A Blast from the Past: Sunhoseki Fair Arrives in Sapporo
Get ready to rediscover the glittering charm of a bygone era! The “STV Sunhoseki Fair in Sapporo” is set to enchant visitors from March 19 (Thursday) to March 22 (Sunday), 2026, at Sapporo Factory. This pop-up event by Sunhoseki, a brand that captured the hearts of elementary and junior high school students across Japan during the Showa and Heisei periods, promises a treasure trove of affordable and adorable accessories, stationery, and small goods.
Hoppe-chan: The Star of the Show
Central to the fair’s appeal is Sunhoseki’s original character, Hoppe-chan. Born in 2010, each Hoppe-chan is meticulously handmade, resulting in unique expressions, colors, and varieties. Their endearing “round eyes, sparkling cheeks, and squishy texture” have made them a beloved icon among elementary school students. At the fair, attendees can look forward to encountering rare versions like “Gal Hoppe-chan” and “Heisei Retro Hoppe-chan,” offering a fresh take on this iconic character.
Embrace the “Heisei Retro” Craze
The fair fully embraces the “Heisei Retro” trend, a wave of nostalgia for the aesthetics of Japan’s Heisei era (1989-2019). This cultural phenomenon allows visitors to relive the excitement of flipping through magazines and manga with Sunhoseki’s vibrant advertisements on their back covers. It’s a chance to experience that specific sense of wonder firsthand, reminiscent of how Y2K fashion and trends are being rediscovered globally today.
“The feeling of pure joy and discovery that Sunhoseki brought to so many childhoods is truly special,” shared one long-time fan. “To see ‘Heisei Retro Hoppe-chan’ brings back so many memories, it’s like stepping into a time capsule of cuteness!”
Beyond Hoppe-chan, the fair showcases a dazzling array of “sparkling goods” that embody the playful and vibrant spirit of Sunhoseki. From colorful accessories to charming small items, each piece reflects the brand’s commitment to delivering joy through cute and affordable products.
Event Details
The “STV Sunhoseki Fair in Sapporo” is an event not to be missed for anyone who cherishes kawaii culture or wishes to explore a slice of Japanese nostalgia. Admission is free, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy.
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Dates: March 19 (Thursday) – March 22 (Sunday), 2026
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Time: 10:00 – 18:00
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Venue: Sapporo Factory Atrium & Sapporo Factory Room (North 2 East 4, Chuo-ku, Sapporo)
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Organizers: STV Sapporo Television Broadcasting, Sunhoseki
For more information and updates on the event, please visit the official STV event channels:
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STV Event HP: <https://stv.jp/event/sanho/>
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X (@stv_event): <https://x.com/stv_event/>
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Instagram (@stv_event): <https://instagram.com/stv_event/>
This event not only celebrates Sunhoseki’s enduring legacy but also serves as a vibrant reminder of how ‘kawaii’ culture continues to evolve and captivate new audiences. It reinforces the idea that cuteness, combined with nostalgia, can create powerful, heartwarming experiences that transcend generations and geographical boundaries, enriching the global kawaii landscape.
