Heartra-chan Transforms into Local Versions! What will the Kanagawa Ver. Look Like...!?

The Japanese Red Cross Society (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Atsushi Seike; hereinafter "JRC") announced "National Local Heartra-chan," incorporating the unique characteristics and charms of each of Japan's 47 prefectures, on May 11th, "Local Character Day." "National Local Heartra-chan" is designed with motifs such as local culture, specialties, and climate, incorporating elements symbolizing the regions like nemophila, strawberries, Daruma dolls, green onions, peanuts and airplanes, sumo wrestling, rice, grapes and peaches.

In Kanagawa Prefecture, a surfing-themed Heartra-chan has appeared. It embodies the refreshing and active charm of the region, inspired by the Shonan sea. Moving forward, the JRC aims to promote understanding of its community-based initiatives, primarily within the prefecture.

↑Surfing Heartra-chan

What is "Heartra-chan"?

In 2014, it was decided to create an official character to unify the various characters that existed for each branch and facility, and to help develop integrated public relations for the entire JRC. Heartra-chan was chosen with overwhelming support in a general election involving all staff. Heartra-chan is a "forest spirit" from Heartland who was moved by the sight of Red Cross volunteers helping those in distress, and felt a destiny with the red cross on its forehead. It became a volunteer for the Japanese Red Cross Society, working diligently to save as many "suffering people" as possible. With a personality that cannot leave those in distress alone, it sometimes demonstrates amazing initiative. Its birthday is May 8th, World Red Cross Day. When it appears at local events, children gather around it, and its adorable form is very popular.

The JRC will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2027. "National Local Heartra-chan" is a special version where the JRC's official character "Heartra-chan" wears costumes or holds local specialties representing the characteristics of each of the 47 prefectures. By developing characters designed based on ideas from staff working in each region, the aim is for local residents to feel closer to the JRC and to develop affection and attachment. In the future, it is planned to be used in community-based public relations activities, and by bringing together characters from all over the country, the diverse charms of various parts of Japan and the JRC's initiatives will be widely disseminated.

What is "National Local Heartra-chan"?

Following the birth of Tokyo Tower Heartra-chan, many inquiries were received from JRC branches and blocks nationwide regarding the creation of "Local Heartra-chan." In response, a project was launched under the leadership of the headquarters (Minato-ku, Tokyo), and for the designs, staff from each branch compiled ideas from JRC personnel in their areas, and details were considered by selecting from multiple rough drafts. After about half a year of deliberation from April 2025, the designs for all 47 prefectures were finalized by the end of December of the same year, and are now being unveiled simultaneously.

To commemorate the birth of "National Local Heartra-chan"

"National Local Heartra-chan 47 'Oshi' Project" to be implemented

To commemorate the birth of "National Local Heartra-chan," an online event is planned where people can send "messages of support" to their favorite "Local Heartra-chan" from the 47 prefectures. The purpose of this project is to make people feel closer to the JRC's activities through "National Local Heartra-chan" and to rediscover the charms of their regions. As a preliminary step, a web page introducing each Local Heartra-chan was released today.

【Japanese Red Cross Society Official Character National Local Heartra-chan Special Website】

https://www.jrc.or.jp/lp/ha-torachan/

"National Local Heartra-chan Goods" to be sold

"National Local Heartra-chan Goods," such as clear files featuring a full lineup design of all 47 versions of National Local Heartra-chan and pin badges for each prefecture's Heartra-chan, will be sold by Japanese Red Cross Service Co., Ltd., which sells Red Cross-related products. For pin badges, a 47-type set covering all varieties is available, as well as individual items where you can choose and purchase your favorite local design. Sales will also be expanded through capsule toys (installation location: Japanese Red Cross Society Headquarters) for easy enjoyment when visiting facilities.

【Products for Sale】*Photos are for illustration purposes only.

Local Heartra-chan Clear File

Release date: May 2nd (Tuesday)

Selling price: 130 yen (tax included)

Local Heartra-chan Pin Badge

Release date: Reservations start around May 12th.

Scheduled to be shipped from June.

・47-type set

Selling price: 11,750 yen (tax included)

*Only available at the online shop and Japanese Red Cross Society Headquarters store.