Kawaii Japan Characters: Beginner Guide

Japanese bakery brand Neko Neko and artisan candy maker PAPABUBBLE are launching their second collaboration, featuring delightful cat-themed candies including a 'Neko Neko Shokupan Candy Can' and 'Koneko Mix' with customer-submitted kitten designs, available from January 22, 2026.

The PlayStation Official Licensed Pop-Up Store by GRAPHT in Tokyo Solamachi is expanding its space two-fold from January 14th, 2026. Fans can look forward to limited-edition "Doko Demo Issyo" Valentine's acrylic keychains, new mousepads featuring beloved game titles, and exciting purchase bonuses, promising an even richer experience for gamers and collectors.

COSPA has announced a new line of full-color T-shirts featuring characters like Suzuhika Tsujikura from Key's latest game, 'anemoi.' These highly anticipated, limited-edition items are now available for pre-order, promising vibrant inkjet prints and a unique texture.

COSPA introduces a vibrant collection of apparel and goods inspired by the TV anime "Ruri no Hoseki" (Ruri Rocks). Fans can now embrace their favorite characters, Ruri and Shoko, with T-shirts mirroring their on-screen attire, along with practical and stylish tote bags perfect for "mineral collecting" adventures, and elegant character pass cases.

FURYU's popular 'Kirby★Diary' series returns with its second installment, themed 'home,' featuring six new amusement-exclusive prizes designed to bring adorable relaxation to your living space, including a reading Kirby BIG plushie and a delightful Noodle Stopper Figure.

Japan's beloved conveyor belt sushi chain, Sushiro, is set to launch an exciting collaboration with the popular character 'Choigosim,' known for its uplifting and positive worldview. Starting January 14, 2026, fans can indulge in special sushi dishes, a delightful parfait, and exclusive merchandise, all infused with Choigosim's adorable charm and feel-good messages.

Japan's popular conveyor belt sushi chain Sushiro is teaming up with the beloved Korean character Choigosim for a nationwide collaboration, introducing a vibrant menu of Korean-style sushi, limited-edition character merchandise, and an exciting SNS campaign from January 14th to February 1st, 2026.

Prepare for a wave of cuteness as the beloved harp seal character, Sirotan, opens its 'Funwari Store' in Nagoya Station's Gatewalk. Discover unique convenience store-themed items and get first dibs on new plushies and goods, bringing a touch of 'healing' to the heart of Japan.

The 'Jingai Nichijou Collection Only Shop' is set to open at Animate Ikebukuro Main Store, showcasing popular non-human (Jingai) characters by creator Hoshimori. Fans can explore new merchandise, enjoy special purchase benefits, and view exclusive character setting materials, immersing themselves in a world where the extraordinary coexists with the ordinary.

Celebrating its 5th anniversary, "Disney SWEETS COLLECTION by Tokyo Banana" unveils the second chapter of its "Starlight Serenade" series, featuring Mickey and Minnie Mouse in a romantic, rose-colored starry sky theme. This new lineup includes charming chocolat sandwiches and exclusive merchandise, launching on January 14, 2026.

Loft collaborates with KitKat for the second year, bringing back the beloved Heartful Bear in exclusive chocolates and charming lifestyle goods perfect for Valentine's season, starting January 13, 2026.

Mac-House is launching an exclusive apparel and accessory collaboration with the beloved TV anime 'Yuru Camp△ Season 3'. This collection, designed for fans to seamlessly integrate the series' charm into their daily fashion, will be available for pre-order online from January 7th, 2026, and in select stores starting February 7th, 2026.

Japan's beloved children's brand Familiar partners with Kobe Oji Zoo to release an exclusive line of four charming items, including the iconic denim bag, sacoche, towel handkerchief, and pass case, featuring heartwarming animal designs.

Fans of "Project Sekai Colorful Stage! feat. Hatsune Miku" can soon adorn their hair with charming "Fuwapuchi" bang clips. Sega Fave is launching these highly anticipated capsule toys in a continuous release from January to March 2026, offering a delightful and practical way to showcase favorite virtual singers without leaving a crease.

Square Enix unveils a delightful collection of Dragon Quest-themed chocolates, sablés, and charming keychains, perfect for sharing love or treating yourself this Valentine's season. Discover the irresistible lineup featuring beloved Slimes, available for pre-order and hitting stores soon.

Japan's beloved Fueki-kun, the charming elephant mascot of animal glue, is making a nostalgic comeback in the form of five new soft vinyl capsule toys, available exclusively at Aeon Fantasy's 'KAPUEBO' machines from January 8, 2026. This release taps into cherished childhood memories while offering a fresh, collectible twist for fans worldwide.

Beloved Care Bears characters return with an enchanting pastel-themed collection at Thank You Mart, igniting a fresh wave of Kawaii charm across Asia and beyond.

Join the beloved sea otter Bonobono on an exciting stamp rally through Miyagi Prefecture's scenic coastal areas, celebrating the manga's 40th and anime's 10th anniversaries with puzzles, shopping, and exclusive collaborations.

San-X characters, including Rilakkuma, Tarepanda, and Afro Ken, unite for the first-ever “San-X Universe x Lotteria/Zteria Collaboration: Rilakkuma and Everyone Together Exciting Party♪ Kids Set.” Available for a limited time from January 7th, these sets feature exclusive toys like a San-X Bus board game, pop-up trump cards, and a miniature character box, bringing beloved kawaii culture to fast-food fun across Japan.

Morinaga Seika's beloved Chocoball is kicking off 2026 with an exciting new 'Omocha no Kanzume' – the 'Golden Kyoro Medal Can' – featuring an interactive medal game. Plus, nostalgic 'Engimono Kyoro-chan' straps are making a comeback through special campaigns, blending modern fun with a touch of Heisei-era charm.

Sanseido Bookstore's unique 'Tsunagaru Hondana' (Connecting Bookshelf) has updated its YOMO picture book corner with five new titles, bringing the total to nine captivating stories for young readers, starting January 2026.

Japanese fashion brand SPINNS launches an adorable new collection featuring San-X's Korilakkuma and Rilakkuma, centered around a charming strawberry motif, spanning apparel, home goods, and trendy accessories.

The beloved Japanese character Monchhichi teams up with Netflix's 'Stranger Things' for a special merchandise collection, launching January 12, 2026, to celebrate the series' final season.