San-x Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter San-x) announced that it held its 2026 new employee welcome ceremony at its headquarters on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, where a total of 12 new employees joined the company.

● 'Rilakkuma' Appears as 'President for a Day' at the Welcome Ceremony!

This year's ceremony was held in two parts. In the first part, each new employee shared their aspirations, followed by words of encouragement from the company's President.

Afterward, the venue moved to the showroom for the start of the second part.

Appearing in the second part was 'Rilakkuma,' who had previously served as 'President for a Day' on behalf of the company's characters at a press conference last October.

Sporting the same glasses style as the president, Rilakkuma slowly looked over the new employees and gave them a cheer with a proud pose at the end. Although no words were spoken, the sentiment was fully conveyed, filling the room with laughter and warm applause.

● PR Rep 'Coronya' Delivers a Message of Encouragement as a Senior Employee Representative

Next to give a speech was 'Coronya,' who is both a San-x character and a full-time employee in the public relations department. As a representative of senior employees, Coronya gave a warm message to the new recruits, saying, "Congratulya-tions on joining the company. Welcome to San-x. Do your best-nya!"

The unique presence of a character who is also a senior employee helped to ease the tension of the nervous new employees, and the atmosphere in the room instantly became relaxed and friendly.

● A Message from Second-Year Employees and a Commemorative Photo Session

Additionally, a message from second-year employees who joined last year was delivered. The new employees listened quietly, nodding along to the seniors' words, such as, "I hope you'll rely on us, especially when times are tough," and "Let's work hard together with the characters, without rushing."

During the commemorative photo session, each new employee picked up their favorite plush toy and took a group photo with President Rilakkuma and PR Rep Coronya.

—After the ceremony, we interviewed the new employees—

Q1: Congratulations on joining the company. Please tell us your honest feelings after finishing the ceremony today.

I was very nervous during the solemn atmosphere of the first part, but the executives had wonderful smiles, and I felt a warmth as if they were welcoming me, which made me very happy. I had actually seen pictures of previous ceremonies before joining, so I was looking forward to Coronya's appearance this year. Then I heard music, and when I entered the room, both Rilakkuma and Coronya were there, which was even more spectacular and made me so happy.

Q2: How was it meeting 'President for a Day' Rilakkuma and senior employee 'Coronya'?

I was so thrilled that not only Coronya but also Rilakkuma was there! I love Rilakkuma and had always wanted to meet the 'President for a Day,' so I was very happy to meet him for the first time. Coronya also spoke to us, creating a friendly atmosphere, and both Rilakkuma and Coronya looked at us a lot, which made me very happy!

Q3: What did you think of the message from the second-year seniors?

I didn't expect to receive a message from the second-year seniors, so I was very happy. They gave us many warm words like, "Rely on us when you're troubled," and "We'll support you even through tough times," which I feel has eased my anxieties about the future. They were just as kind as I had imagined, and it made me think again how glad I am to have joined San-x.

Q4: How was the photo session?

-There were so many character plushies, and some of them seemed to make eye contact with me, so I had a hard time choosing one. Since we could take a picture together, I thought hard and decided on 'Nyan Nyan Nyanko,' which I had just gotten at a recent POP-UP SHOP!

-I've loved Mamegoma since I was little, playing its games, so I was happy to see so many Mamegoma and decided right away. It was so soft and cute!

Q5: Now that you've joined San-x, how do you want to work?

To support the characters I've always loved, I want to make use of my past experiences while also listening to the opinions of my seniors, staying true to myself, and, as a new employee, being sensitive to trends to create things that will delight both the characters and the fans. First and foremost, I will be eager to learn and work diligently.

Q6: Lastly, please share your aspirations for the future!

Now that I'm on the side of supporting the characters, I hope to become someone who can deliver the healing and cuteness of San-x to the world. I will not forget to put in the effort and will do my best.

About Corocoro Coronya

Coronya is a cat who lives a relaxed life at a small bakery on a street corner. Being shy, Coronya gets nervous and fidgety whenever a new friend tries to talk to him. One day, he tried hiding in a failed cornet bread, and it fit surprisingly well?! Since then, he spends every day with his cornet bread-nya.

＼I'm the San-x PR representative!／

Coronya was appointed as the San-x PR representative in July 2023. While being a San-x character, he also handles PR for his own company, making him a working cat. Despite being shy, he is working hard as a PR rep, taking interviews and attending events.

Corocoro Coronya Official Website▽

https://www.san-x.co.jp/corocorocoronya/

About San-x (https://www.san-x.co.jp/company/) We have continuously created over 1,000 100% original characters, including Rilakkuma, Sumikko Gurashi, and Tarepanda, and deliver their mysterious charm to the world through original products, licensing businesses, various events, promotions, and videos. Our characters are cute in appearance, yet have a surreal humor that makes you chuckle, and a kindness that comforts and embraces your heart. The not-just-cute San-x characters attract many people.

San-x Official Website▽

https://www.san-x.co.jp/

San-x Official X ▽

https://twitter.com/sanx_official

San-x Official Instagram▽

https://www.instagram.com/sanx_official/

San-x Official TikTok▽

https://www.tiktok.com/@sanx.official

©2026 SAN-X CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: News