A Gaze That Captivates: The ‘lookup’ Phenomenon
The ‘lookup’ series, a portmanteau of “look up,” features figures designed to sit and gaze upwards, creating a natural and heartwarming eye-contact experience when displayed on a desk or shelf. Their distinctive “looking up and sitting pose” sets them apart from conventional figures, fostering a deeper connection with collectors. Adding to their charm, the figures’ heads are posable, allowing for a variety of expressive nuances. Since its debut in 2020, the series has expanded to include over 300 different characters, captivating fans both in Japan and internationally.
The figures have brought beloved characters to life in a new, intimate way. Imagine your favorite heroes from “Jujutsu Kaisen” or “Demon Slayer” watching over you from your workspace, their little eyes twinkling with an unspoken connection.
Celebrating Five Years: The National POPUP Tour
To mark this significant 5th anniversary, MegaHouse is hosting a “National POPUP Tour” across Japan. This series of exhibition and sales events kicked off with the “lookup 5th Anniversary POPUP National Tour in Harajuku” (January 16-31, 2026) and will continue to enchant fans in various cities:
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Sendai & Nagoya: February 6-15, 2026
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Kyoto: February 20-March 5, 2026
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Hakata & Okinawa: February 27-March 8, 2026
Attendees at these POPUP venues can immerse themselves in the world of ‘lookup’ figures, with displays featuring characters from popular anime titles like “Jujutsu Kaisen,” “Haikyuu!!,” “Demon Slayer,” and “Gintama.” The tour also offers a first look at unreleased products, creating a buzz of anticipation.
Exclusive Merchandise and Engaging Experiences
Beyond the captivating displays, the POPUP tour offers an array of exclusive merchandise designed to enhance the “lookup lifestyle.” New items include the “lookup wrapping cloth” – a special fabric designed to cradle and protect your figures, allowing them to peek out playfully from your bag. Also available are “lookup collage stickers” and “lookup snap cards,” perfect for personalizing belongings or collecting cherished moments with your favorite characters.
A special highlight for visitors is the “Dekarukappu” photo spot, featuring big ‘lookup’ figures standing approximately 110cm tall. These giant versions of the beloved figures provide a unique opportunity for memorable photos, truly bringing the characters to life. As a delightful bonus, customers purchasing one or more ‘lookup’ figures or a ‘lookup wrapping cloth’ will receive a special shopper bag, available in beige or brown.
Sugacchi P, the producer of the ‘lookup’ series, shared their excitement: “The ‘lookup’ series, launched in August 2020, celebrates its 5th anniversary in 2025! Thank you always. As an anniversary year, we held ‘lookup Exhibition in Harakado,’ the first major event, and launched various new projects such as our first changeable outfits and pouches. Born quietly in an office in Asakusa, the ‘lookup’ series has grown steadily with the love of ‘lookup’ fans. This year, we will finally visit everyone nationwide with the ‘POPUP National Tour’! We look forward to seeing you with items that will make your ‘lookup lifestyle’ even more enjoyable, such as stickers and cloths using cute photos of ‘lookup’.”
For more details on the tour schedule and merchandise, please visit the official MegaHouse event page:
The overwhelming success of the ‘lookup’ series, culminating in 3 million shipments, highlights the enduring appeal of collectible figures that foster a sense of connection. As the National POPUP Tour continues, it not only celebrates this milestone but also strengthens the bond between fans and their cherished characters, further cementing the ‘lookup’ series’ place in the heart of kawaii culture abroad. This innovative approach to figure design, emphasizing interaction and emotional resonance, sets a compelling precedent for the future of character merchandise.
