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Chiikawa

The Chiikawa franchise is in the midst of a coordinated promotional push for its first theatrical film, 'Movie Chiikawa: The Secret of Mermaid Island,' which opened in Japan on July 24, 2026, with simultaneous IMAX screenings and a large catalog of free TV anime episodes on TVer.

Synthesized from 30 Yomimono stories · updated 7h ago

Chiikawa, the manga and anime franchise created by illustrator Nagano, has expanded into its first theatrical feature film, 'Movie Chiikawa: The Secret of Mermaid Island,' which opened nationwide in Japan on July 24, 2026. The film adapts the manga's 2023 'Siren Arc' and is directed by Kei Oikawa, with animation production by CygamesPictures and distribution by Toho. The cast includes Haruka Aoki as Chiikawa, Makoto Tanaka as Hachiware, and Ari Ozawa as Usagi, with additional roles filled by Momoka Terasawa and Sayumi Suzushiro as islanders Hitoha and Futaba. The film's opening theme 'Kutsuzure' is performed by Makoto Tanaka, with lyrics by Nagano, and was first broadcast on television during the FNS Kayousai Summer music special on July 1.

The film's release has been supported by an extensive merchandise and collaboration campaign spanning fashion, retail, food, and entertainment. Uniqlo launched a UT Collection with T-shirts and sweatshirts tied to the film. Collaboration cafes opened at PARCO locations in Shibuya, Shinsaibashi, and Nagoya, offering themed menu items. CoCo Ichibanya ran an 'Island Curry' campaign with collectible figures. JR Tokai partnered for a Tokaido Shinkansen campaign with AR photo frames and limited novelties. Pop-up stores opened at Aeon Malls nationwide and in Taiwan. Parade released prize items including a Siren Big Plushie and Aurora Beach Bag. The film also received an IMAX release simultaneously with its standard opening.

Beyond the film, Chiikawa has continued to grow its physical retail footprint. The first Osaka location of Chiikawa Bakery opened on June 26 at KITTE Osaka, offering an Osaka-exclusive takoyaki burger and merchandise. The franchise has also expanded into fashion collaborations with brands like dazzlin, merry jenny, and Q-pot., as well as a cosmetics crossover with Lovisia. Bandai released a Donjara NEO Chiikawa board game on July 25. The TV anime, which airs on Fuji TV's Mezamashi TV, began free distribution of 120 episodes on TVer starting July 24, timed to the film's release. The franchise's growth from a Twitter manga to a multimedia phenomenon is reflected in the breadth of these partnerships and product lines.

Key facts

First theatrical film
Movie Chiikawa: The Secret of Mermaid Island opened in Japan on July 24, 2026.
Film director and studio
Kei Oikawa directs, with animation production by CygamesPictures and distribution by Toho.
Film cast additions
Momoka Terasawa and Sayumi Suzushiro joined the cast as Hitoha and Futaba.
Film IMAX release
The IMAX version of the film screened simultaneously from the July 24 release date.
TV anime free streaming
120 episodes of the TV anime began free distribution on TVer starting July 24, 2026, through August 23.
Osaka bakery opening
Chiikawa Bakery OSAKA grand opened on June 26, 2026, at KITTE Osaka with an Osaka-exclusive takoyaki burger.
Fashion collaboration with dazzlin
dazzlin launched a Chiikawa collection with knit hats, bags, and loungewear, with web pre-sales starting August 7, 2026.
Board game release
Bandai released Donjara NEO Chiikawa, a board game set with anime design, on July 25, 2026.

