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Chiikawa

Chiikawa is in an active theatrical and retail run. Eiga Chiikawa: Ningyo no Shima no Himitsu is the top-earning film of the year in Japan, sitting at number one in its eighth weekend, while ephemera, pop-ups, cosmetics, and games continue on separate schedules through fall.

Synthesized from 30 Yomimono stories · updated 4h ago

The Chiikawa franchise leans on theatrical release to pull everything else up. Eiga Chiikawa: Ningyo no Shima no Himitsu stayed at number one in Japan in its eighth weekend, selling 271,000 tickets and earning 427,295,700 yen from Friday to Sunday, with cumulative revenue of 14.66 billion yen. That figure passes Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway to make it the biggest film in Japan this year, and puts it 23rd on the all-time ranking. Before that, the movie held first in weeks three, four, and five, and the original soundtrack reached number one on Billboard JAPAN's Hot Albums chart, climbing from 12th on July 29 in its fourth week.

The cross-media effect is measurable. Chiikawa Pocket downloads reached nearly 10,000 on the film's July 24 release date, more than six times the previous day, and stayed above 10,000 daily from July 29, holding a top 15 iPhone download ranking for a month. To mark 1.5 years since the app launched, ABEMA will run a free Chiikawa Official Channel from September 19 to 29, airing anime episodes 1 through 362 nonstop, with a serial code for 5000 free Gems around 10:00 AM on September 27. In the United States, Amasian TV began streaming 20 subtitled episodes free with no subscription.

The merchandise calendar is dense through fall. Bonbon Drop stickers, Chiikawa Pocket goods, Halloween designs from Talking ODM, and a Pon de Couleur powder all have separate releases. Two investigations of prize handling are open: Kura Sushi is reviewing complaints over its Bikkura Pon! collaboration prizes, and Grand Cinema Sunshine Ikebukuro has consulted lawyers over suspicion that movie visitor gifts were taken by staff. Neither has confirmed wrongdoing.

Key facts

Latest box office position
Eiga Chiikawa: Ningyo no Shima no Himitsu stayed at #1 in its eighth weekend, selling 271,000 tickets and earning 427,295,700 yen from Friday to Sunday. ↗
Cumulative gross
14.66 billion yen, making it the top-earning film of the year in Japan and 23rd on the all-time ranking. ↗
Soundtrack chart
The original soundtrack reached number one on Billboard JAPAN's Hot Albums chart released August 19. ↗
Game download spike
Chiikawa Pocket downloads reached nearly 10,000 on the film's July 24 release date, more than six times the previous day. ↗
ABEMA marathon
A free Chiikawa Official Channel runs September 19 to 29, airing anime episodes 1 through 362 nonstop. ↗
U.S. streaming
Amasian TV began streaming 20 Chiikawa episodes with English subtitles and Japanese audio in the United States, free with no subscription. ↗
Kura Sushi investigation
Kura Sushi published a notice on September 2 saying it is investigating reports of improper handling of Bikkura Pon! prizes in its Chiikawa collaboration, with no wrongdoing confirmed. ↗
Theater gift inquiry
Grand Cinema Sunshine Ikebukuro issued a statement on September 9 confirming it is investigating social media posts and has consulted lawyers over suspicion that movie visitor gifts were taken by staff. ↗
Shanghai exhibition
The CHIIKAWA DAYS exhibition opens at Shanghai's Jing'an Kerry Centre from September 12 to November 1, 2026, with a Shanghai-only area and the CHIIKAWA LONGTANG EATS series. ↗
Character survey result
Nijimen's Chiikawa favorite character survey, held July 29 to August 12, 2026, drew 1,335 votes across 42 characters, with Chiikawa first at 210 votes. ↗

Timeline

Synthesized by Yomimono from the cited Yomimono stories below, each itself sourced, then editorially reviewed. Every fact links the story it came from.

