One of Japan’s most peculiar and popular phenomena is that of the mascot. There are mascots for places, businesses, events, and even government agencies. One of the most famous (or infamous, depending on your perspective) is Chiitan☆. Chiitan☆ emerged in 2017 as the unofficial mascot of the city of Susaki, and gained fans all over the world for her high-energy and mischievous hijinks.
You may have seen Chiitan☆ on television shows such as Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, which introduced her to a worldwide audience. Or, perhaps you already follow her on X/Twitter or Instagram. What some people don’t know about Chiitan☆, though, is that she is one of the most prominent and vocal voices supporting trans rights in Japan and around the world — and is non-binary (using she/her pronouns)!
In advance of taking to the stage in this year’s Tokyo Trans March, Chiitan☆ was kind enough to sit down with Japan Gay Guide and give us an exclusive interview about her life, career, and the importance of supporting trans people everywhere.
Who is Chiitan☆?
Originally from Akihabara, Tokyo, Chiitan☆ transformed into her current form in 2017, when she changed from an Asian small-clawed otter into a fairy baby otter, the beloved mascot and idol of millions that we know and love today.
“Driven by a strong desire to bring smiles to people all over the world, I took form as the character ‘Chiitan☆!,’” she told us. “Since I’m a fairy version of a baby Asian small-clawed otter, I’m just like a real otter: very mischievous and super cute!”
Her sometimes chaotic but always energetic personality is what has made millions of people — your humble writer included — into fans. Believe it or not, she didn’t intend to become a household name across the globe: she just wanted to show people how she lives her life.
“Ever since I was born, I’ve been active primarily on social media,” Chiitan☆ says. “I started out just posting videos of myself playing, but before I knew it, my presence had spread all over the world! Now, I even have ‘homes’ in China, Thailand, Indonesia, and the United States, where I’m actively involved in local activities.”
Chiitan☆’s enthusiasm has occasionally gotten her into trouble, with some people saying that her actions can be a little reckless and may not always set the best example for her viewers. But one thing nobody can deny is that she is honest, forthright, and passionate about what she believes in. And there is one thing in which Chiitan☆’s fervour never wavers: love for transgender people, in Japan and across the world.
An Otter Joy
In July 2024, Chiitan☆ posted a message on her X account declaring her support for transgender people, and she later confirmed that she is herself non-binary. Writing to her followers, she said:
“Chiitan is a transgender ally🏳️⚧️
Transgender people are less accepted in Japan than in the US, and people may look strange when they declare their identity, but I don’t mind… I will continue to send out messages to protect the rights of transgender people. Please lend your support to Chiitan. Your voices give me energy.”
Following this, Chiitan☆ received an outpouring of love from the transgender community. And Chiitan☆ was better than her word, frequently sending likes and replies to transgender people on social media. This is especially appreciated by transgender people coming out on X/Twitter. One such user, Marina, received a message from Chiitan☆ praising her courage to be her authentic self last year, and it brought her more encouragement than she could have dreamed of.
“I never really expected things to get as big as they did after Chiitan came into the picture; I just expected my friends and maybe some mutuals to reply and cheer me on,” Marina told JGG. “But Chiitan☆’s reply really brought a lot more attention and support than I would’ve ever thought I could receive. People I have never seen or interacted with were there supporting me, and it was very nice! Chiitan☆’s influence made my day, and sometimes I go back to that tweet to remember how beautiful it was.”
One other user, Bliss, posted art on BlueSky at the time that they were coming out as transgender. Chiitan☆ liked their art, boosting her confidence at a vulnerable time.
“In March of 2026, my fiancée made me an art piece to post alongside my coming out post. It was done on my terms, and I felt so much more comfortable with the situation than I had previously,” they said. “When Chiitan liked my post, it was touching because you see an awful lot of posts by Chiitan expressing support for transgender people. But to know that they actually search for the keyword ‘trans’ to look for and support posts of people who are coming out or expressing themselves, you can really tell that their support is sincere and genuine. They always fight the good fight for trans lives and rights, and that makes me feel very happy.”
Today, as Chiitan☆ noted, transgender people in Japan and across the world are struggling against societies that misunderstand and even oppress them. That is why she works so hard to support her transgender family, all across the world.
“I’ve been non-binary since the moment I was born. The people around me understand and respect my individuality, and they’re always so kind to me. So, I didn’t actually need any courage [to come out]!”, she says. “However, I know there are still many people in the world who aren’t able to come out and are going through a difficult time. I want to be there to support those people, too.”
Water Off An Otter’s Back
Chiitan☆’s efforts have met with great acclaim from transgender people and their allies all over the world. However, she has also met with backlash from transphobes online as a consequence of her outspokenness.
“I’ve been on the receiving end of many cruel words. There were even instances where people pressured the organizations I work with — places where I have good relationships — to stop working with me. In fact, some of those organizations I was close with ended up parting ways with me,” Chiitan☆ told us.
“But when I think about transgender individuals who haven’t been able to live as their authentic selves, or those who are hurt daily by slander, I realize that such negativity just doesn’t matter. Chiitan☆ is tough! I feel like I could take on all the abuse directed at transgender people worldwide myself.”
Chiitan☆’s pet, best friend, and, er, hat Kame-chan (who is also non-binary) spoke up to tell us how much they appreciate the support that Chiitan☆ gives her, and the rest of the trans community.
“Chiitan☆ absorbs the transphobia directed at us from all over the world. No matter what kind of slander is thrown our way, or how much work is lost, Chiitan☆ remains steadfast in the resolve to support the transgender community. Seeing that always brings me peace of mind,” Kame-chan told us.
For many of us, facing such negativity and even losing opportunities or partnerships would be exhausting — exhausting enough that we might want to take a step back. For Chiitan☆, though, there is a source of energy that never runs dry: the love of her global transgender family and friends.
“Above all else, what matters most is that transgender people are able to live their daily lives as their true, happy selves,” she declares. “I have received so much love from transgender people all over the world! Love is more important than work—love is everything! I am truly happy. I don’t need anything else but love!”
That said, Chiitan☆ is well aware that although she has found the strength to handle anything that life can throw at her, this isn’t the case for all trans people. Especially for young transgender people, things can seem difficult in today’s world. Chiitan☆, who will be attending this year’s Tokyo Trans March to demonstrate her commitment and meet her friends and family, closed out our interview with a message to trans people around the world, young and old.
“It sometimes feels as though the environment for LGBTQ+ people—globally speaking—is not as supportive as it could be. But precisely because of this, let’s join hands,” she implores. “Don’t feel pressured if those who harbor transphobia don’t understand you. One day, even those who don’t understand us now may come to watch over us with quiet acceptance.
“Rather than just dreaming of that day, let’s make it a reality by supporting one another. To me, all transgender people are like family — you are precious, and I love you dearly. I will continue to share my message, so let’s keep holding hands and moving forward together.
“I love you. Truly, deeply, and with all my heart.
“You are beautiful.”