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

Noted
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. · 2026-08-28
Noted
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. · 2026-08-21
Noted
Chiikawa took first with 210 votes · 2026-08-18
Noted
The headrest covers feature the same character-filled design as the aircraft and cannot be taken home. · 2026-08-04
Noted
The paper cups come in one design showing the three main characters. · 2026-08-04
Noted
Collaboration merchandise featuring the characters in ANA uniforms is also planned, with details to be announced later. · 2026-08-04
Noted
The Chiikawa Jet is scheduled to operate on routes from Tokyo Haneda, Itami, and Nagoya, with specific destinations including Sapporo, Matsuyama, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, and Okinawa. · 2026-08-04
Noted
Chiikawa Teams With dazzlin for Knit Hats, Bags, and Loungewear · 2026-07-27
Noted
Episodes 1 through 5 and the latest episode are always available for free. · 2026-07-26
Noted
Episodes 6 through 63 became available on July 24, and episodes 64 through 120 will be added on August 8. · 2026-07-26
Noted
The free viewing period runs through August 23, 2026. · 2026-07-26
Noted
The multi-balm is a collaboration between the gift cosmetics brand Lovisia Cosme Series and the manga Chiikawa. · 2026-06-18
Release
tv · 2026-08-28 · United States · 2026-08-28
Release
movie · fourth weekend · Japan · 2026-08-20
Release
tv · until August 23 · Japan · 2026-08-09
Release
movie · 2026-08-07 · Japan · 2026-08-07
Release
movie · 2026-08-05 · Japan · 2026-08-05
Release
manga · eight volumes published · 2026-08-04
Release
tv · since April 2022 · 2026-08-04
Release
tv · 2026-07-24 · Japan · 2026-07-26
Release
movie · 2026-07-24 · Japan · 2026-06-01
Release
manga · 2026-06-19 · Japan · 2026-06-18
Release
manga · 2026-06-26 · 2026-06-12
Announced
first Kyoto pop-up shop (Chiikawa Bakery pop-up shop) · 2026-08-18
Announced
summer campaign with MatsukiyoCocokara from July 16 to September 15, 2026 · 2026-07-09
Announced
Chiikawa Bakery OSAKA grand opening on June 26, 2026 · 2026-06-27

Connections

Music by
nagano
Produces of
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 Makoto Tanaka voices Chiikawa Jun 17 · source
  • Confirmed movie 2026-07-24 Japan Jun 12 · source

All coverage

7h ago

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.

10h ago

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.

20h ago

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.

6d ago

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.

Aug 5

Chiikawa Anime Film Opens at #1, Kingdom Drops to #3

The Chiikawa anime film opened at #1 in Japan, earning 2,240,333,500 yen (about US$13.70 million) on 1,508,500 tickets over its first three days. The fifth live-action Kingdom film dropped to #3 in its second weekend, with a cumulative total of 3,354,667,400 yen (about US$20.52 million).

Aug 5

Chiikawa Movie Shimajiro Big Plushie Prize Launches in Early August

Parade will release a big plushie of Shimajiro from the currently screening film Chiikawa: The Movie - The Secret of Mermaid Island as a prize starting in early August 2026. The plushie stands about 43 cm tall and reproduces Shimajiro's sturdy build, including his signature apron that reads "Proud of Taste." The apron features a small pocket designed to hold chili peppers, a detail that has drawn praise from fans on social media for its faithfulness to the character. The reverse side of the plushie, described as a "sturdy back," has also attracted attention, with social media comments focusing on the plump appearance. Parade will roll out the prize sequentially at amusement facilities nationwide. In addition, a lottery campaign on the Parade Prize official X account offers a chance to win the plushie, with applications accepted until August 16 at 23:59. Fans have commented on the plushie's size, comparing it to a small newborn, and praised the craftsmanship of the pocket detail.

Aug 5

Chiikawa Character Paki Sashimata Version Arrives August 31

Bandai Candy will release the Chiikawa Character Paki Sashimata Version at confectionery sections of mass retailers nationwide on August 31, 2026. The product includes a sashimata, a pole weapon, for the Chiikawa and Hachiware characters, letting buyers pop the figures out of the package. The sashimata comes in two colors, pink and blue, and which one is included is a surprise until opening. The chocolate inside comes in four flavors, including muscat and strawberry milk, and the shapes cover eight characters total: Chiikawa, Hachiware, Usagi, Momonga, Kurimanju, Rakko, Shisa, and Furuhonya. The price is 248 yen including tax. The release follows a separate Parade prize line, the Movie Chiikawa: The Secret of Mermaid Island Subjugation Mascot, which launches in mid-August and features five characters, with Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Furuhonya holding subjugation poles and Usagi and Momonga equipped with bin yoyo. That mascot line includes a loop strap for attaching to bags.

