Shiretoko’s Beloved Bear, Toko-san, Embarks on a New Journey with nähe®!
The ‘Shiretoko Toko-san Travel Series’ Blends Wilderness Charm with Everyday Style, Launching Its First Wave of Must-Have Items.
Hokkaido’s Shiretoko Shari Town is celebrating an exciting collaboration: its beloved regional symbol, “Shiretoko Toko-san,” has partnered with nähe®, a brand developed by HIGHTIDE Co., Ltd. Together, they are introducing the first wave of the “Shiretoko Toko-san Travel Series,” a collection designed to bridge the gap between memorable travels and daily life. These items aim to bring the spirit of Shiretoko into everyday routines, spreading the region’s unique charm far and wide.
General Incorporated Association Shiretoko Shari, a town development company, has been dedicated to enhancing the value of Shari Town and the broader Shiretoko region. Their efforts include developing and selling products featuring the “Shiretoko Toko-san” character and fostering connections between visitors and locals through direct store operations at roadside stations. This new partnership with nähe® (German for “nearby”), a brand known for its functional carrying goods that adapt to evolving lifestyles, is a natural fit.
The Heart of the Collaboration: Connecting Travel and Daily Life
Shiretoko Toko-san, the regional brand symbol of Shiretoko Shari Town, draws its inspiration from the brown bears inhabiting Shiretoko, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site renowned as a world-class habitat for these magnificent creatures. The character’s image is widely used, from regional PR posters and tourist information boards to local administrative documents and public service vehicles, symbolizing Shiretoko’s commitment to nature and community.
Since 2016, Shiretoko Toko-san merchandise has been created with a heartfelt desire: “Even after returning from a trip to Shiretoko, we want people to feel a connection to the region by keeping Toko-san close in their daily lives.” These goods, celebrated for their simple yet sophisticated design and high functionality, have grown steadily in popularity, becoming cherished souvenirs for personal use.
Meanwhile, nähe® has built a reputation for its stylish and practical carrying solutions, perfect for travel and active lifestyles. The brand’s philosophy of creating “new staple items that efficiently organize and store personal belongings” perfectly aligns with the mission of Shiretoko Toko-san goods. The shared themes of “travel,” “lifestyle,” and “being nearby” laid the foundation for this exciting collaboration.
First Wave: Practicality Meets Playful Design
The initial launch of the collaboration includes two key items, designed to enhance both travel and everyday organization:
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Shiretoko Toko-san Travel Clear Pouch (Released February 2026)
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Colors: Ivory, Green, Black
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Price: 1,595 yen (tax included)
This pouch features a distinctive transparent window, allowing users to quickly identify contents. Lightweight and spacious, it’s crafted from PVC material, offering excellent water and stain resistance. From organizing daily essentials to storing care items during travel, this versatile pouch is a practical companion for various scenarios.
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Shiretoko Toko-san Travel Shopper (Released March 2026)
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Colors: Beige, Red, Green
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Price: 2,090 yen (tax included)
An eco-bag designed for both daily shopping and as a roomy sub-bag for travel. It boasts shoulder-length handles, a large mesh pocket, and a buckle to secure the opening. When not in use, it can be compactly folded for easy carrying. Toko-san’s image is subtly printed inside the mesh pocket, blending seamlessly with the bag’s main color for a sophisticated, adult-friendly design.
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Looking ahead, the collaboration is already planning a second wave of products, aiming for release within 2026. This ongoing series promises more unique travel and lifestyle items that embody the spirit of “Shiretoko Toko-san x nähe®.”
Where to Find Your Toko-san Treasures
The Shiretoko Toko-san Travel Clear Pouch, Travel Shopper, and other Toko-san goods are available at the direct stores operated by General Incorporated Association Shiretoko Shari, as well as their online store.
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Shiretoko Sustainable Station COBAKO Shari (Direct Store)
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Location: 37 Honmachi, Shari Town, Shari-gun, Hokkaido (inside Roadside Station Shari)
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Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (seasonal variations apply, closed on certain days)
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Shiretoko Sustainable Station COBAKO Sapporo
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Location: moyuk SAPPORO 4F, Minami 2-jo Nishi 3-chome 20, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
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Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
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Shiretoko Toko-san Goods Online Store: https://shiretokoshop.com/
Additionally, these items are available at souvenir shops and accommodation facilities within Shari Town.
This collaboration between a beloved regional character and a functional lifestyle brand marks an exciting step in promoting local Japanese culture. By integrating the charm of Shiretoko Toko-san into everyday items, the “Shiretoko Toko-san Travel Series” is set to captivate hearts both in Japan and across the globe, offering a tangible piece of Hokkaido’s natural beauty and the enduring appeal of Japanese kawaii culture to international audiences.
(For more information about HIGHTIDE Co., Ltd., please visit: https://www.hightide.co.jp/)
