Japan Pop Pulse

Precure Newspaper Artwork Becomes Two Waves of Collectibles in Ikebukuro

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 05:11:03 +0000

Artwork from a Precure movie newspaper special is moving onto collectible goods. Hochi Shimbun says the first four product types will reach its entertainment market on the third floor of Ikebukuro P’PARCO in Tokyo on October 30, 2026.

The first wave includes connectable acrylic stands at ¥1,800 each, large collectible badges at ¥660, photo-booth-style trading cards at ¥550 and miniature canvases at ¥2,520 each. A second wave is scheduled for November 20, adding pouches, acrylic charms, charm-equipped badges and acrylic hair ties.

Bungo Stray Dogs Eyewear Opens for Orders, with Delivery Next Summer

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 05:11:02 +0000

Fans ordering Zoff’s first Bungo Stray Dogs eyewear collection will need to plan well ahead. Web reservations opened on October 21, 2026 and run through November 25, with shipping scheduled to begin in late July 2027.

The six character-inspired models cost ¥12,200 each, including set lenses, an original case and a cleaning cloth. Zoff’s official online store and other designated sites are taking orders.

The anime gives its characters the names of literary authors and follows battles involving supernatural abilities. Zoff uses those character details in the frames: Atsushi Nakajima’s design draws on his tiger-related ability, while Osamu Dazai’s incorporates a bandage motif.

FamilyMart Gives Three Bakery Staples a Chocolate Makeover

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 05:11:01 +0000

Chocolate takes over three different corners of FamilyMart’s bakery range this week. The Japanese convenience-store chain announced a cream-filled bun, a Danish-style melon bread and a kouign-amann-style pastry, all launched on October 20, 2026.

The listed price is ¥198 including tax for each. FamilyMart says the rollout covers about 16,500 stores nationwide, while warning that some stores and regions may not carry the products. Specifications and prices differ in Okinawa, and other regional differences may apply.

Meltykiss Returns for Winter with Five Formats and Flavours

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 05:11:00 +0000

Meiji’s winter chocolate season has begun. Five Meltykiss products went on sale across Japan on October 20, 2026, alongside a new television advertisement featuring actor Natsuki Deguchi.

The lineup includes premium chocolate, strawberry and caramel varieties, plus a premium-chocolate bag and a mixed bag. Meiji lists open pricing, so its announcement does not establish a single nationwide retail price. The mixed bag contains a standard total of 30 pieces across the three flavours.

A Thousand Moomin Puzzle Pieces Fit into a Smaller Frame

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 05:10:59 +0000

Moomin fans short on display space have four new puzzle designs to consider. Yanoman says its latest compact-piece Moomin jigsaws will go on sale in late October 2026 at hobby shops, electronics retailers and its official online store in Japan.

Each puzzle has 1,000 pieces, costs ¥2,750 including tax and finishes at 26 by 38 centimetres. A matching frame is sold separately. The designs range from a jungle scene in Moominvalley to gatherings at the Moominhouse and a moonlit party.

USJ Sets Staggered November Dates for Mario Kart and Holiday Goods

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 05:10:58 +0000

Universal Studios Japan in Osaka is rolling out its winter merchandise in stages. Mario Kart-themed items are scheduled to arrive on November 6, 2026, followed by Christmas and winter ranges featuring Hello Kitty and Snoopy on November 9.

The Mario Kart range includes clothing, caps, pencil cases and mugs. The holiday range adds character accessories, while Snoopy items include winter clothing. These are planned merchandise launch dates, rather than a single opening date for every holiday activity.

An Apothecary Diaries Trail Pairs Ibaraki Sightseeing with Cafés and Collectibles

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 04:00:04 +0000

Anime fans visiting Ibaraki can pair sightseeing with The Apothecary Diaries merchandise and café stops. The prefecture’s tourism division announced a second wave of goods and themed menus that went on sale on October 17, 2026.

The tie-in is part of Ibaraki’s tourism campaign, with a stamp rally linking ten sightseeing spots on two character-themed routes. The rally runs until January 18, 2027, but pauses from December 29 through January 5. Collecting at least three stamps on a route qualifies participants for an original character card.

Bandai Plans a Global Celebration for Gashapon’s 50th Anniversary

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 01:46:24 +0000

A milestone is coming for capsule-toy fans: Bandai says its Gashapon business will turn 50 in January 2027. The company announced the anniversary plans on October 8, 2026, under the slogan “WE ARE GASHAPON.”

The lineup includes a world tour, a global information portal and a new Gashapon Station 100 machine designed for 100 mm capsules. Bandai also plans to hold Gashapon EXPO2027 in autumn 2027. These are announced plans, so keep an eye on official updates before making travel arrangements.