Sentimental Circus Unveils ‘Warmth, Fleeting Soap Bubble Night’: Shappo’s 15-Year Journey Culminates in a Relaxing Bathtime Escape
San-X, the creative force behind beloved characters like Rilakkuma and Sumikkogurashi, is set to release a charming new collection for its popular Sentimental Circus. The 39th theme, titled “Nukumori Utakata Shabon no Yoru ni” (Warmth, Fleeting Soap Bubble Night), will debut around February 2026 in stores and online. This enchanting series is designed to offer a well-deserved moment of tranquility for Shappo, the ringmaster of the secret circus, following 15 years of captivating adventures.
A Dreamlike Bathtime Retreat for Shappo
The “Warmth, Fleeting Soap Bubble Night” theme centers on a serene bathtime experience, creating an atmosphere of gentle healing and relaxation. Imagine Shappo, finally unwinding in a tub filled with soft, glowing bubbles. The motif of fleeting soap bubbles, reflecting memories before softly disappearing, permeates the entire collection, evoking a tender and somewhat wistful “setsuna-kawaii” (poignantly cute) world. The designs are elegantly delicate, featuring a trendy light green base color and charming bath-inspired elements that bring out Shappo’s calm, sleeping expression.
New Items Capture Bathtime Bliss
This new theme introduces a diverse array of items, from everyday essentials to adorable plushies, all imbued with the unique charm of Shappo’s bath retreat. Fans can discover stationery perfect for daily use, alongside sewn products that highlight the ephemeral beauty of the soap bubble motif. A standout feature of this collection is the variety of plushies, showcasing Shappo in “awa-awa” (bubbly) poses, with endearing droopy ears, or playfully perked ears—expressions rarely seen before.
Among the highly anticipated releases are:
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Stationery: Memo pads, B6 spiral notebooks, letter sets, and stickers, all adorned with the theme’s dreamy artwork.
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Everyday Goods: Pen pouches, clear pouches, and coin case pass cases, featuring delicate designs and unique embellishments like aurora beads.
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“Oshikatsu” (Fan Activity) Items: Popular items for showcasing affection for your favorite characters, such as the Nuicarry Pouch (designed so hanging plushies appear to be in a bathtub) and Photo Card Keyholders, updated with new designs and sizes.
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Home & Personal Care: Mesh mini tote bags, heat-resistant hair iron cases, bath mats with non-slip backing, mini towels, drawstrings, magnetic combs, hair bands, and a collection of sparkling hair clips.
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Plushies: A range of plush toys including hanging plushies, special two-piece sets (featuring Shappo and Kuro), gathered plushies with unique ear-up poses, and M-sized plushies in soothing pastel hues.
These items promise to bring a touch of Shappo’s calming bathtime into daily life, making every moment feel a little more magical. “The attention to detail, from the ‘awa-awa’ expressions to the subtle shimmer of the aurora beads, truly captures the healing essence of this theme. It’s a delightful way to celebrate Shappo’s journey,” comments a fan eagerly awaiting the release.
For more information on the new “Warmth, Fleeting Soap Bubble Night” theme and its products, please visit:
About Sentimental Circus
Sentimental Circus tells the story of Shappo, a discarded plush toy, and her troupe of forgotten stuffed animals. These abandoned toys secretly sneak out at night to form a mysterious circus, where their enchanting show begins. The characters’ poignant backstories and whimsical performances have captivated fans, creating a world that is both melancholic and heartwarming.
Learn more about Sentimental Circus
Sentimental Circus Official X (formerly Twitter)
About San-X
San-X Co., Ltd., headquartered in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, has created over 1,000 original characters, including the globally recognized Rilakkuma and Sumikkogurashi. The company excels at delivering the unique appeal of its characters through original products, licensing, events, promotions, and media content worldwide. San-X characters are known for their charming appearances, subtle humor, and comforting presence, attracting a broad audience with their “cute but quirky” appeal.
The Enduring Appeal of Kawaii Culture
The launch of the “Warmth, Fleeting Soap Bubble Night” theme reinforces the evolving nature of Kawaii culture. It demonstrates how characters like Shappo can transcend simple cuteness, offering narratives of rest, self-care, and gentle beauty. As these themes resonate with global audiences seeking comfort and escape, Sentimental Circus continues to contribute to the rich tapestry of Japanese Kawaii culture, inviting international fans to find solace and joy in its tender, dreamlike world. This new collection is sure to find its way into the hearts and homes of fans abroad, further solidifying the universal language of Japanese charm.