Aug 4

Chiikawa Bakery Kyoto Pop Up Shop Opens at JR Kyoto Station

The Chiikawa Bakery Kyoto Pop Up Shop will run from August 13 to September 9, 2026, at the JR Kyoto Station West Gate ticket gate special venue, operated by LTR, a subsidiary of CL Holdings. The shop will sell bakery original goods and Kyoto- items, including a collaboration with Kyoto confectionery maker Miseju on a limited 'Chiikawa Bakery Fuwafuwa Otabe Caramel' priced at 1,460 yen with a random sticker. The shop will also offer original breads such as Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi shokupan at 950 yen each, plus mascots, flake stickers, eco bags, cookies, and trays. A purchase bonus gives a Kyoto-limited shopper tag for purchases over 2,200 yen. The bakery's permanent locations include Omokado at Tokyu Plaza Omotesando, opened in October 2024, and KITTE Osaka, opened in June 2026. The pop-up is free entry with possible crowd control. The Chiikawa manga by Nagano has eight volumes published by Kodansha, and the TV anime airs within Mezamashi TV on Fuji TV since April 2022.

Aug 4

Chiikawa Jet to Fly ANA Domestic Routes From Late October

ANA and the Chiikawa franchise have announced a collaboration that will put a specially designed aircraft on domestic routes starting in late October 2026. The Chiikawa Jet, a Boeing 767-300 with aircraft number JA609A, will feature eight characters from the series, including Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Rabbit, on its fuselage. The design differs between the left and right sides of the plane, with seasonal motifs from across Japan scattered around the characters. ANA's special website opened on August 3, 2026, revealing the aircraft design, headrest covers, and paper cups used for in-flight drinks. The headrest covers feature the same character-filled design as the aircraft and cannot be taken home. The paper cups come in one design showing the three main characters. Collaboration merchandise featuring the characters in ANA uniforms is also planned, with details to be announced later. The Chiikawa Jet is scheduled to operate on routes from Tokyo Haneda, Itami, and Nagoya, with specific destinations including Sapporo, Matsuyama, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, and Okinawa. Actual routes may change depending on operating conditions.

Jul 27

Chiikawa Teams With dazzlin for Knit Hats, Bags, and Loungewear

The women's fashion brand dazzlin has launched a special collection based on the manga and anime franchise Chiikawa. The lineup includes four items: a knit hat and loungewear set featuring Chiikawa's face, a frill-sleeve knit pullover, an all-over print dress, and a fluffy material bag with a charm. Web pre-sales begin on August 7, 2026, through the official online store RUNWAY channel and ZOZOTOWN, with in-store sales scheduled for mid-September. Prices range from 9,900 yen to 19,800 yen. The collection aims to blend Chiikawa's character motifs with dazzlin's feminine aesthetic, using details like patches, all-over prints, and charms to make the designs suitable for daily wear. Chiikawa, created by illustrator Nagano, started as a manga on X (formerly Twitter) and has since expanded into goods, collaborations, a TV anime airing on Mezamashi TV since April 2022, and a film released in July 2026.

Jul 26

Chiikawa Anime Streams 120 Free Episodes on TVer for Film Release

The TV anime "Chiikawa" began free distribution on the commercial broadcasters' official streaming service TVer on July 24, 2026. The promotion commemorates the nationwide theatrical release of "Movie Chiikawa: The Secret of Mermaid Island," which opened the same day. Episodes 1 through 5 and the latest episode are always available for free. Episodes 6 through 63 became available on July 24, and episodes 64 through 120 will be added on August 8. All episodes are bundled into groups of 10 for the short-form series. The free viewing period runs through August 23, 2026. The anime is based on the manga by illustrator Nagano and airs within Fuji TV's "Mezamashi TV" program. The film follows Chiikawa and friends who receive an invitation to a mysterious island, where they encounter a giant Siren and uncover a hidden secret.

