What Is Sanrio's "Bad Batsumaru"? | A Comprehensive Guide to His Charm, Profile, and Why He's So Popular
Among Sanrio characters, Bad Batsumaru stands out as particularly unique, exuding a charm that’s just a little bit mischievous.
It’s not just about being cute—his slightly sassy and quirky personality is what makes him so popular. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive breakdown of Bad Batsumaru, covering everything from his profile and charm to merchandise details and the reasons behind his popularity.
Bad Batsumaru’s Basic Profile
- Name: Bad Badtz-Maru
- Birthday: April 1 (April Fools' Day)
- Gender: Boy
- Theme: Penguin
- Hometown: Oahu, Hawaii (By the way, Tuxedo Sam is from Antarctica)
- Personality: Prone to mischief and contrary
- Likes: High places, looking cool
- Dislikes: Being honest
- Hobbies: Collecting photos of villainous movie stars, playing the piano
He was created as a quirky, unique character who subverts Sanrio’s typical “cute = good kid” image in a positive way.
What is the appeal of Bad Batsumaru?
① "A little bad" and cool
Bad Batsumaru’s greatest charm is his “rebellious character”—a rarity for Sanrio
- With a downturned mouth, he always looks dissatisfied
- He loves to play pranks and is a bit of a rascal
- But somehow, you can’t help but love him
This perfect balance resonates with older generations and international fans alike.
② He actually has a caring and gentle side
Although he looks and acts cool, he truly values his relationships with his friends.
Representative friend characters:
- Good Hanamaru (Best Friend)
- Pochi (Crocodile friend)
His tsundere charm and the contrast of being "actually kind" are key reasons for his popularity.
③ Stylish and popular with adult women
The black-based design is more stylish than other Sanrio characters.
- Monotone and easy to style
- It pairs well with street and casual styles
- Also popular with men
Bad Batsumaru’s family and friends
Part of Batsu-maru’s charm lies in his relationships with his unique family and friends. The fact that each character has a well-developed backstory is one of the reasons he has been loved for so many years.
Family
Dad
He looks tough but is actually super optimistic. The contrast between his intimidating appearance and his incredibly positive personality makes him a fascinating character.
Mom
A super-dedicated mom. Even though she’s constantly at her wit’s end over Batsumaru’s contrary nature, she watches over him with deep affection.
Bad Tsunko
Birthday: April 2
Batsumaru’s younger sister. She’s just as mischievous as Batsumaru. Her hobby is keeping a diary. Since she takes ballet lessons, she has a habit of striking ballet poses while she talks.
Bad Twins
A twin brother (with 3 hairs) and a twin sister (with 2 hairs). They’re quick on their feet. Their catchphrases are “Why?” and “How come?” They often appear as a pair and are mischievous troublemakers who frequently get Batsu-maru into trouble.
Friends
Good Hanamaru
Birthday: August 7
Batsumaru’s best friend (a boy). He’s the picture of a good kid and can make friends with anyone right away. His special skill is ball juggling, and his hobby is gardening. Because his personality is the complete opposite of Batsumaru’s, they’re loved as an odd-couple duo.
Ijuin Pandaba
Birthday: August 8
A female panda who’s easily flattered and has a seriously twisted sense of justice. Her hobby is listening to rap music. Her special skill is eating shumai as fast as she can. She was born in the rocky mountains of China.
Hanatare Kame
Pretty cool. Even within the Batsumaru World, she has a quiet, laid-back presence.
Soga Dolphin
A genius with an IQ of 200 who knows everything. His trademark is his red-framed glasses. He’s the brains of the Batsumaru Group.
Ogawa Sameo
A Gokaiger who loves to laugh. Despite his wild appearance, he’s cheerful and the life of the party. The “S” mark on his chest is his signature feature.
Goro Nogaki
A wealthy, suave, and handsome young master. He fills the "rich character" role in Batsumaru World. He is characterized by his blond hair and slightly pretentious demeanor.
Pet
Pochi
Birthday: August 2
Batsumaru’s pet alligator. The family’s guard alligator. He loves grilled fish and will chew on just about anything. The fact that his pet is an alligator is so typical of Batsumaru, making him a popular character among fans.
Batsumaru's Favorite Foods (Based on Official Settings)
Bad Batsumaru's favorite foods are
"high-end sushi from Ginza" and "crunchy ramen. "
This combination is a very Batsu-maru-esque touch.
- High-end sushi → His tendency to try to act a little above his station and show off
- Crunchy Ramen → His junk-food-loving, mischievous side
In other words,
The duality of “wanting to look cool + wanting to be free” is directly reflected in their food preferences.
It’s particularly interesting that the specific phrase “high-end sushi in Ginza” is used,
which really highlights Batsumaru’s pride and ambition.
Bad Batsumaru’s Dream for the Future
Batsumaru’s dream for the future is “to become a CEO.”
Unusually for a Sanrio character,
- he has a genuine ambition to "succeed"
- and is the type who wants to be at the top
- He places a high value on looking cool
—he has values that are quite human-like.
"She’s not just cute—
but also a mature desire to succeed in life."
Bad Batsumaru’s Personality | A Grumpy Guy, but Deep Down a Good Guy?
This is a point often discussed even in official sources.
"Does he seem like a grump, but is he actually a good guy?"
On the surface
- Prone to mischief
- Contrary
- Not very straightforward
But actually…
- Cares deeply about friends
- A little shy
- Kind at heart
In other words, the classic "tsundere" type.
- Resonates with adults as well as kids
- Easy to relate to
- They’ve been loved for a long time
—these are the key factors behind its strong appeal.
Why is Bad Batsumaru gaining renewed attention right now?
✔ The influence of the Y2K and retro trends
As a character from the 90s to the 2000s, his popularity is on the rise again.
✔ Growing popularity overseas
Highly popular in the U.S. and Asia, and a perfect fit for street culture
✔ Demand for characters that aren’t “too cute”
The design, which isn’t overly sweet, appeals to adults.
Recommended Bad Batsumaru Merchandise
- Plush toys (classic favorites, available in various sizes)
- Mascot plush keychains (Sanrio original, ¥1,100 each)
- 3D rubber figure keychains
- Bags (pouches, drawstring bags, backpacks, etc.)
- Magnet sets and stationery
Monotone items are especially easy to coordinate with outfits and make great gifts. The black-based designs blend well with bags and wallets, making them perfect for everyday use.
Highlights
- Widely available at shops in Harajuku and Omotesando
- Stands out for its "stylish" appeal among character merchandise
- Easy for character merchandise newbies to incorporate
Perfect for those who say, "I like cute things, but I'm not into anything too childish."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. When was Bad Batsumaru created?
He debuted in 1993 from Sanrio.
Q2. Why is he so popular?
It’s not just his cuteness—his rebellious and unique personality is what makes him so popular.
Q3. Why is he so popular with women even though he’s a boy character?
Because his monochromatic style makes him easy to incorporate into fashion, and he’s appealing even to adults.
Q4. Who is it recommended for?
・People who aren’t into characters that are too cute
・People who like streetwear or high-fashion styles
Summary | Sanrio’s flagship character: “More than just cute”
Bad Batsumaru is
- a "boy trying to act grown-up" who loves high-end sushi in Ginza
- An "ambitious character" aiming to be a CEO
- A "tsundere" who acts aloof but is actually kind
- "Actually a warm-hearted person" surrounded by a family and friends full of personality
—making him one of Sanrio’s most multi-dimensional characters.
