TOKYO — East Japan Railway reported brisk demand for Suica Penguin commemorative merchandise on Monday, days after confirming the mascot would retire in March 2027 after 26 years on the company's transit cards. Fans queued at station shops across the capital.

The penguin, illustrated by designer Chiharu Sakazaki, has appeared on Suica smart cards since the system launched in 2001. JR East is phasing out the character as it transitions to a new mobile and code-based ticketing system, prompting an outpouring of nostalgia among commuters.

Retailers at Tokyo Station and Shinjuku Station stocked limited-edition keychains, plush toys and stationery bearing the mascot, with several lines selling out within hours. Social media users shared photographs of their Suica cards and childhood memories tied to the penguin.

The retirement reflects a broader shift in Japan toward smartphone-based payment and the gradual decline of physical transit cards. JR East has said existing Suica cards will remain usable, but the penguin branding will be gradually withdrawn from new products and signage.

A JR East spokesperson said: "The Suica Penguin has accompanied millions of journeys for a generation. We are grateful for the affection fans have shown and are planning commemorative events before the retirement."