Trial Support Voting Ends! World Local Character Grand Prix Official Voting Starts July 7 (Tue) 8:00!!

The 'World Local Character Grand Prix,' a next-generation evaluation event designed to visualize the 'daily grassroots activities' of characters and transform them into driving forces for regional revitalization, has successfully concluded its 'Trial Support Voting Event,' held from June 7 to June 17.

During the period, a total of 74,835 votes were cast by 18,951 participants for approximately 220 characters from Japan and abroad.

Detailed rankings and points earned can be viewed on the official website (https://charagp.full-comi.jp/). Results from this 'Trial Support Voting' will be reset and will not affect the official voting.

The official voting period will run from Tuesday, July 7, 2026, to Sunday, December 13, 2026.

Ranking Highlights

Eight of the top 10 characters are from Thailand, demonstrating strong international momentum. Domestically, 'Yurunakin' from Izumisano City, Osaka Prefecture, ranked 8th, and 'Echigon' from Kashiwazaki City, Niigata Prefecture, placed 9th.

1st: DOMIIA (Thailand) 2nd: AVOCEAN (Thailand) 3rd: WESLEY (Thailand) 4th: PERMPOON (Thailand) 5th: JUMMO (Thailand) 6th: TOMAFOX (Thailand) 7th: POLCASAN (Thailand) 8th: Yurunakin (Izumisano City, Osaka) 9th: Echigon (Kashiwazaki City, Niigata) 10th: MUVMUV (Thailand)

The Grand Prix is organized for the first time by an executive committee comprising the General Incorporated Association Japan Local Character Association (Representative Director: Fukuroshi Arakawa) and Punctual Inc., a company engaged in regional revitalization (Headquarters: Susaki City, Kochi Prefecture; CEO: Ken Moritoki). Unlike traditional short-term 'popularity polls,' this event implements a 'Support Evaluation System' that combines approximately six months of online voting with on-site voting at multiple real-world events held in cities such as Hikone City (Shiga), Chiba City, and Gunma Prefecture.

Awards include Overall 1st to 3rd Place, 'Top Local Character' (invited to an event in Thailand in 2027), 'Top Corporate Character' (invited to a domestic event in 2027), and 'Top Character by Prefecture' (for participating prefectures). Additional awards will be added as more corporate and individual sponsors join.

Event Schedule (Tentative)

Entry Period: Early April – (Entries still being accepted!)

Online Support Voting Period: July 7, 8:00 – December 4, 23:59

On-site Support Voting Period: September – December (held at multiple locations nationwide; from event opening day until one hour before closing on final day)

Planned On-site Venues: Chiba City, Gunma Prefecture, Hikone City (Shiga), Hanyu City (Saitama), Izumisano City (Osaka)

Overall Ranking Calculation Period: July 7 – December 13

Call for Sponsors and Donors

We are actively seeking corporate sponsors and individual supporters who share our mission and wish to help energize local communities alongside these characters. Support through initiatives such as 'corporate hometown tax donations' is also welcome. Please contact the secretariat for more information.