Facts

Announced
Chiikawa Speech Designs added to Talking ODM (October 14 release) · 2026-10-13
Announced
PUKU CHURU Seal Vol. 3 prize lineup of seven types · 2026-10-08
Announced
First flight of Chiikawa Jet on October 19 via Haneda to Nagasaki route, flight ANA661 departing at 8:15, return flight ANA664 at 11:00 · 2026-10-06
Announced
Chiikawa HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2026 merchandise lineup by Talking ODM · 2026-10-05
Announced
Chiikawa Kurimanju Darake Kuji lottery (Chiikawa Kuji) · 2026-10-05
Announced
Shisa Darake Kuji lottery (October) · 2026-10-05
Announced
second lottery, Shisa Darake Kuji, for October · 2026-10-05
Announced
temporarily pause regular airing of new episodes and run a revival rebroadcast of 25 older episodes until December 25 · 2026-10-04
Announced
limited-time pop up store at Future City Favore in Toyama (Chiikawa POP UP STORE) · 2026-09-18
Announced
investigation into suspected improper taking of visitor gifts by staff, with legal consultation · 2026-09-09
Announced
release of Racco Super BIG Plushie · 2026-08-18
Release
special · 2026-10-14 · 2026-10-13
Release
movie · 11th weekend · Japan · 2026-10-09
Release
tv · 2025-07 · 2026-10-04
Release
movie · 2025-07-24 · 2026-10-04
Release
tv · Episodes 1-362 · 2026-09-18
Release
movie · eighth weekend in Japan · Japan · 2026-09-16
Release
live_action · opened at #5 · 2026-09-16
Release
manga · 2026-09-18 · 2026-09-16
Release
special · mid-September · Japan · 2026-09-15
Noted
Launch campaign gives 500 lottery winners an original acrylic stand and 100 boarders a passport case · 2026-10-06
Noted
Sales run from September 1 at 12:00 to November 1. · 2026-10-05
Noted
ranked fifth in Amazon's food toy new-arrival chart · 2026-09-07
Noted
charted in the same week · 2026-09-07
Noted
It sells Chiikawa x Sanrio Characters Kiramekko figures in four types, including Chiikawa x My Melody and Usagi x Pompompurin · 2026-09-05
Noted
The pop-up brings the Kiramekko line's sparkling-eye character mashups to a travel hub, pairing Chiikawa with Sanrio and mofusand with Ultraman for airport-only shoppers. · 2026-09-05
Noted
Collaboration began August 21 · 2026-09-03
Noted
Collaboration offers figures, can badges, and acrylic magnets as prizes · 2026-09-03
Noted
Campaign runs until September 30 · 2026-09-03
Noted
The CHIIKAWA DAYS exhibition opens at Shanghai's Jing'an Kerry Centre from September 12 to November 1, 2026. · 2026-09-02
Noted
It adds a Shanghai-only area and the CHIIKAWA LONGTANG EATS series. · 2026-09-02
Noted
The CHIIKAWA LONGTANG EATS series turns the characters into local dishes such as shengjianbao and pork mooncakes. · 2026-09-02
Noted
A one-day special event on September 5 at Anyi Road features nine giant inflatables, character greetings, and paper hat giveaways. · 2026-09-02
Noted
Tickets go on sale September 5 via Maoyan, with early-bird pricing through September 13. · 2026-09-02
Noted
The Shanghai run takes the Chiikawa exhibition, already popular in Hong Kong and Taiwan, into mainland China with a Shanghai-specific food theme and local-only goods. · 2026-09-02
Noted
The product extends the Chiikawa merchandise line with a gag item, the sashimata, tied to the series' popularity and the current theatrical film. · 2026-08-20
Noted
The roughly 45 cm plushie reproduces Racco's trademark sword on his back. · 2026-08-18
Noted
returned to #1 in its third weekend · 2026-08-14
Noted
selling 1.147 million tickets · 2026-08-14
Licensed by
YouTube (English) · 2026-10-04

Connections

Music by
nagano
Produces of
abema, nagano

Structured graph also available as JSON at /public/entities/chiikawa. CC BY 4.0.

Claim activity

When a claim about Chiikawa was confirmed, debunked, or disputed against open-web sources. The record stays even after a claim drops off the facts list.

