Badtz-Maru is not your usual sweet-faced Sanrio star. With his spiky hair, half-closed eyes, cheeky expression, and rebellious attitude, this black penguin Sanrio character has become a favorite for fans who love cute characters with a little extra sass. Today, let's explore this grumpy, "bad boy" character from the Sanrio colorful world with Japan Figure.
Badtz-Maru, also known as Bad Badtz-Maru, is a male penguin character created by Sanrio. He first appeared in 1993 and quickly became known for being different from many other kawaii characters. Instead of acting perfectly sweet all the time, Badtz-Maru has attitude. He rolls his eyes, sticks out his tongue, makes silly jokes, and dreams of becoming “the boss of everything” when he grows up.
The name “Badtz-Maru” is part of his charm. In Japanese, “batsu” refers to an X mark, often used for a wrong answer, while “maru” means circle or O, often used for a correct answer. Together, the name gives him a funny “wrong-correct” meaning, which fits his personality perfectly. He may act naughty or rebellious, but he is not truly evil. He is more like a cheeky kid who loves cool things, sports, mischief, and attention.
Visually, Badtz-Maru is easy to recognize. He has black feathers, a white belly, a yellow beak and feet, and four little spikes of hair on his head. His signature expression often includes pulling down one eye and sticking out his tongue, a playful pose that later became associated with other mischievous Sanrio characters too. This makes him instantly memorable among fans searching for cute Badtz-Maru collectibles.
Here are the key facts about Badtz-Maru:
Info
Details
Full name
Bad Badtz-Maru
Japanese name
バッドばつ丸 / Baddo Batsu Maru
Other names
XO, Badtz, Bad Badtz-Maru
Debut
1993
Gender
Male
Species
Bird
Breed
Penguin
Birthday
April 1st, April Fool’s Day
Place of birth
Oahu, Hawaii
Nationality
American
Hometown
Gorgeous Town
School
Gorgeous Academy
Grade level
First grade in some media
Pet
Pochi, an alligator
Creator
Hisato Inoue
Second designer
Kaori Harada
Japanese voice actor
Fujiko Takimoto in Japanese OVAs
English voice actors
Andrea Kwan, Evette Wulk, and Alex Cazares in different media appearances
2. Get to know rebel Badtz-Maru Penguin Sanrio: Personality and traits
Badtz-Maru’s personality is the biggest reason fans remember him. He is mischievous, sarcastic, dramatic, and sometimes selfish, but that is part of his comedy. He is not the type of character who quietly follows rules. Instead, he wants to stand out, look cool, and make people react. This rebellious energy gives him a unique place in the Sanrio lineup.
One of his biggest dreams is becoming “a company president.” This dream says a lot about Badtz-Maru personality. He has a huge imagination, big confidence, and a strong desire to be noticed. Even though he is still shown as a young student in some stories, he acts like someone who already has a grand plan for the future. That mix of childish ambition and cool attitude makes him funny, relatable, and collectible.
Badtz-Maru also loves cool things and sports. His character has been shown in many different styles over the years, including astronaut, motorcyclist, DJ, basketball player, boxer, and more. These designs work especially well for merchandise because each version gives collectors a new side of him to enjoy. A Badtz-Maru plush may feel cute and cuddly, while a keychain or stationery item can highlight his rebellious face and bold black-and-white design.
His hobbies also add to his “bad boy” image. Badtz-Maru enjoys collecting pictures of movie stars, especially villain-like or “bad guy” figures. He also pretends to play the piano and violin for his home tutor, which adds a funny contrast to his tough attitude. He wants to look talented, stylish, and impressive, even when he is not always as polished as he pretends to be.
Despite his grumpy look, Badtz-Maru is not truly cold-hearted. He can be selfish and silly, but he also has a good heart in many media appearances, and that balance is what makes him so popular. He is naughty enough to be entertaining but still cute enough to love, especially with his famous facial expression where he pulls one eye down and sticks out his tongue, creating a playful, teasing, and instantly recognizable look.
3. Uncover Badtz-Maru's secret love line? Crush, rumors, and cute facts
One of the most searched topics around Badtz-Maru is his possible love line. Fans often connect Badtz-Maru and Kuromi because they share a similar mischievous charm. Both characters are strongly associated with dark colors, rebellious energy, teasing expressions, and a playful “bad but cute” attitude. That makes their pairing feel natural to many Sanrio fans, especially those who love characters with bold personalities.