Jul 21

Chiikawa Anime Film Casts Momoka Terasawa, Sayumi Suzushiro

The official website for the first Chiikawa anime film, Eiga Chiikawa: Ningyo no Shima no Himitsu, announced on Tuesday that Momoka Terasawa and Sayumi Suzushiro have joined the cast as Hitoha and Futaba, two islanders the characters meet. The film adapts the manga's 2023 "Siren Arc" and opens in Japan on July 24.

Jul 20

Chiikawa Film Prizes Feature Siren Plushie, Aurora Bag

Parade is releasing two prize items for the movie "Chiikawa: The Secret of Mermaid Island," which opens July 24. The Siren Big Plushie and Aurora Beach Bag each come in two types. A social media campaign on the official Parade Prizes X account offers a chance to win a set of both plushie types. The items launch from late July.

Jul 13

Chiikawa: The Secret of Mermaid Island Prize Items and Campaign Launch

Parade is releasing two prize items for the upcoming film Chiikawa: The Secret of Mermaid Island, which opens July 24. The Siren BIG Plushie and Aurora Beach Bag each come in two designs featuring the siren and Chiikawa characters traveling on water. A follow-and-repost campaign on X offers a chance to win the plushie set, running until July 26.

Jul 13

Chiikawa Ura Design Items Arrive on Talking ODM

Talking's custom merchandise service Talking ODM added the "Chiikawa Ura" design on July 13. The design features a rabbit saying "Ura." and gained attention from sumo prize banners. Products include face towels, T-shirts, bucket hats, tote bags, mugs, and more, all available in multiple sizes and styles.

Jul 9

Chiikawa Teams Up with MatsukiyoCocokara for Summer Campaign

MatsukiyoCocokara is launching a Chiikawa-themed summer campaign from July 16 to September 15, 2026. Customers can enter lotteries to win original goods like cooler bags and folding chairs, or answer quizzes for first-aid kits and cosmetics boxes. Limited-edition cosmetics and medicine notebook cases will also be sold in stores. The promotion includes app icon changes, store wrapping, and a collaborative fireworks display.

Jul 8

Movie Chiikawa: The Secret of the Mermaid Island IMAX Screening Starts July 24

The IMAX version of 'Movie Chiikawa: The Secret of the Mermaid Island' will screen simultaneously from the film's July 24 release date. A MAX visual featuring Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi in extreme close-up has been released. The film is the first theatrical adaptation of Nagano's manga, adapting the 'Siren Arc'. Animation production is by CygamesPictures, with a cast including Haruka Aoki, Makoto Tanaka, and Ari Ozawa.

Jul 8

Anime And Manga Worlds Share Tanabata 2026 Wishes

Anime News Network published a five-part roundup of Tanabata greetings from across the anime, manga, and video game industries on July 7, 2026. The collection includes wishes and illustrations from official accounts for series such as Bungo Stray Dogs, Detective Conan, My Hero Academia, Sakamoto Days, Doraemon, Chibi Maruko-chan, Hell's Paradise, and Dragon Quest. Video game franchises like Final Fantasy, Monster Hunter, and Like a Dragon also participated, alongside creators including Hideo Kojima, Yuki Kaji, and Shoko Nakagawa. Several series tied their posts to new releases: the second season of Yoroi Shin Den Samurai Troopers premiered on July 7, My Happy Marriage released a special Tanabata illustration and announced a three-episode special for 2026, and My Stepmother and Stepsisters Aren't Wicked began airing on July 8. The roundup also features greetings from manga titles like Chiikawa, MARRIAGETOXIN, and Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You, as well as from studios Tatsunoko Production and Square Enix.

