From the cutting-edge laboratories of Taica Corporation comes Gelpiyo, a charming yellow chick mascot that has leapt from representing advanced shock-absorbing materials into the spotlight of international sports sponsorship. Originally conceived to embody the protective qualities of Taica’s AlphaGel technology, Gelpiyo recently gained significant public attention through a unique partnership with Spanish football club RCD Mallorca, demonstrating its growing presence beyond its industrial origins.
The Origins of Gelpiyo: A Symbol of AlphaGel Technology
Gelpiyo serves as the playful and memorable face of Taica Corporation, a Japanese company renowned for its AlphaGel material. AlphaGel is an advanced silicone gel known for its exceptional shock-absorbing and vibration-damping properties. The mascot’s design, a resilient chick emerging from an unbroken egg, directly symbolizes AlphaGel’s ability to protect delicate objects from impact. This concept was notably showcased in a promotional video where RCD Mallorca players attempted to drop an egg onto the resistant gel, with the egg remaining intact, leading to Gelpiyo “magically integrating itself” onto the team’s jerseys.
Taica utilizes Gelpiyo in its brand campaigns as an icon, aiming to communicate complex technological benefits in an accessible and endearing manner. The mascot embodies a cheerful spirit, signifying closeness, energy, and optimism, making it an ideal ambassador for the company’s innovative products.
Gelpiyo’s High-Profile Debut with RCD Mallorca
Gelpiyo’s visibility soared with its prominent appearance on the special edition home kit of RCD Mallorca for their 2025-26 LaLiga season opener against FC Barcelona. This unusual move saw Gelpiyo’s silhouette replace the conventional AlphaGel logo on the chest of the jerseys, capturing the curiosity of fans and media alike.
The initiative was a joint campaign between AlphaGel and RCD Mallorca, designed to celebrate the start of the season at home and offer an original, surprising element to both stadium attendees and television viewers. The club highlighted the campaign’s intent to blend Japanese popular culture, particularly anime, with Mallorcan identity, creating a unique connection between the regions.
The “Gelpiyo Limited Edition” Jersey
The special “Gelpiyo Limited Edition” jersey, featuring the mascot prominently, was made available for sale in both Spain and Japan. This limited release underscored the unique nature of the partnership and allowed fans to own a piece of this cultural fusion. The jersey quickly became a talking point, showcasing how an industrial mascot could successfully cross over into the world of professional sports and capture public imagination.
Taica’s Continued Sponsorship and Global Reach
Taica Corporation, through its AlphaGel brand, has been the main sponsor of RCD Mallorca since 2021, a partnership that was renewed until 2027. This ongoing collaboration demonstrates Taica’s commitment to global branding and its strategic use of Gelpiyo to enhance brand recognition. While Gelpiyo’s primary role remains rooted in illustrating the benefits of shock-absorbing technology, its venture into football sponsorship exemplifies a creative approach to marketing and cultural engagement. The mascot’s journey highlights the potential for brand characters to transcend their initial purpose and become recognizable figures on a broader stage.