In Hello Kitty and Friends Supercute Adventures, Kuromi is shown to have a crush on Badtz-Maru. However, Badtz-Maru himself does not show his feelings as clearly, which makes the relationship more fun for fans to discuss. This mystery is part of the appeal. Is he shy? Is he pretending not to notice? Or is he simply too busy trying to look cool? That uncertainty keeps the Badtz-Maru and Kuromi connection playful rather than serious.\
Their chemistry works because both characters feel like rebels in the Sanrio world. Kuromi has her punk-inspired style, skull motif, and mischievous confidence, while Badtz-Maru has his black penguin look, sarcastic face, and dream of becoming “the boss of everything.” Together, they create a cute contrast to softer characters such as Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Cinnamoroll.
For fans who enjoy Kuromi’s edgy-cute aesthetic, Badtz-Maru is a perfect character to collect alongside her. You can explore more mischievous Sanrio style through the Kuromi collection, especially if you want to build a display corner around black, purple, punk, or rebel-kawaii themes.
4. Who is the Black penguin Sanrio family? Meet his mom, dad, siblings & pet
Badtz-Maru lives in Gorgeous Town with a family that matches his chaotic charm. His home life helps explain why he is so confident, dramatic, and mischievous. He is surrounded by strong personalities, from his powerful mother to his intimidating father and prank-loving younger siblings.
His mother, Mama, is a pink penguin who usually wears glasses and an apron. At first, she looks like a classic caring mother, but she is described as the strongest member of the family. This makes her a funny contrast to Badtz-Maru’s rebellious personality. Even though he tries to act tough, Mama is the one who can keep the household under control.
His father, Papa, is a blue penguin with a much more intimidating look. He is known as a pinball-playing father in some descriptions, while another source presents him as a powerful boss-like figure who enjoys pachinko. Papa gives Badtz-Maru a family background that feels bold and larger-than-life, which fits the “bad boy” image that fans associate with Badtz-Maru.
Badtz-Maru also has younger siblings: the Badtz Twins and Tzunko. The Badtz Twins are black penguins who look almost identical and love playing pranks. One twin has three hairs on the head and is a boy, while the other is a girl. Their body-switching pranks and playful troublemaking make them feel like miniature versions of Badtz-Maru’s mischievous side.
Tzunko, Badtz-Maru’s younger sister, is a pink penguin who likes dressing as a nurse. She is cheeky like her brother and is also connected to Oahu, Hawaii. Her hobbies include ballet lessons, and she often strikes ballet poses when speaking. This gives her a more dramatic and performance-loving personality, making her a memorable part of the Badtz-Maru family.
Then there is Pochi, Badtz-Maru’s pet alligator. A pet alligator is a perfect match for a character who wants to look tough and cool. Pochi enjoys going on walks with Badtz-Maru and has a laid-back personality that makes him surprisingly cute. In official-style descriptions, Badtz-Maru attracts attention when walking Pochi, which feels exactly like something this mischievous penguin would enjoy.
Together, Badtz-Maru’s family makes his world feel lively and a little chaotic. They are not just background characters; they help build the humor around him. His strong mother, boss-like father, prankster siblings, and alligator pet all support the same idea: Badtz-Maru comes from a world where being unusual is totally normal.
5. Discover cute Sanrio Bad Badtz-Maru friend circles
Badtz-Maru may look like a lone rebel, but he actually has a wide friend circle. His relationships show different sides of his personality: playful, competitive, loyal, dramatic, and sometimes surprisingly sweet. These friendships also make his universe more collectible because fans can display him with characters who match or contrast his energy.
5.1 X.O clan
The XO Clan is one of the most important groups in Badtz-Maru’s world. The name connects to the meaning of his own name: “batsu” for X and “maru” for O. Together, X and O reflect the wrong-correct idea behind Badtz-Maru’s character. It is a smart and funny concept that turns his name into a whole group identity.
The main XO Clan members include Badtz-Maru, Pandaba, and Hana-Maru. Badtz-Maru brings the attitude, Pandaba adds bold and quirky energy, and Hana-Maru balances the group with a gentler personality. Together, they create a cute troublemaking trio that feels different from many other Sanrio friendship groups.
Hana-Maru is often described as Badtz-Maru’s opposite and one of his closest friends. He is a white seal with a friendly personality and hobbies such as ball acrobatics and tending to flowers. Because he is softer and more cheerful, Hana-Maru makes Badtz-Maru’s grumpy side feel even funnier. Their friendship works because they are so different.