  • Confirmed movie 11th weekend Japan 3d ago · source
  • Confirmed tv 2025-07 Oct 4 · source
  • Confirmed movie 2025-07-24 Oct 4 · source
  • Confirmed live_action opened at #5 Sep 20 · source
  • Confirmed movie eighth weekend in Japan Japan Sep 20 · source
  • Confirmed movie 2026-08-07 Japan Sep 5 · source
  • Confirmed Makoto Tanaka voices Chiikawa Jun 17 · source
  • Confirmed movie 2026-07-24 Japan Jun 12 · source

All coverage

4h ago

Talking Adds Chiikawa Speech Designs to Talking ODM on October 14

Talking ODM, a service where buyers pick a design and the product it is printed on, adds Chiikawa Speech Designs on October 14 at 12:00. The lineup holds 9 stamp-style designs of speech lines and characters, among them Chiikawa's "Yada!!", Hachiware's "...tte koto!?", and Usagi's "Tsutsuuraura". Printing options include T-shirts, long-sleeve T-shirts, sweatshirts, zip hoodies, eco bags, and front-pocket sacoche. Chiikawa College Designs also go on sale at the same time.

4d ago

Chiikawa Film Drops To #4, Star Detective Precure! Slips To #5 In Japan

In its 11th weekend, Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of Mermaid Island fell from #2 to #4, earning 178,447,600 yen. Its cumulative total is 17,169,165,400 yen on 11.76 million tickets. The Star Detective Precure! film dropped from #3 to #5 in weekend three with 117,562,850 yen, reaching 1,088,603,930 yen cumulatively.

5d ago

Chiikawa PUKU CHURU Seal Vol. 3 Ships as Prizes on October 9

Parade will release the third volume of Chiikawa PUKU CHURU seals as amusement facility prizes starting October 9, 2026. The seals have a puffy, glossy finish with a holographic sparkle. Seven types are in the lineup. The set includes Halloween costumes, among them a blood-covered nurse and doctor, plus a hair volume series in which Usagi's hair goes "fusa..." as it flows. Momonga and Armor-san also appear as picks in the assortment. The items roll out sequentially at amusement facilities nationwide. Details are posted on the Parade product page for PUKU CHURU seal3. The line follows earlier volumes in the PUKU CHURU format, which Parade also produces for other properties. Inside and Anime Anime both list the same seven-type count and the same Halloween and hair volume themes, and both point readers to the same product page for the rollout schedule at participating facilities.

Oct 6

Chiikawa Jet Sets First Flight for October 19 on Haneda to Nagasaki Route

ANA's Chiikawa Jet, an aircraft decorated with Chiikawa characters and seasonal motifs, will begin domestic service on October 19 with Haneda to Nagasaki flight ANA661 departing at 8:15, and a return flight ANA664 at 11:00. A launch campaign gives 500 lottery winners an original acrylic stand and 100 boarders a passport case. Collaboration goods details are to be announced later.

Oct 5

Talking ODM Adds Chiikawa Halloween 2026 Designs For A Limited Run

Talking ODM, a service that lets customers pick a design and the product it is printed on, is selling Chiikawa HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2026 for a limited time. The lineup has six designs, among them Halloween Chiikawa, Hachiware and Usagi, plus Edamame Kurimanju and Ichigo Daifuku Rakko. Goods include T-shirts, long-sleeve T-shirts, a pullover hoodie, sweatshirt, tote bag, satin frill drawstring bag, eco bag, mini towel and mug. Sales run from September 1 at 12:00 to November 1.

Oct 5

Chiikawa Kurimanju Darake Kuji Opens With A Beer Mug Plush

The Chiikawa Kurimanju Darake Kuji is on sale at Chiikawa Kuji, the series' official online kuji shop, priced at 1,100 yen per draw from September 24 at 11:00 to October 1 at 23:59. The A Prize is a super BIG plush holding a beer mug and making a peace sign. Lower prizes include an accessory stand with plush, two face cushions, a grilled saury plush pochette, and six charms. Shipping begins around late February 2027, and a Shisa Darake Kuji follows in October.

Oct 5

Chiikawa Kuji Opens Kurimanju Darake Lottery On September 24

Chiikawa Kuji will open sales for its Kurimanju Darake lottery at 11:00 on September 24, at 1,100 yen per play, running through 23:59 on October 1 with shipping scheduled to begin around late February 2027. The A Prize is a super BIG plushie holding a beer mug and flashing a peace sign, and the E Prize mascots come in six types, including Kinshu with a sobriety stamp and Futsukayoi looking pale.

