JR’s IC rail pass “Suica” is so named because it helps daily commuters pass through gates easily, i.e. in a “Sui-Sui” manner, since 2001. Penguins are skillful swimmers, passing in and around obstacles with ease, so that’s why the “Suica Penguin” mascot was born. Its designer is the lovely Chiharu Sakazaki 坂崎千春, who modeled it after an Adélie penguin. Ironically, people shuffling towards escalators during rush hour, walk a lot like penguins. 🐧🚅