Jul 6

Chiikawa and PARCO Launch Summer Campaign With Movie Tie-In

The "Chiikawa, PARCO, Summer." campaign runs July 17 to August 2 at 15 PARCO stores nationwide and one additional location. It includes a clear pouch giveaway for the first 70,000 customers, photo booths, an X repost campaign, a hidden-keyword wallpaper hunt, and a collaboration cafe with themed menu items. The campaign promotes the film "Movie Chiikawa: The Secret of Mermaid Island," which opens July 24.

Jul 1

Chiikawa Film Appears on FNS Kayousai Ahead of July 24 Release

The first theatrical film adaptation of Nagano's Chiikawa franchise, "Chiikawa: The Secret of Mermaid Island," enters its release month with a series of promotional events. On July 1, characters from the film appeared on Fuji TV's music special "2026 FNS Kayousai Summer," where Hachiware performed the opening theme "Kutsuzure" alongside the Suginami Children's Choir. The performance marked the first television broadcast of the song. The film's cast includes Haruka Aoki as Chiikawa, Masato Tanaka as Hachiware, and Ari Ozawa as Usagi, with additional characters voiced by Yuka Iguchi, Takayuki Asai, Yuma Uchida, Miyuri Shimabukuro, Momono Harumi, Tsuguo Mogami, and Minori Suzuki. The film adapts the "Siren Arc" and "Island Arc" from the original manga, which began serialization on X in 2020. Kei Oikawa directs, with animation production by CygamesPictures and distribution by Toho. On July 3, a day-long event called "The Summer of Movie Chiikawa is Coming DAY" will deliver six major announcements, culminating at 20:00 with a premiere of a new video on YouTube's Toho MOVIE CHANNEL. The film opens nationwide in Japan on July 24.

Jul 1

Chiikawa the Movie and CoCo Ichibanya Launch Island Curry Collaboration

Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of Mermaid Island and Curry House CoCo Ichibanya will hold a collaboration campaign titled 'Cocoichi x Chiikawa the Movie: Great Curry Operation' at nationwide locations from July 16 to August 31, 2026. The menu includes an Original Island Curry with island-shaped rice and a Collaboration Drink Set that comes with one of eight collectible figures. A receipt lottery, wallpaper downloads, and a social media giveaway for a spoon are also part of the campaign.

Jun 27

Chiikawa Bakery OSAKA Grand Opens June 26 With Osaka-Exclusive Takoyaki Burger

Chiikawa Bakery OSAKA, the first Osaka location of the bread shop based on Nagano's Chiikawa series, will grand open on June 26, 2026, on the third floor of KITTE Osaka in Umeda. The shop offers an Osaka-exclusive Chiikawa Takoyaki Burger for 670 yen, alongside face-shaped breads (Chiikawa with custard cream, Hachiware with chocolate cream, Usagi with caramel cream), loaf breads, savory buns referencing series elements like the "Ro" ramen and subjugation sticks, and baked goods such as financiers and rusks. Bread is crafted under the guidance of owner-chef Junichi Sawada, who represented Japan in the decorative bread category at the 2026 Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie. Osaka-exclusive merchandise includes jam, a flat tote, and a T-shirt. Purchase bonuses offer an Osaka-exclusive shopper tag for purchases of 2,200 yen or more, and drink order bonuses give an original coaster per takeout drink, while supplies last. Advance reservations are required via the web and include a 1,000 yen shopping voucher. A no-reservation pop-up shop will also run for a limited time.

Jun 27

Taiko no Tatsujin: Don Don Festival Adds Chiikawa Collaboration Pack

Bandai Namco Entertainment released a paid downloadable content collaboration pack for Taiko no Tatsujin: Don Don Festival on June 25, themed around the anime adaptation of Nagano's manga Chiikawa. The pack makes the song "Hitorigotsu ~Band Ver.~" playable and includes limited in-game items such as Chiikawa characters' puchi characters, collaboration name plates, and titles. The game is available on Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Alongside the DLC, a free update added the new song "Shanimuni Hanabi" as the second installment of the Taiko no Tatsujin 25th anniversary commemorative song project, a four-part plan to release new songs fulfilling Don-chan's dream of becoming a music producer. The song is described as conveying passion for immersing oneself in activities like Taiko no Tatsujin to overcome real-world hardships.

