Japanese character merchandise and retail trends

Japanese retailers and manufacturers continue to introduce a wide variety of character-themed merchandise, lotteries, and pop-up events. In mid-August, announcements included new Ichiban Kuji lotteries from BANDAI SPIRITS for franchises such as Splatoon 3, Bleach, Evangelion, and Dragon Ball GT. Sanrio-themed goods and Gashapon miniature collections were also scheduled for release. Additionally, the Apple Arcade title Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls was slated to end its service in early September. Subsequent updates highlighted retail expansions, including a Winnie the Pooh collection from E-COME GROUP and Snoopy goods from Shimamura. The anime and manga sector saw the launch of a ‘Kekkaishi’ pop-up shop at Kinokuniya Bookstore Shinjuku, alongside upcoming acrylic collections for ‘STRANGE EDEN’ and ‘Pikuria’. Other collaborations included a Hanshin Tigers and ‘Shigoto Neko’ partnership and promotional giveaways for the manga ‘Kurozuki no Jerknacht’. In August 2026, Imagica Infos and DNP announced the broadcast and streaming schedule for the TV anime ‘Yuruyuru Zukan’, based on the Gakken series. The show is scheduled to premiere on October 4, 2026, airing Sunday mornings on the TV Tokyo network. New voice cast members revealed for the production include Jun Fukushima, Riku Nagaoka, Aya Uchida, Sora Tokui, and Moeko Kidachi, joining Emi Nitta. Recent developments in August 2026 include an ‘Attack on Titan’ ‘POP UP STREET’ event at the Senzoku-dori Shopping District, featuring exclusive merchandise and a stamp rally. ‘Aikatsu! 10th STORY’ is set to hold a collaboration event at Tobu Zoo from October 2026 through January 2027. Figure collectors can expect new releases, such as a ‘Fate/Grand Order’ Morgan figure via AmiAmi and a ‘Uma Musume Pretty Derby’ Aston Machan figure by Good Smile Company. Character-driven merchandise continues to expand with ‘Pickles the Frog’ items at Shibuya Scramble Square and a Winnie the Pooh 100th-anniversary campaign at GiGO amusement centers.