Pandapals (パンダパルス), also known as Panda Pals, is a Sanrio brand/universe that debuted in the 1970s. In 1969, Sanrio began a business partnership with Hallmark, an American greeting card company. This was before the custom of giving cards had taken root in Japan, but Sanrio deeply resonated with the value of greeting cards as a way to foster friendship and affection and as a symbol of communication. They began selling messages and designs for the domestic market at department stores across the country. They then began selling summer greeting cards and New Year's cards, which were in line with Japanese culture, and helped spread card culture throughout Japan. Hallmark characters were not only available on cards, but also in merchandise such as notebooks and stuffed toys. Panda-chan was a particularly popular character. He also appeared on two covers of The Strawberry News in 1976.
The main character, Panda (also called Panda-chan) is an anthropomorphic panda bear with fluffy fur, blue eyes, and a dreamy expression. Friendly but slightly shy, Panda is playful. He likes flowers and eating honey. A mouse, rabbit, and squirrel, and cat are Panda's friends, making appearances on merchandise. Other panda characters also exist.
Introduction of Panda's Friends[]
Hello everyone, how are you? The panda who loves to play, the slightly shy panda. New friends have arrived for everyone's favorite panda! The white rabbit, the long-tailed squirrel. The big-eared mouse. The striped cat. The wild duck. They are all friends of the panda. Wouldn't you like to be friends with Panda-chan's friends too?
Gallery[]
Sources[]
- Merchandise listings (Mercari)
- Sanrio Design The '90s-2010s
- Sanrio Design The '70s & '80s