San-X has named Rilakkuma special ambassador for the 2026 Santa Parade charity events in Tokyo and Osaka. The character will appear at the Tokyo parade on November 15 and the Osaka parade on December 6, helping bring Christmas gifts and encouragement to children receiving medical care.
The two public events combine Santa-themed walks with entertainment and charity activities. Tokyo participants will walk about 2.5 kilometers through Shibuya, Omotesando and Harajuku, while the Osaka course covers about 4 kilometers inside Osaka Castle Park. Both events are scheduled to proceed in rain but may be canceled in severe weather.
Participation costs ¥3,300 (tax included) for adults, ¥2,200 (tax included) for high school and university students, and ¥1,100 (tax included) for junior high school students and younger. Santa costumes are included, with younger participants receiving a hat instead of the full outfit.
About the Santa Parade
Rilakkuma Returns in a Santa Costume
Rilakkuma previously appeared in a Santa outfit at the parade and is scheduled to return at both 2026 events. Participation costs ¥3,300 (tax included) for adults, with lower rates for students and children.
Santa Parade Tokyo
Scenes from the 2024 event show the community-focused atmosphere of the Santa Parade, where participants gather to support children receiving medical care.
Santa Parade Community Walk
The 2025 event brought thousands of Santa-clad participants together for a charity walk and message-writing activities. Adult participation for the 2026 events is ¥3,300 (tax included).
San-X Badge-Making Booth
San-X plans to set up a booth where visitors can turn illustrations into badges, including new artwork prepared for this year’s events. The booth is part of the parade experience, whose adult participation fee is ¥3,300 (tax included).
Launched in Osaka in 2009 and Tokyo in 2018, the Santa Parade has welcomed about 80,000 participants in total and delivered gifts and messages of support to approximately 25,000 children. In 2025, around 6,700 people took part, and presents were sent to about 3,000 hospitalized children. San-X has joined the event for four years as part of its purpose-driven activities, bringing a booth where visitors can make illustrated badges.
Highlights
- Rilakkuma will appear in a Santa costume at both the Tokyo and Osaka events.
- Tokyo features a 2.5-kilometer public-road parade through Shibuya, Omotesando and Harajuku, with about 3,000 Santa participants expected.
- Osaka offers a roughly 4-kilometer walk through Osaka Castle Park, plus food trucks and the Santa Bar food-and-drink experience after the event.
- Tokyo participants can write messages for children after the parade, decorating a large Christmas tree at the venue.
- San-X plans a badge-making experience booth with new Rilakkuma artwork.
- Participation is ¥3,300 (tax included) for adults, ¥2,200 (tax included) for high school and university students, and ¥1,100 (tax included) for junior high school students and younger.
Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Santa Parade Tokyo 2026 and Santa Parade Osaka 2026 |
| Menu / items | Santa parade participation, Santa costume or hat, San-X badge-making experience, charity message activities |
| Period | Tokyo: November 15, 2026 (Sun), 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.; registration from 10:00 a.m. Osaka: December 6, 2026 (Sun), 10:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.; registration from 9:00 a.m. |
| Location | Tokyo: Yoyogi Park Event Plaza and public roads in the Shibuya, Omotesando and Harajuku area. Osaka: Osaka Castle Park, Taiyo no Hiroba and park roads. |
| Address | Yoyogi Park Event Plaza, Shibuya, Tokyo Osaka Castle Park, Chuo Ward, Osaka |
| Price | Adults: ¥3,300 (tax included); high school and university students: ¥2,200 (tax included); junior high school students and younger: ¥1,100 (tax included) |
| Official website | Tokyo event website; Osaka event website |
Before you buy
- When can I join the Santa Parade Tokyo and Osaka events?
- The Tokyo event is scheduled for November 15, 2026, and the Osaka event for December 6, 2026. Registration is scheduled to open at 10:00 a.m. in Tokyo and 9:00 a.m. in Osaka.
- How much is Santa Parade participation?
- Participation costs ¥3,300 (tax included) for adults, ¥2,200 (tax included) for high school and university students, and ¥1,100 (tax included) for junior high school students and younger.
- Where can I see Rilakkuma?
- Rilakkuma is scheduled to appear at both the Tokyo and Osaka parade venues as the event’s special ambassador.