Oct 4

Chiikawa Film Slips To No. 2, Precure Holds No. 3

In its 10th weekend, Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of Mermaid Island fell from No. 1 to No. 2 at the Japanese box office, selling 182,000 tickets and earning 280,160,700 yen from Friday to Sunday. Star Detective Precure! The Movie stayed at No. 3 in its second weekend, with 134,000 tickets and 174,435,520 yen, while Cosmic Princess Kaguya! dropped to No. 10.

Oct 4

Chiikawa Anime Halts New Episodes for 25-Episode Rebroadcast

The Chiikawa anime will temporarily pause regular airing of new episodes and run a revival rebroadcast of 25 older episodes until December 25. The run focuses on episodes early in the anime's life and episodes tied to Eiga Chiikawa: Ningyo no Shima no Himitsu, the film that opened in Japan on July 24. The anime's new series premiered in July 2025, following a previous rebroadcast period that began in April 2025.

Oct 4

Chiikawa Film Passes 15.84 Billion Yen as English Dub Hits YouTube

The Chiikawa film earned over 15.84 billion yen and sold about 10.86 million tickets, the top film in Japan this year. The franchise's English YouTube channel opened on September 19 and will stream full English dub episodes of the anime starting October 1. The film opened on July 24.

Sep 18

Chiikawa and Mofusand Pop Up Shops Open Together at Toyama's Favore

A limited-time shop pairing the Chiikawa POP UP STORE with the mofusand POP UP SHOP is open on the first floor of Future City Favore in Toyama, in the Taiyo no Hiroba space, through Sunday, September 27. Hours are 10:00 to 18:00, closing at 17:00 on the final day. The venue includes a photo spot where visitors can pose with the characters.

Sep 18

Chiikawa Episodes 1-362 Set for 11-Day Free Marathon on ABEMA

To mark 1.5 years since the Chiikawa Pocket app launched, ABEMA will open a Chiikawa Official Free Channel from September 19 to 29 and air anime Chiikawa episodes 1 through 362 in a free nonstop marathon. All aired episodes stay free for one week after broadcast, and a serial code revealed around 10:00 AM on September 27 gives Chiikawa Pocket players 5000 free Gems.

Sep 16

Chiikawa Film Stays at #1 as Japanese Box Office Weekend Charted

Eiga Chiikawa: Ningyo no Shima no Himitsu stayed at #1 in its eighth weekend in Japan, selling 271,000 tickets and earning 427,295,700 yen from Friday to Sunday. Puella Magi Madoka Magica The Movie: Walpurgisnacht: Rising dropped from #3 to #4 in its third weekend. The live-action Look Back opened at #5, with Chiikawa now the biggest film in Japan this year and 23rd on the all-time ranking.

Sep 16

Chiikawa's Pasta Lai Suke Merch Lineup Arrives September 18

Talking will release the Chiikawa Pasta Lai Suke Series on September 18 at 12:00. The lineup has four items. A white T-shirt costs 3,850 yen including tax. A blue ID case costs 2,200 yen. A blue clear pouch costs 3,080 yen. A blue multi case costs 3,850 yen. Each design puts the Pasta Lai Suke icon on the front. The back shows Hachiware and Chiikawa typing on the internet. Details are on the Talking product page. The series is separate from another Chiikawa goods wave. An online lottery focused on the character Kurimanju runs from September 24 at 11:00 to October 1 at 23:59 on Chiikawa Market Chiikawa Kuji, the official online lottery shop. It has 11 prize types and costs 1,100 yen per draw. Prize shipping starts around late February 2027.

Sep 14

Chiikawa Bonbon Drop Stickers Go On Sale September 25

Three Bonbon Drop Sticker sets for Chiikawa Land, Chiikawa Sushi, and Chiikawa Baby go on sale September 25, 2026 at Chiikawa Market, Chiikawa Land, and the Q-Lia Online Store. A separate OUTDOOR PRODUCTS pen case line by Sun-Star Stationery, printed with Chiikawa, Hachiware, Usagi, and friends, follows from late September at Chiikawa Market, Chiikawa Land, Amazon and stationery shops.

Sep 11

Bombon Drop Seal Chiikawa Adds Three New Designs For September 25

The Bombon Drop Seal account announced three new Chiikawa seal designs for September 25: Chiikawa Sushi, Chiikawa Baby, and Chiikawa Land. The seals go on sale from Chiikawa Market online, Chiikawa Land, and Chiikawa POP UP SHOP. A date for sales through the Q-Lia official online store will be announced later.

