Beloved Feline Friend Tama & Friends Invades Shinjuku with a Purr-fect Pop-Up Store! Exclusive Goods, Sanrio Collaborations, and a Special ‘Cat Day’ Greeting Await Fans.
From January 29 to February 25, 2026, the endearing “Tama & Friends” character series will host a special POP UP STORE at Keio Department Store Shinjuku, located on the 7th floor at Pirates Factory Gifts. This limited-time event promises a delightful experience for fans, blending nostalgia with fresh excitement through new product pre-sales, exclusive Sanrio character collaborations, and unique purchase incentives.
Visitors to the pop-up store will discover an array of new merchandise making its debut, alongside charming collaboration items featuring beloved Sanrio characters. Imagine the soft textures of new plushies or the vibrant colors of stationery, all adorned with Tama and his friends.
Among the treasures awaiting fans are items like ballpoint pens, can mirrors, framed magnets, and even “okkusuri techo” (medicine book) covers. For those who enjoy practical yet cute goods, wet tissue cans, candle cans with lemongrass scent, and various pouches and tote bags will also be available. These offerings showcase the versatility of the Tama & Friends brand, bringing a touch of kawaii to everyday life.
As a special thank you, every purchase totaling 2,000 yen (tax included) will reward shoppers with an original, non-sale sticker. These collectible stickers feature all ten main characters, including Tama, Pochi, Tora, and others, making each purchase a delightful surprise.
A highlight of the event is the special greeting session with Tama, scheduled for February 22, 2026, coinciding with Japan’s “Cat Day.” Fans can capture a memorable two-shot photo with Tama by making a purchase of 2,000 yen or more on the day of the event. Distribution of numbered tickets for the photo opportunity will begin 30 minutes before each session, which runs from 13:00 to 13:30 and 15:00 to 15:30. These tickets are limited, so eager fans will want to arrive early to ensure their chance to meet the beloved feline! “It’s a dream come true to meet Tama on Cat Day!” one fan might exclaim, perfectly capturing the excitement.
The “Tama & Friends” series, known for its iconic catchphrase “Uchi no Tama Shirimasen ka?” (Have you seen our Tama?), first debuted in 1983 amidst a boom in stationery and fancy goods for junior high and high school girls. Over the decades, the heartwarming tale of a lost cat searching for home, and the friends he made along the way, expanded into academic magazines, theatrical films, and TV anime, growing its cast of charming animal characters. This timeless appeal has cemented Tama & Friends as a beloved presence across generations, often seen adorning everything from school supplies to household items.
The pop-up store offers a rare chance to immerse oneself in this cherished world, collecting exclusive items that celebrate the enduring charm of Tama and his pals. Events like this highlight the vibrant and evolving nature of Japan’s character culture, continually finding new ways to connect with audiences both old and new, and further enriching the global tapestry of Kawaii culture.
For more information about Tama & Friends, please visit:
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