# Japanese character goods and retail merchandise trends

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/japanese-character-goods-and-retail-merchandise-trends
> Updated: 2026-08-23T04:30:03.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

The Japanese retail and entertainment sectors are seeing an expansion of collectible merchandise and themed pop-up events.

In late July and early August, Cocos Japan launched nationwide 3-D ‘puffy’ sticker collections featuring signature dishes. Simultaneously, Hiroshima retailers introduced local-themed stickers depicting regional foods, which saw significant sales. A subsequent collaboration involving 19 local supermarkets is planned for the autumn.

By late August, the trend extended to broader character-themed merchandise and large-scale events. Universal Studios Japan announced anniversary collaborations featuring anime such as ‘ONE PIECE’ and ‘Detective Conan’. Other developments include Sanrio-themed pop-up stores at Tokyo Station, new merchandise waves for the ‘Chiikawa Pocket’ app, and major industry exhibitions like the Tokyo Toy Show and Tokyo Game Show.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-23: Japan character goods and pop-up events expand

Japan sees a surge in character merchandise and pop-up events, including USJ's 25th-anniversary anime collaborations and various themed stores for Sanrio and Chiikawa.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chiikawa-pocket-launches-third-merchandise-series-and-pop-up-store-tour

### 2026-07-29: Cocos Japan and Hiroshima retailers launch 3D “puffy” sticker collections

Cocos Japan and Hiroshima retailers rolled out 3‑D “puffy” stickers featuring menu items and local foods, sparking strong consumer interest across Japan.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cocos-japan-and-hiroshima-retailers-launch-3d-puffy-sticker-collections

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Cite as: Japanese character goods and retail merchandise trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/japanese-character-goods-and-retail-merchandise-trends