Sep 9

Chiikawa Movie Theater Responds to Visitor Gift Leak Suspicion

Grand Cinema Sunshine Ikebukuro issued a statement on September 9 regarding social media posts, confirming it is investigating the content and has consulted lawyers. The theater faces suspicion that visitor gifts for the Chiikawa movie were improperly taken by staff. The theater has not confirmed the posts as factual and outlined response policies for both possible outcomes.

Sep 8

Chiikawa Pocket Downloads Jump Sixfold on Movie Release Day

Sensor Tower published a report on September 8 analyzing how the movie Chiikawa: The Secret of the Mermaid Island affected Chiikawa Pocket. On the film's July 24 release date, downloads of the idle RPG reached nearly 10,000, more than six times the previous day, driven by a commemorative campaign and the Mermaid Island event. Downloads stayed above 10,000 daily from July 29, and the game held a top 15 iPhone download ranking for a month.

Sep 8

Chiikawa Baby Rinrin Okao Mascots Ring Out as New Prize from Mid-September

Parade will roll out the Chiikawa Baby Rinrin Okao Mascot prize from mid-September at amusement facilities nationwide. The lineup covers eight types of baby versions of Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi. Each mascot measures about 7.5cm, carries a strap on top, and rings with a 'rinrin' sound when shaken. Parade points to its product page for the full details.

Sep 7

Chiikawa Pocket Mini Pop-Up Store Goes Nationwide Starting in Sapporo

The Chiikawa Pocket mini POP UP STORE will expand nationwide, with Sapporo as the first stop. The store runs September 18 to October 4 at Sapporo PARCO 7F PARCO FACTORY. Buyers who spend 2,200 yen or more receive a dedicated shopper bag, and every purchaser gets one random sticker from seven types. The novelties are one per transaction while supplies last.

Sep 7

Niformation JoJo Wafer Tops Amazon Food Toy New Arrival Chart

Dengeki Hobby Web compiled the top 10 food toy items from Amazon's hobby new-arrival ranking as of September 7, 2026. Bandai's Niformation wafer line swept the top three spots, led by the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Special II set, followed by the Yo-kai Watch and One Piece entries. Heart's Anime Chiikawa Toy Cake Can ranked fifth, TAKARATOMY A.R.T.S's Pokemon Card Game MEGA Gummy Storm Emeralda sixth, and Bandai's Hololive Production Wafer vol.6 rounded out the list at tenth.

Sep 6

Chiikawa Movie Rabbit Rap Hits JOYSOUND Karaoke

Xing Inc. added the Rabbit Rap from Chiikawa: The Movie to JOYSOUND karaoke on September 6. Two versions are available: Usagi's solo and the Rhythmic Ones ver. with Usagi, Momonga, and Kurimanju. The song breaks through Siren attacks in the film.

Sep 5

Chiikawa x Sanrio Kiramekko Figures Pop Up at Haneda Airport Terminal 1

The GPSBOX & Kiramekko POPUP STORE runs at Haneda Airport Terminal 1 until September 28. It sells Chiikawa x Sanrio Characters Kiramekko figures in four types, including Chiikawa x My Melody and Usagi x Pompompurin, plus mofusand x Ultraman Kiramekko and GPSBOX figure collections. Items are random, and numbered tickets may be issued on busy days.

Sep 3

Kura Sushi Investigates Chiikawa Prize Handling Reports

Kura Sushi published a notice on September 2 saying it is investigating social media reports about improper handling of prizes in its ongoing Chiikawa collaboration. The company said it received reports about inappropriate handling of Bikkura Pon! merchandise and is moving quickly to check the facts. The collaboration, which began August 21, offers figures, can badges, and acrylic magnets as prizes in the Bikkura Pon! game, where customers insert five finished plates into a slot at each table to play. Social media users posted complaints that figures were not coming out, and large quantities of specific prizes appeared on flea market apps, raising suspicions of improper acquisition. Kura Sushi said it manages prizes strictly, storing them in a locked warehouse, having multiple staff open and replenish them, and designating responsible personnel. If the investigation finds wrongdoing, the company plans disciplinary action and legal measures. It also said it will tighten management rules, including checking the number of goods provided against inventory. The campaign runs until September 30. Kura Sushi has not confirmed any wrongdoing and is still in the investigation stage.

