Overview
The lawsuit involving "Chiitan☆," the official character of the Akihabara Tourism Promotion Association, and "Shinjo-kun," the mascot of Susaki City in Kochi Prefecture, is headed to the Supreme Court, FNN Prime Online reported on October 25, 2026.
Background
Shinjo-kun was created in 2013 and won the Yuru-Chara Grand Prix in 2016. Chiitan☆ was created in 2017 and serves as an official character of the Akihabara Tourism Promotion Association.
In 2019, Susaki City sued Chiitan☆'s operating company, alleging copyright infringement of Shinjo-kun and seeking a ban on the use of the costume. In 2021, the Chiitan☆ side countersued for 43 million yen, claiming damages from Susaki City's allegations.
In 2025, the Tokyo District Court ordered Susaki City to pay 7.86 million yen, and the city appealed. On October 7, 2026, the IP High Court increased the damages to 18.87 million yen. Susaki City, dissatisfied with the ruling, appealed to the Supreme Court on October 21.
Key Points
- Parties: Chiitan☆'s operating company / Susaki City, Kochi
- First instance (Tokyo District Court, 2025): 7.86 million yen in damages ordered against Susaki City
- Second instance (IP High Court, October 7, 2026): 18.87 million yen in damages ordered against Susaki City
- Appeal: Susaki City appealed to the Supreme Court on October 21, 2026
Recommended For
- People following Akihabara's local mascot characters
- Anyone interested in mascots and regional promotion
