San-X is a Japanese stationery company known for creating and marketing kawaii characters such as Tarepanda, Rilakkuma, and Sumikko Gurashi! The characters are usually anthropomorphic representations of animals or inanimate objects. Each character has its own quirky traits and background; for example, Momobuta is a pig with a head shaped like a peach, who enjoys karaoke and painting her nails! San-X's head designer and creator of Tarepanda, Hikaru Suemasa said "It's not just being cute. There is something different - a relaxed look, powerless."

San-X characters can be found on stationery sets, as collectibles, and even stuffed toys! They are typically sold in blind boxes, gashapon and in UFO catchers and other prize machines in Japanese arcades. San-X characters also feature in anime series, video games and books!