiple media outlets. His appearances include:
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Sanrio animated shorts and vintage commercials: These often highlight his cheeky, sarcastic personality in contrast to Sanrio’s more wholesome characters.
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Sanrio Puroland: Badtz Maru features in park attractions where fans can meet life-sized mascots and shop exclusive goods.
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Crossover merchandise:
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Hello Kitty Badtz Maru: Merges his edgy look with Hello Kitty’s sweet aesthetic.
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Kuromi and Badtz Maru collaborations: Emphasize their shared mischievous, punk-leaning personalities.
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Mobile games: He appears in apps like Hello Sweet Days, where users interact with him in virtual daily life scenarios.
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Sanrio manga and comic strips: These works expand on his world, diving into family dynamics and sarcastic humor.
>>> Stay warm and quirky with these adorable Sanrio Badtz Maru fluffy socks, a must-have for fans who love comfort with attitude.
5. Badtz Maru’s popularity and Sanrio character ranking
Badtz Maru has remained a fan favorite in the Sanrio Character Ranking polls, a yearly event where fans vote for their most beloved characters globally. His rebellious charm and edgy personality have earned him a loyal following, especially among those who prefer a character with more attitude than the typical kawaii crowd. Though not always in the top three, his consistent presence in the rankings highlights his lasting appeal and cultural relevance.
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2020: #7 – Marked a return to form as nostalgia for '90s Sanrio characters surged among millennial fans.
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2021: #6 – Continued rise thanks to collaborations with brands and increased visibility on social media.
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2022: #5 – His cheeky personality resonated with younger audiences discovering Sanrio through games and merchandise.
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2023: #4 – His highest rank in recent years, boosted by crossover merchandise like "Kuromi and Badtz Maru" collabs.
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2024: #5 – Maintained strong popularity despite fierce competition from newer Sanrio characters like Cogimyun and Hangyodon.
6. FAQs – People also ask about Badtz Maru's trivia
Let’s answer some of the most common questions fans ask about Bad Badtz Maru:
6.1. What animal is Badtz Maru?
Badtz Maru is a black penguin, easily recognized by his spiky hair and iconic facial expression.
6.2. How old is Badtz Maru?
He debuted in 1993, which makes him over 30 years old in 2025!
6.3. Who is Badtz Maru's crush?
His longtime crush is Pandaba, a stylish red-dressed panda who often ignores his affections.
6.4. How to pronounce Badtz Maru?
It’s pronounced like "bah-tsu mah-roo," with a quick "tsu" sound in the middle.
6.5. Is Badtz-Maru a bad guy?
Not really. He has a rebellious streak, but he's not evil—just mischievous and cheeky.
6.6. What does Badtz-Maru mean in Japanese?
"Badtz" is a play on "batsu" (the Japanese X mark for "wrong") and "Maru" means circle or correct, so his name is an ironic contradiction!
6.7. Does Badtz-Maru have a sister?
Yes, his younger sister is Tsunko, a pink penguin known for her style and rivalry with Badtz.
6.8. Who created Badtz-Maru?
Sanrio, the creators behind Hello Kitty and Kuromi, introduced Badtz Maru in 1993.
Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering him, Badtz Maru proves that being different is a superpower. His confident, cheeky style has made him a lasting favorite among collectors and Sanrio lovers alike. Ready to collect your own slice of rebellion? Visit Japan Figure to shop Badtz Maru plush, figures, and exclusive collab items before they’re gone. Let your shelf reflect your sass!
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