Dive into the World of KAWAII
“KAWAII Decora” Accessory Experience
For two days only, the popular Harajuku shop “6%DOKIDOKI” will set up a temporary booth at Metsä Aukio. Here, guests can purchase and create their own Decora accessories, guided by staff dressed in authentic Harajuku fashion. It’s a chance to fully embrace the “KAWAII” spirit and even snap a photo with the stylish crew!
“PAINT IT COLORFUL.” Sebastian Masuda Coloring Experience
Unleash your inner artist with a coloring program featuring designs from Sebastian Masuda’s works, including his iconic “Colorful Rebellion -More is More-” and charming plush characters. Special edition colored pencil sets, selected by Masuda himself, will be available, inviting everyone from children to adults to create their own colorful “KAWAII” visions.
KAWAII Bear Greeting & Art Photo Booth
Sebastian Masuda’s universal “KAWAII” motif, the teddy bear, will come alive! A large, moving KAWAII bear character will greet visitors in the lobby of HYPER MUSEUM HANNO (a free area). Adjacent to this, a free art photo booth allows guests to pose against Masuda’s art wallpaper, choosing original exhibition frames. When the KAWAII bear is present, guests can even take photos with it, capturing studio-quality memories with bright ring lights. The captured data can be taken home via QR code.
KAWAII WORLD SHOP
Discover a special pop-up shop offering popular and exclusive “KAWAII” goods by Sebastian Masuda. A highlight is the custom charm-making corner, where visitors can combine various charms to create a truly unique piece.
For those seeking an even deeper immersion into the “KAWAII” universe, the special “KAWAII Train” (running until April 26th) offers a unique journey from Ikebukuro to Hanno. Passengers can experience a “FIKA” (Nordic coffee break) with “KAWAII” drinks and snacks, enjoy curated BGM by Sebastian Masuda, and even participate in an artist tour upon arrival at the museum.
Sebastian Masuda: A Pioneer of KAWAII
Sebastian Masuda, born in 1970 and based in New York, has been a driving force in the “KAWAII” movement since establishing his Harajuku base, “6%DOKIDOKI,” in 1995. His distinctive use of color has transcended art, fashion, and entertainment, introducing “Kawaii” culture to a global audience through works like the art direction for Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s “PONPONPON” music video and the production of KAWAII MONSTER CAFE. His current exhibition, “KAWAIITOPIA -GO TO HEAVEN (HELL)-” at HYPER MUSEUM HANNO, marks his first major exhibition in five years and coincides with the 30th anniversary of “6%DOKIDOKI.”
This exhibition, running until August 30th, 2026, invites visitors to explore Masuda’s origins of “KAWAII” through an immersive journey. For more details on the exhibition, visit HYPER MUSEUM HANNO. To learn more about Sebastian Masuda, visit his official website: Sebastian Masuda Official Site.
Family Fun Beyond KAWAII Art
Beyond the vibrant “KAWAII” activities, Metsä Village and the adjacent Moominvalley Park offer ample opportunities for family enjoyment during Golden Week.
Metsä Village: Free Outdoor Kids Park
Located on the spacious lawn overlooking the lake, the Kids Park offers a refreshing space for children up to 10 years old to play. With attractions like a ball pit tent and grass sledding, it’s a perfect spot for leisurely physical activity and relaxation. The Kids Park is open until May 17th, 2026.
Moominvalley Park: “Moominvalley and Umbrella 2026” & Lake Fireworks
Moominvalley Park is currently hosting “Moominvalley and Umbrella 2026,” an enchanting umbrella sky event themed around “Comet in Moominland.” This colorful spectacle celebrates the beauty of Moominvalley and the joy of overcoming challenges together.
Adding to the magic, the “Moominvalley Lake Fireworks Festival ~Spring~” will illuminate the night sky every evening from April 29th to May 10th, 2026. Each show, lasting approximately 5 minutes, promises a spectacular end to a day of adventure. For more information on the Umbrella Sky, visit Moominvalley Park Umbrella 2026. For fireworks details, see Moominvalley Fireworks.
This Golden Week, Metsä Village and Moominvalley Park offer a unique blend of cutting-edge “KAWAII” art, nostalgic Harajuku fashion, and serene Nordic nature. It’s a testament to how Japanese pop culture continues to evolve, embracing new forms of expression while inviting everyone to participate in its joyful, vibrant world. This fusion of art and leisure, set against the backdrop of a beautiful lakeside, provides an unforgettable experience that will surely delight visitors of all ages, further cementing “Kawaii” as a global language of charm and creativity. For the full experience, visit the official Metsä site: Metsä Official Website.