Pandaba is a giant panda with a strong personality. She likes rap music, has a quirky way of speaking, and fits naturally into Badtz-Maru’s rebellious circle. Her bold presence makes the XO Clan feel even more energetic, giving Badtz-Maru a friend who can match his attitude rather than simply soften it.
5.2 Hapidanbui
Hapidanbui is another major group connected to Badtz-Maru. Created in 2020, this Sanrio boy band includes Badtz-Maru, Tuxedo Sam, Keroppi, Pochacco, Hangyodon, and Pekkle. In the group, Badtz-Maru is the vocalist, which fits his desire to stand out and be seen as cool.
This group gives Badtz-Maru a more positive and performance-focused side. While his usual image is mischievous and rebellious, Hapidanbui shows him as part of a team that spreads encouragement and fun. It proves that even a “bad boy” penguin can be part of something bright, supportive, and energetic.
Hapidanbui
The members also create an interesting balance. Keroppi brings cheerful energy, Pochacco adds sporty charm, Hangyodon gives the group a quirky feeling, Tuxedo Sam adds classic cuteness, and Pekkle brings a gentle presence. Badtz-Maru stands out among them because of his black color palette and sharper personality, making him a memorable member of the band.
For collectors, Hapidanbui items are especially fun because they combine several beloved Sanrio characters in one theme. Badtz-Maru fans can enjoy him solo, but group merchandise gives a fuller view of his world and his friendships.
5.3 Other adorable friends
Badtz-Maru’s wider friend circle includes Kahme, Iruka, Sameo, Goro, and Anko, each adding more humor and personality to Gorgeous Town. Kahme is a cool blue turtle who enjoys poetry but hides in his shell when upset, while Iruka is a smart white dolphin who dreams of becoming mayor and loves showing off his knowledge around Badtz-Maru.
Sameo, a kind but goofy blue shark, enjoys manga and anime more than studying, making him one of the most lovable characters in the group. Goro, a charming white bird who loves roses and dreams of becoming a top sommelier, brings a stylish and romantic energy that contrasts with Badtz-Maru’s rebellious attitude.
Anko, a mysterious black angler fish whose headlight changes color with her mood, adds even more charm to the group. Sameo secretly likes her, though she seems unaware of his feelings. Together, these friends make Badtz-Maru’s world feel lively, funny, and full of unique personalities beyond just one mischievous penguin.
6. Must-have, top trending Badtz-Maru merch and collectibles in 2026
Badtz-Maru merch is perfect for fans who want Sanrio items with extra attitude. His bold black-and-white design makes even simple accessories and everyday goods stand out. Here are five of the best daily-use Badtz-Maru merch picks for fans and collectors.
Badtz-Maru hair band
Badtz-Maru hair tie is a fun pick for fans who want a small but noticeable accessory. It keeps hair secure while adding Badtz-Maru’s playful face to daily outfits. Hair bands are popular because they are practical, affordable, and easy to match with casual kawaii fashion.
For collectors who want something soft and display-friendly, plush toys is definitely the right answer you're searching for. They bring out the softer side of this rebellious penguin, making him feel more cuddly than grumpy. They are especially hot among Sanrio fans because they work as room decor, desk companions, and photo props.
The Sanrio Badtz Maru Fluffy Socks are ideal for fans who want comfort with character style. Socks are useful for lounging, gifting, or adding a subtle Sanrio touch to an outfit. Badtz-Maru’s bold design makes this type of item more fun than basic everyday wear.
Badtz-Maru key chain and charm items There is nothing perfect for backpacks, purses, keys, or display hooks than a Badtz-maru key chain or charm with a bold attitude. Small charm items are popular because they let fans carry their favorite character everywhere. For Badtz-Maru collectors, a charm tag captures his rebellious kawaii style in a compact, easy-to-use format.
The Sanrio Bad Badtz-Maru Playing Card Shaped Note Pad is a cute stationery pick for fans who love writing notes, reminders, or collection lists. Its playing-card shape gives it a fun collectible feel beyond normal paper goods. Stationery is one of the most natural categories for Sanrio fans because it is both useful and displayable.
7. How popular is Bazt-Maru from the Sanrio world? Most popular media appearances
Badtz-Maru has stayed popular for decades because he is different from the usual sweet Sanrio image. He ranked highly in early Sanrio Character Ranking history and even took first place in 1996, showing that fans were ready for a character with attitude. In recent years, he has continued to appear in rankings, animated shows, games, collaborations, and merchandise lines.
