What this is
Hoppe-chan — the chubby-cheeked character that was a staple of Heisei-era girls' culture in Japan — is getting a nostalgic pop-up shop tour across two prefectures in 2026. The shops stock classic merchandise styled after the original catalogs, plus a venue-exclusive collaboration between Sun Hoseki and Village Vanguard available only at these locations. The Kanagawa leg runs at YOKOHAMA WORLD PORTERS through late September 2026.
Who should go
Millennial Japanese women who grew up with Hoppe-chan will find this deeply nostalgic. Collectors of Heisei-era character goods and fans of kawaii culture will also find plenty to browse.
Good to know
Entry to the pop-up shop is free, but merchandise sells out quickly at character pop-ups in Japan — arriving early in the run is advisable. YOKOHAMA WORLD PORTERS is a large shopping complex near the Yokohama waterfront; the pop-up will be within the mall, so check the facility's floor map on arrival. Business hours follow the shopping centre's schedule, which may vary on weekends and public holidays — check the official website before visiting. Cash is widely accepted at pop-up merchandise booths in Japan, though card acceptance varies by vendor.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.