Sep 2

CHIIKAWA DAYS Exhibition Heads to Shanghai with Local Food Theme

The CHIIKAWA DAYS exhibition opens at Shanghai's Jing'an Kerry Centre from September 12 to November 1, 2026. It adds a Shanghai-only area and the CHIIKAWA LONGTANG EATS series, which turns the characters into local dishes such as shengjianbao and pork mooncakes. A one-day special event on September 5 at Anyi Road features nine giant inflatables, character greetings, and paper hat giveaways. Tickets go on sale September 5 via Maoyan, with early-bird pricing through September 13.

Sep 1

Chiikawa Halloween 2026 Designs Land on Talking ODM for Limited Run

Talking ODM, the print-on-demand service that lets buyers pair a design with a product, added a limited Chiikawa Halloween line on September 1. The set, called Chiikawa HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2026, carries six designs and goes on sale at noon, running through November 1. Three of the motifs are named: a Halloween scene with Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi; Edamame Kurimanju; and Ichigo Daifuku Rakko. The remaining three are not specified in the announcement. The designs can be printed across nine product types: T-shirts, long-sleeve T-shirts, sweatshirts, tote bags, satin frill drawstring bags, eco bags, mini towels, and mugs. The lineup also adds a pullover parka as a new product option. Talking ODM's model means each of the six motifs is available on every product, so the Halloween art is not tied to a single item. The sale period covers the full Halloween season and extends into early November.

Aug 29

Chiikawa Tenugui Towels and Kids Basketball Wear Go on Sale

New Chiikawa merchandise includes three tenugui towel designs and kids basketball wear now available. The towels feature Nesoberi lying-down, Shiromendez, and Shisa Aloha patterns. The basketball wear includes T-shirts and pants with moisture-wicking quick-dry fabric, sold at Sports Depo and Alpen stores. Both items went on sale August 21.

Aug 29

Chiikawa Pocket Pop-Up Store Opens With Dinosaur and Alice Goods

The Chiikawa Pocket POP UP STORE opened August 21 in Tokyo and Nagoya, selling the third official goods lineup themed around dinosaurs and Alice. Items include mascots, trading acrylic stands, stickers, bath towels, tote bags, and T-shirts. Purchases over 2,200 yen came with a bonus shopper and sticker. The Tokyo venue runs until September 23, with stops in Fukuoka, Sendai, and Osaka.

Aug 29

Chiikawa Pon de Couleur Multi-Color Powder Releases November 23

Clair Bote will release the Pon de Couleur Chiikawa Multi-Color Powder starting November 23. The compact multi-color powder, usable as eyeshadow or face color, comes in six container designs drawn from Chiikawa scenes. Each box holds one powder and is priced at 550 yen. A gashapon release is also planned.

Aug 28

Chiikawa Movie Holds First Place as No New Films Enter Japan's Top 10

The weekend box office ranking for August 21-23, released by Kogyo Tsushinsha, shows "Movie Chiikawa: The Secret of the Mermaid Island" in first place with 825,800 attendees and 1.242 billion yen, pushing its cumulative totals past 7.66 million attendees and 11 billion yen. No new films entered the top 10, and the top four slots were unchanged from the previous week.

Aug 28

Chiikawa Anime Film Holds #1, New Crayon Shin-chan Climbs

The Chiikawa anime film, Eiga Chiikawa: Ningyo no Shima no Himitsu, stayed at #1 in its fifth weekend in Japan, earning 1,241,646,800 yen from August 21-23. The Crayon Shin-chan film rose from #6 to #5 in its fourth weekend, earning 169,928,400 yen. Both films continue strong box office runs.

Aug 28

Amasian TV Streams 20 Chiikawa Episodes Free in U.S.

ODK Media's North American platform Amasian TV began streaming 20 episodes of the Chiikawa anime with English subtitles and Japanese audio in the United States. The episodes are available on demand for free, no subscription required. Amasian TV also said it will stream seasons 2 and 3 of Hyakushō Kizoku and the Gunma-chan anime in the coming months, all in partnership with Japan International Broadcasting.

