World Local Character Grand Prix Surpasses 1 Million Votes in Just 6 Days!

The 'World Local Character Grand Prix,' featuring 291 local and corporate characters from Japan and abroad (with additional entries accepted during the campaign), surpassed 1 million total votes on July 12—the sixth day of voting. An average of 180,000 votes per day are being collected from around the world, with enthusiasm growing daily. Online voting continues until December 4, while on-site support voting at events will run until December 13!

World Local Character Grand Prix Logo

Current Top 5 Rankings (as of July 13, 1:00 PM)

1st: AVOCEAN (Thailand) 2nd: Chiruppy (Chiryu City, Aichi Prefecture) 3rd: Sakai Hoya-maru (Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture) 4th: DOMIIA (Thailand) 5th: Hippo-chan (Create S.D. Co., Ltd.)

About the World Local Character Grand Prix

Organized for the first time by an executive committee comprising the General Incorporated Association Japan Local Character Association (Representative Director: Fumisho Arakawa) and Punctual Inc. (Headquarters: Susaki City, Kochi Prefecture; CEO: Ken Moritoki), a company engaged in regional revitalization projects, the Grand Prix determines rankings based on the total points from two sources: [1] online voting over approximately six months, and [2] on-site support voting at five nationwide event venues.

Starting in September, a new system will be introduced using Punctual’s hometown tax donation portal 'Furu-Comi,' where donations to municipalities will grant support points to participating characters.

Awards will be given not only for the overall top three, but also for the 'Top Local Character' (invited to an event in Thailand in 2027), 'Top Corporate Character' (invited to a domestic event in 2027), and 'Top Character per Prefecture' (for eligible prefectures). Additional sponsors mean more awards—so the more companies and individuals who support, the more prizes will be added.

https://charagp.full-comi.jp/

Key Features of the Voting System

1. Rankings determined by combined online and on-site voting points

The system measures not just online popularity, but also real-world engagement and regional impact. Final rankings are calculated by combining online votes with on-site support votes collected at five nationwide event venues. On-site voting carries higher point weight to reward physical presence and local activation—potentially leading to dramatic comebacks!

2. Fair and user-friendly digital voting to prevent fraud

To prevent fraudulent voting via mass email generation, the online system requires LINE ID linkage. At event venues, attendees use their smartphones to scan QR codes at each character’s booth to vote. Combined with GPS location verification (voting only possible within the venue), this ensures a secure, accurate, and convenient voting experience.

* 'QR Code' is a registered trademark of Denso Wave Inc.

3. Hometown tax donation system to boost character support

Turn fan passion into regional support. Starting in September, donations made through Punctual’s 'Furu-Comi' hometown tax portal will grant bonus points to supporters’ favorite characters. Only donations to municipalities using the Furu-Comi platform are eligible (municipalities not on Furu-Comi are excluded). Full details will be announced in late August.

On-Site Support Voting Events

For event details, please visit the respective official websites:

▼ September 12–13, 2026: National Local Character Sharing Market in Chiba

(Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture – Makuhari Messe)

https://gotouchi-chara.jp/chiba2026/

▼ September 26–27, 2026: Local Character Carnival in Gunma 2026

(Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture – Gunma Prefectural Office)

https://gunmachan-official.jp/news/10495/

▼ October 17–18, 2026: Local Character Expo 2026

(Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture – Yume-Kyobashi Castle Road & Shobancho Square area)

https://gotouchi-chara.jp/hikone2026/

▼ November 21–22, 2026: World Character Summit in Hanyu 2026

(Hanyu City, Saitama Prefecture – Hanyu City Hall & Hanyu Peace Park)

https://gotouchi-chara.jp/hanyu2026/

▼ December 12–13, 2026: Local Character EXPO in Rinku

(Izumisano City, Osaka Prefecture – Rinku Ice Park)

https://gotouchi-chara.jp/izumisano2026/

Online Support Voting: July 7, 8:00 AM – December 4, 11:59 PM

On-Site Support Voting: From the first day of each event until one hour before the final day ends

Ranking Calculation Period: July 7 – December 13

Award Ceremony: Held on December 13 at 'Local Character EXPO in Rinku.' Results will also be announced on the official website.

Call for Sponsors and Donors

We welcome corporate and individual sponsors who support the mission of the Grand Prix and wish to help characters energize communities. Companies interested in supporting through initiatives like 'corporate hometown tax donations' are encouraged to contact the secretariat.