A pop-up shop titled "Hoppechan × Heisei Fancy Characters: Heisei Nakako ♡ POPUP" is running at the Daimaru Museum on the 9th floor of Daimaru Kobe from April 29 (Wednesday/public holiday) to May 18 (Monday), 2026. The event marks the first-ever collaboration between Hoppechan — the beloved character from Sun Hosheki that captivated elementary and middle school girls across Japan from the late Showa era through the Heisei era — and Heisei Fancy Characters, including Pukupuku Awawachan and Happy March by Kamio Japan, and Nattouchan by Crax.
Alongside exclusive collaboration merchandise available for advance sale, the event features glittery Heisei-style goods and a hands-on workshop, creating a space that feels nostalgic for those who lived through the era and refreshingly new for younger visitors.
First-Ever Collaboration: A Highlight of the Event
The centerpiece of this pop-up is the debut collaboration between Hoppechan and Heisei Fancy Characters. Kamio Japan's Pukupuku Awawachan and Happy March, along with Crax's Nattouchan, are blended with Hoppechan's signature three-dimensional squeezed-cream aesthetic. These exclusive items are available only at this pop-up.
Selected Items Available for Advance Sale
- Super Clear Pukupuku Awawachan Hoppechan Object — ¥1,540 (tax included)
- Friendly Pukupuku Awawachan Hoppechan Bookmark Charm — ¥1,760 (tax included)
- Happy March Hoppechan Bookmark Charm (Rabbit / Cat) — ¥1,100 each (tax included)
- Nattouchan Hoppechan Bookmark Charm — ¥1,100 (tax included)
- Blind Hologram Sticker Set (9 varieties) — ¥220 each (tax included)
A Lineup of Heisei-Era Glittery Goods
Beyond the collaboration items, the event also offers a wide selection of Hoppechan merchandise. Goods from the anime Hoppechan: The Secret of the Sun Kingdom and the Black Hoppe Gang, drop-style stickers that became popular on social media, and the fan-favourite Kirakoro Ohajiki Stickers all make an appearance — each a piece of the kawaii goods culture that defined the Heisei era.
The original Hoppechan character is also on sale, an item that brings back memories for those who once browsed Sun Hosheki catalogs or collected them at school.
Items may sell out. Product images are for illustrative purposes.
Hands-On "Hoppechan Shibori" Workshop
The popular workshop "Hoppechan Shibori" is also on the programme, this time with a special twist: participants squeeze two oversized versions of Hoppechan — large enough to display alongside the Heisei Fancy Characters merchandise. It's a hands-on experience where visitors create their own personalized Hoppechan on the spot.
Workshop Details
- Dates: April 29 (Wednesday/public holiday) through May 10 (Sunday), May 16 (Saturday), May 17 (Sunday)
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Duration: Approximately 20 minutes
- Price: ¥2,500 (tax included)
Hoppechan Turns 16 on May 5, 2026
Hoppechan was born in 2009 as an original character from Sun Hosheki, inspired by sweets decoration. Each figure looks slightly different due to the squeezed-cream production method, making every one feel uniquely personal. The character gained wide popularity among teenage girls through Sun Hosheki catalogs and events, becoming one of the defining characters of the early social media era.
On May 5, 2026, Hoppechan celebrates its 16th anniversary. This pop-up is part of those milestone celebrations, welcoming both fans who grew up with the character and newer fans drawn to the retro-cute aesthetic.
Event Details
- Event name: Hoppechan × Heisei Fancy Characters: Heisei Nakako ♡ POPUP
- Dates: April 29 (Wednesday/public holiday) to May 18 (Monday), 2026
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (until 5:00 PM on the final day)
- Venue: Daimaru Museum, 9th Floor, Daimaru Kobe (40 Akashi-machi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo)