Aug 27

TOYRISE Reveals Shoji Kawamori Items for Tokyo Toy Show 2026

T-SPARK has previewed TOYRISE items to be announced at Tokyo Toy Show 2026, held from August 27 to August 30 at Tokyo Big Sight. The previews cover four franchises: Mashin Hero Wataru, Mado King Granzort, Absolute无敌 Raijin-Oh, and Shinkansen Henkei Robo Shinkalion. A Shinkalion with design concept by Shoji Kawamori was teased via silhouette on August 25 and appears as a gray prototype at the show. The T-SPARK official X account revealed image visuals for all four lines on August 26, with Wataru and Granzort shown together at the T-SPARK booth. The event's business days, August 27 and 28, are for trade visitors only; the general public can attend on August 29 and 30 with advance tickets at 2,000 yen or same-day tickets at 2,200 yen. Dengeki Hobby Web's breaking reports from the Takara Tomy booth confirmed the Kawamori Shinkalion prototype, plus items from Raijin-Oh, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Wataru, and Granzort. Other Takara Tomy displays included a Captain Tsubasa: Tatakae Dream Team and ZOIDS collaboration, SYNEGENEX Evangelion Prime Unit-02, and Transformers-related items such as Adamas Machina Magna Regulus.

Aug 21

Chiikawa Raccoon Gets Super BIG Plush Prize From Late August

Parade will release the new prize "Chiikawa Raccoon Super BIG Plush" sequentially at amusement facilities nationwide from late August 2026. The plush stands approximately 45 cm tall and faithfully reproduces the sword on the character's back, a trademark of the beloved top ranker Raccoon from the Chiikawa series.

Aug 21

Chiikawa Pocket Third Wave Merch Drops With Dinosaur and Alice Themes

The third wave of official Chiikawa Pocket merchandise went on sale August 21, 2026, at 11:00. The new items follow Dinosaur and Alice themes, with 9 dinosaur-themed products and 8 Alice-themed products available. The goods are sold at the official online Chiikawa Pocket Goods Store and at POP UP STORE events at five locations across Japan.

Aug 20

Chiikawa Film Holds Top Spot, Kingdom Rises to Fifth in Japan

The Chiikawa anime film stayed at #1 in Japan for a fourth weekend, selling 602,000 tickets and earning 895 million yen. The fifth live-action Kingdom film rose from #7 to #5 in its fifth weekend, earning 353 million yen. Both films continue strong theatrical runs.

Aug 20

Chiikawa Movie Soundtrack Tops Billboard JAPAN Hot Albums Chart

The original soundtrack for 'Chiikawa: The Secret of the Mermaid Island' reached number one on Billboard JAPAN's Hot Albums chart released August 19. It climbed from 12th on July 29 to the top spot in its fourth week, the first movie soundtrack to lead the chart in about seven years.

Aug 20

Chiikawa Charapaki Sashimata Included Ver. Releases August 31

The Chiikawa Charapaki Sashimata Included Ver. launches August 31, 2026. Each pack includes a sashimata for Chiikawa and Hachiware, with chocolates in four flavors and eight character shapes. The sashimata colors come in two varieties, and contents are a surprise until opened.

Aug 18

Chiikawa Favorite Character Ranking Top 10 Announced

Nijimen's Chiikawa favorite character survey, held from July 29 to August 12, 2026, drew 1,335 votes across 42 characters. Chiikawa took first with 210 votes, followed by Hachiware with 190 and Usagi with 182. Raccoon, Shiisa, Kurimanjuu, and Momonga rounded out the top seven, with the full top 10 announced to commemorate the movie's release.

Aug 18

Chiikawa Bakery Pop-Up Shop Opens at JR Kyoto Station

Chiikawa Bakery is holding its first Kyoto pop-up shop from August 13 to September 9, 2026, at JR Kyoto Station's West Exit ticket gate. The shop sells bakery merchandise and introduces a Kyoto-exclusive caramel otabe confection by Bicchu Co., Ltd. Admission is free, with possible entry restrictions during crowded times.

Aug 18

Chiikawa Top Ranker Racco Gets 45cm Super BIG Plushie Prize

Parade will release the Chiikawa Racco Super BIG Plushie at amusement facilities nationwide starting in late August 2026. The roughly 45 cm plushie reproduces Racco's trademark sword on his back. The prize is part of the ongoing Chiikawa merchandise line and is scheduled for sequential release.

