Akachan Honpo to launch Shimashima Guruguru themed additive-free bath balls

Akachan Honpo will begin advance sales of the & HUG time “additive-free bath ball” series featuring characters from the popular children's picture book “Shimashima Guruguru” starting September 25, 2026. The products will be available at Akachan Honpo stores nationwide and through their online shop.

Developed by Nor Corporation, the bath balls are designed for children with delicate or sensitive skin. The formula is free from five specific additives: fragrances, synthetic colorants, preservatives, surfactants, and antioxidants. The product also includes sodium hyaluronate to help maintain skin moisture.

Each bath ball contains one of five different mascots—Shimaguru, Fish, Watermelon, Snake, or Wanwan—encased in a capsule to prevent accidental ingestion. The mascots are also treated with a bittering agent as an additional safety measure.