Jun 20

Chiikawa Characters Become Sweet Jewelry in Q-Pot Collaboration

Chiikawa and accessory brand Q-pot. are releasing a jewelry collection featuring Chiikawa, Hachiware, Usagi, and Momonga as cookie, macaron, and pâte de fruits accessories. Sales begin June 26, 2026, at Q-pot. stores, online, Chiikawa Market, and select Chiikawaland locations. Items are handmade in Japan and priced from ¥8,800 to ¥26,400.

Jun 19

Chiikawa the Movie Collaboration Cafe Opens at PARCO Locations From July 10

A collaboration cafe for 'Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of Mermaid Island' will run sequentially at Shibuya, Shinsaibashi, and Nagoya PARCO from July 10, 2026. The cafe offers 16 themed menu items, including Shiisa Island Ramen and a boiled mermaid dish, plus original merchandise and visit bonuses.

Jun 18

Lovisia Chiikawa Multi-Balm Launches June 19

BEENOS will release the Lovisia Chiikawa Multi-Balm on June 19 at the Lovisia online shop, Chiikawa Land, Chiikawa Market, variety shops nationwide, and other locations. The multi-balm is a collaboration between the gift cosmetics brand Lovisia Cosme Series and the manga Chiikawa. Each balm costs 990 yen. The case features a puffy, three-dimensional design of the Chiikawa characters. Inside is a balm that can be used for moisturizing lips, hair, and nails. Four varieties will be available: Chiikawa (white tea scent), Hachiware (osmanthus scent), Usagi (citrus mint scent), and Momonga (cherry blossom scent). Separately, Talking will release new Chiikawa apparel items on June 19 at 12:00 PM. The Vintage Design lineup includes T-shirts, large-capacity tote bags, denim knapsacks, and beach sandals. Additional items include Food Motif Eco Bags and Tie-Dye T-Shirts & Socks. Prices range from 1,870 yen for shower sandals to 5,500 yen for T-shirts.

Jun 16

Chiikawa Kurimanju Designs Join Talking ODM Service

Talking Co., Ltd. adds seven Chiikawa Kurimanju designs to its Talking ODM service, launching June 17 at noon. The lineup includes squished and flattened Kurimanju expressions as well as themed designs like Sake License and Can't Drink. Goods range from raglan T-shirts and pouches to mugs, coasters, and mini towels.

Jun 15

Movie Chiikawa Pop-Up Store Launches July 10 at Aeon Malls Nationwide

A pop-up store for 'Movie Chiikawa: The Secret of Mermaid Island' will open sequentially at Aeon Malls across Japan, Spa Resort Hawaiians, and Huashan 1914 Creative Park in Taiwan starting July 10, 2026. The store sells exclusive movie-themed goods including plush toys, mascots, trading acrylic stands, and summer-themed accessories. The key visual shows Chiikawa characters in flower hair accessories on a southern beach.

Jun 12

Chiikawa x Q-Pot Sweet Accessories Collection Launches June 26

A collaboration between Chiikawa and accessory brand Q-pot. will release sweet-themed accessories on June 26, 2026. The lineup includes cookie necklaces, macaron bag charms, and pâte de fruits rings featuring Chiikawa, Hachiware, Usagi, and Momonga. Items range from 8,800 yen to 26,400 yen and will be sold at Q-pot. stores, its online shop, and Chiikawa Market.

Jun 10

Chiikawa Characters to Perform at FNS Kayousai Summer

Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi will appear on the July 1 broadcast of 2026 FNS Kayousai Summer on Fuji TV. They will perform the opening theme "Kutsuzure" from Movie Chiikawa: The Secret of the Mermaid Island with the Suginami Children's Choir for the first time on television.