Japan character goods and pop-up events expand

Various character-themed events and merchandise launches are scheduled across Japan. Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is celebrating its 25th anniversary with special collaboration goods featuring popular anime such as ‘ONE PIECE’ combined with the ‘Jurassic Park’ area, and ‘Detective Conan’ paired with ‘Back to the Future’. These items, including T-shirts and accessories, are set for release on September 9, 2026.

In the character goods sector, KThingS will host a ‘Pokkyokuten POP-UP STORE’ at Tokyo Station from August 28 to September 10, 2026, featuring Sanrio characters and other goods. Additionally, the ‘Chiikawa Pocket’ mobile app is launching its third wave of official merchandise, including dinosaur and Alice-themed items, with pop-up stores touring cities like Tokyo, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sendai, and Osaka.

Major industry events also include the Tokyo Toy Show 2026, featuring exhibitors like Takara Tomy and Bandai, and the Tokyo Game Show 2026, where the ‘Arjan Market’ will host a large-scale physical exhibition at Makuhari Messe.