Aug 18

Chiikawa Movie Characters Grace anan Special Edition Cover

The special edition of the women's weekly magazine anan, issue 2509, will feature the film Chiikawa: The Movie - The Secret of Mermaid Island on its cover when it goes on sale August 26. The cover shows Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi embraced by Siren, a key character from the movie, with special processing that evokes the sea. The back cover features Shimajiro, a character whose popularity has grown since the film's release. The issue includes interviews with voice actors Aoki Haruka (Chiikawa), Tanaka Makoto (Hachiware), Ozawa Ari (Usagi), Suzuki Minori (Siren), and Mogami Tsuguo (Shimajiro), as well as director Oikawa Kei. A special bonus exclusive to this edition is a sticker sheet titled "Island Memories Full of Stickers," featuring iconic scenes from the film's island adventure. The magazine also includes a photo shoot of the Chiikawa characters from their appearance on the 2026 FNS Music Festival Summer. The special edition is priced at 1,300 yen and will be available at bookstores, convenience stores, and online bookstores nationwide.

Aug 14

Chiikawa Movie Opening Video Features Hachiware Song

The official X account for 'Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of Mermaid Island' released the non-credit opening video on August 13. Nagano, who handles the original work and screenplay, conceived the composition. The video pairs the original opening theme 'Kutsuzure' sung by Hachiware (CV: Seijin Tanaka) with scenes of daily life for Chiikawa and friends, including Chiikawa, Hachiware, Usagi, Momonga, Kurimanju, Rakko, Shisa, and Furuhonya, plus characters like Yoroi-san, 'Anoko,' and 'Dekatsuyo.'

Aug 14

Live-Action Blue Lock Film Opens at #8 in Japan

The live-action Blue Lock film opened at #8 in the Japanese box office. Meanwhile, the Chiikawa anime film returned to #1 in its third weekend, selling 1.147 million tickets and earning 1,698,950,000 yen from Friday to Sunday. The Crayon Shin-chan film dropped from #3 to #6 in its second weekend.

Aug 10

Chiikawa Baby Plush Pass Case Pouch 2nd Series Releasing Late August

Parade will release the Chiikawa Baby Plush Pass Case Pouch 2 at amusement facilities nationwide from late August. The second series of plush pass case pouches features the characters as babies, with a reel and faces on the front. The lineup includes Usagi, a crying Momonga, Used Bookstore, and Kurimanju, for four types total.

Aug 9

Chiikawa Movie Opens Strong, TVer Streams 120 TV Episodes Free

Chiikawa: The Movie: The Secret of the Mermaid Island opened at No. 1 in Japan's attendance ranking with 1,508,500 viewers and 2.24 billion yen in its first three days. To mark the release, TVer is streaming up to 120 TV anime episodes free until August 23.

Aug 8

Chiikawa Market Reveals Big Sofubi Figures of Siren and Shimajiro

Chiikawa Market announced sofubi figures of Siren and Shimajiro from the film 'Eiga Chiikawa: Ningyo no Shima no Himitsu.' The Siren figure is about 23cm and comes with two mini mermaids, priced at 7,700 yen. The Shimajiro figure is about 15cm, priced at 4,950 yen. Both go on sale August 7 at 11:00 AM.

Aug 7

Chiikawa Movie Opens at No. 1 in Japan, Outpaces Detective Conan

Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of Mermaid Island opened at No. 1 in Japan, selling 1.51 million tickets and earning ¥2.24 billion ($13.7 million) in three days. Its ¥990 million first day surpassed Detective Conan: The Million-Dollar Pentagram's ¥960 million opening day. Directed by Kei Oikawa and produced by Cygames Pictures, the film adapts Nagano's manga.

Aug 6

Crayon Shin-chan Film Opens at #3 in Japan

The 33rd 2D Crayon Shin-chan film, Eiga Crayon Shin-chan Kikikaikai! Ora no Yōkai Bake-shon, opened at #3 in Japan, selling 441,000 tickets and earning 539,371,500 yen (about US$3.41 million) in its first three days. The film opened on July 31 and centers on the Nohara family's adventure in the land of yōkai.