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12 clusters · 24 sources · 47 days · First seen · Last updated

Japanese character merchandise launches

Overview

June‑July 2026 saw a wave of character‑themed merchandise across Japanese retailers, from Miffy apparel at Shimamura to Sanrio’s Hello Kitty collections, Pokémon anniversary items, and collaborations such as Inazuma Eleven and Snoopy. The period also included Sanrio’s new game label, lottery, pop‑up stores and eco‑friendly plush lines.

The momentum continued into August. Shimamura’s online shop added three Dragon Quest items—a Demon’s Cauldron dustbox, a Red Treasure Chest storage box and a “Hito‑kui‑bako” box—on 5 August (¥3,300‑¥4,620). The Pokémon Center released four water‑type plush toys with moving fins (Totodile, Mantine, Mudkip, swimming Dratini) on 5 August and a special Pikachu plush on 7 August for the Pokémon‑NHK Symphony concert series. Right‑on introduced a SpongeBob collection on 5 August, while COSPA announced its EVANGELION:95 autumn‑winter 2026 line on 7 August and NERV‑themed apparel for later in the year. Japan Post began selling limited‑edition Puppet Sunsun mascots, bags, stationery, holiday candy boxes and a tree‑shaped sweets box (reservations until 23 August) on 12 August. A set of ghost‑type Pokémon acrylic charms is slated for September, and the indie game Moonlighter was offered free on Steam from 5–9 August to promote its sequel’s September launch.

Entities

Pokémon Center · COSPA · Dragon Quest · Nintendo · SpongeBob SquarePants

Timeline

  1. 19 days ago

    [CULTURE] 11 sources
    Japan sees wave of pop‑culture merchandise releases in August 2026

    Japanese retailers rolled out new Dragon Quest, Pokémon, Evangelion, SpongeBob, and other pop‑culture merchandise throughout August 2026, including plushes, apparel, acrylic charms, and holiday sweets.

  2. 24 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 6 sources
    Pokemon Center launches 'Patapata!' water‑type plush toys and Nintendo Switch 2 Pokopia bundle

    Pokemon Center releases 'Patapata!' water‑type plush toys on Aug 5, Nintendo runs a Switch 2 + 'Poko a Pokémon' sticker promo, and a £399 Switch 2 + Pokopia bundle hits UK stores.

  3. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 6 sources
    Pokémon merchandise roll out across Japan: pop‑up store, accessories, necklaces and cake releases

    Japan sees a wave of Pokémon merch this summer: a Fukuoka pop‑up store selling themed medical scrubs, Anker’s Pikachu accessories, U‑Treasure’s anniversary necklaces, and Ginza Cozy Corner’s limited‑edition POK

  4. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    Sanrio to launch eco‑friendly Hello Kitty, My Melody, Kuromi plush line in August 2026

    Sanrio will release its eco‑friendly ECO NUI plush line featuring Hello Kitty, My Melody and Kuromi in August 2026, with recycled‑fabric toys priced from ¥1,650 to ¥2,640.

  5. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 4 sources
    Sanrio launches Target plush line and Heartopia game collab

    Sanrio partners with TeeTurtle for a Target plush line (Hello Kitty, Kuromi, My Melody) launching July 19, and with the mobile game Heartopia for character outfits and items available through Aug 23.

  6. about 1 month ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Pokemon merchandise launches in Japan, August 2026

    New Pokemon-themed merchandise, including acrylic charms, keychains, magnets and a PU leather strap featuring Pikachu, Gengar and Psyduck, will launch across Japan in August 2026.

  7. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 4 sources
    ShimaMura online store launches Miffy and Tamagotchi character merchandise

    On July 13, ShimaMura's online store launched Miffy bedding and Tamagotchi accessories, including pillows, pads, socks and plush key‑chains, priced from ¥649 to ¥2,970.

  8. about 2 months ago

    [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Japanese stores roll out new Snoopy lottery, Hunter×Hunter accessories and Pokemon snack box

    Sanrio's Snoopy lottery, Hunter×Hunter accessories, and Pokémon chocolate snack boxes debut in Japan in July 2026, featuring themed merchandise and collectible items.

  9. about 2 months ago

    [CULTURE] 6 sources
    Sanrio expands with new video games, merchandise line and photo‑booth collaboration in Japan

    Sanrio rolled out new games, a Pretty Series merchandise line and a NICO MAKE photo‑booth event, all featuring its characters in Japan this summer.

  10. about 2 months ago

    [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Pokemon and Snoopy Merchandise Hits Japanese Stores in Early July

    Japan’s Marimo Craft, Shimamura and Don Quijote/Apita launch new Pokémon and Snoopy merchandise, including sports‑themed accessories, drawstring loungewear and cooling apparel, from 1‑4 July.

  11. about 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Sanrio rolls out new collaboration line and reissues top character merchandise in Japan

    Sanrio launches an Inazuma Eleven collaboration line and reissues top five award‑winning character goods online on 29 June 2026 in Japan.

  12. 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 4 sources
    Shimumura rolls out new Miffy and Sun‑bathing Sanrio character merchandise in Japan

    Shimumura will launch Miffy goods on 20 June and a Sanrio “Sun‑bathing” series on 24‑25 June, selling the items in stores nationwide and online in Japan.

Sources

animeanime.jp · animebox.jp · buletinmutiara.com · cho-animedia.jp · cinemacafe.net · dtimes.jp · eva-info.jp · gamespark.jp · getnews.jp · inside-games.jp · lavacamulticolor.pe · ndw.jp · news.denfaminicogamer.jp · ninten-switch.com · nonfiction.pl · pashplus.jp · pizzafria.ig.com.br · pocketgamer.com · ryutsuu.biz · s.gamespark.jp · s.inside-games.jp · saga.goguynet.jp · totalfilm.com · toyinsider.com

This summary has been updated 4 times: see revision history