-chan, -kun, what is used currently for a friend?


I have developed a series of college mascots that are Japanese based. What
would I call them if they are in a comic strip talking to each other; so if
the name is chip would he be called chip-chan, or chip-kun, or something else?
Need help on this asap. Thanks.




Mascot characters are usually called without any name suffix unless くん/ちゃん is
part of the official name (like どーもくん). Most people just call ふなっしー ふなっしー,
while you may add くん or ちゃん if you really like to show your love.

This is more true when the name/appearance of your character is closer to the
western style. Everyone knows two western friends are calling one another
without adding anything. When western cartoons and movies are translated, we
seldom hear くん/ちゃん, and no one thinks it's impolite.

Judging from the image you posted, your characters are not like typical
Japanese "lovely" mascots (known as ゆるキャラ / 萌えキャラ). So I think you can safely
avoid くん/ちゃん altogether.