7.1 The Adventures of Hello Kitty & Friends web series
In The Adventures of Hello Kitty & Friends, Badtz-Maru appears as one of the main characters. He is shown as clever, ambitious, and always looking for an angle, which fits his dream of greatness. His selfish side sometimes gets him into trouble, but his good heart often guides him back in the right direction.
This series is also notable because Badtz-Maru sometimes has rivalry moments with Dear Daniel. That makes his role more entertaining, especially for fans who enjoy character dynamics rather than simple background appearances. His English voice in this series is Andrea Kwan.
7.2 Hello Kitty's Animation Theater animated series
Badtz-Maru appears in Hello Kitty’s Animation Theater, including “The Shepherd Boy and the Wolf,” where he plays the Shepherd Boy. This role fits his mischievous personality because the story naturally connects with teasing, trouble, and consequences.
He also appears in “The Ants and the Grasshopper,” where he is connected to the grasshopper’s side of the story. These appearances show how Sanrio characters can be reimagined in classic story settings while still keeping their original charm.
7.3 Hello Kitty Stump Village animated series
In Hello Kitty Stump Village, Badtz-Maru first appears in “Strange Penguin.” The title already highlights how unusual he feels compared with softer Sanrio characters. After that, he becomes a recurring character in the series.
This appearance matters because it presents him as a recognizable part of the wider Sanrio animated world. His penguin design, black feathers, and grumpy charm help him stand out immediately, even when he appears with many other cute characters.
7.4 Ready Player One film
Badtz-Maru also has a cameo in the film Ready Player One, appearing with Hello Kitty and Keroppi in the first few minutes. It is a small appearance, but it shows how recognizable Sanrio characters are outside their usual merchandise and animation spaces.
For fans, this cameo is a fun detail because it places Badtz-Maru in a global pop-culture setting. Even in a quick scene, his sharp silhouette and black penguin design make him easy to spot.
7.5 Hello Kitty and Friends Supercute Adventures web series
In Hello Kitty and Friends Supercute Adventures, Badtz-Maru appears as one of the main characters. He owns an arcade called XO Arcade and is shown as an experienced gamer, which fits his cool and competitive personality.
This series is especially important for fans interested in Badtz-Maru and Kuromi. Kuromi is shown to have a crush on him, while Badtz-Maru’s own feelings are less obvious. That playful mystery makes the show a major source for modern fan discussions around their relationship.
Badtz-Maru proves that kawaii does not always have to be soft or innocent. As Sanrio’s mischievous black penguin, he brings attitude, comedy, and rebellious charm to the character world, making him a standout beside softer favorites like Hello Kitty and Kuromi. Explore Japan Figure for authentic Japanese Sanrio merchandise and find the perfect Badtz-Maru item for your collection.
FAQs - Common questions about Badtz-Maru
Still curious about this mischievous penguin? These quick answers cover the most common fan questions about Badtz-Maru, from his animal type to his family, crush, and best friends.
What animal is Badtz-Maru?
Badtz-Maru is a penguin, even though some fans mistake him for another black bird because of his spiky hair and dark feathers. He is officially described as a male bird of the penguin breed. That makes him the famous black penguin Sanrio character fans love.
Who is Badtz-Maru crush?
In Hello Kitty and Friends Supercute Adventures, Kuromi is shown to have a crush on Badtz-Maru. However, Badtz-Maru does not clearly show the same feelings, which makes their relationship more playful and mysterious. Fans enjoy pairing them because both characters share mischievous, rebellious, dark-cute energy.
Is Badtz-Maru a bad guy?
Badtz-Maru is not truly a bad guy. He is mischievous, selfish at times, and loves acting cool, but he also has a good heart in many stories. His “bad boy” image is mostly playful comedy. He is more of a rebellious Sanrio trickster than a real villain.
Who is Badtz-Maru's dad?
Badtz-Maru’s dad is Papa, a blue penguin with a tough and intimidating image. He is described as a pinball-playing father, and some character descriptions give him a boss-like personality. Papa adds to Badtz-Maru’s bold family background and helps explain his confident, mischievous attitude.
Who is Badtz-Maru's bff?
Badtz-Maru’s closest friends are often shown as Hana-Maru and Pandaba, who form the XO Clan with him. Hana-Maru is a friendly white seal, while Pandaba is a bold giant panda. In Supercute Adventures, Badtz-Maru is also shown as best friends with Keroppi.
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2 comments
hana maru is a boy and is not badtz marus girlfriend, they are best friends. but i ship them
Badtz maruhave these kind of characters as his bffs that’s amazing to know about him.!