Starting March 2, 2026 (Monday), souvenir wholesaler Takachiho Co., Ltd. (based in Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture) is releasing a new collaboration with the popular character Koupen-chan: region-exclusive print cookies and print manju for Nagano and Tohoku. Inspired by the themes "Koupen-chan's Outing Diary" and "Taking a Walk Together," the products feature charming illustrations of Koupen-chan visiting travel destinations, printed on both the packaging and the sweets themselves.
Koupen-chan Nagano & Tohoku Limited Products
The lineup includes "Koupen-chan Outing Diary" print cookies and "Koupen-chan Walking Diary" print manju, each available in both a Nagano edition and a Tohoku edition. These make perfect souvenirs for looking back on travel memories with Koupen-chan.
Print Cookies
Left: Koupen-chan Outing Diary Nagano Edition Print Cookies
Right: Koupen-chan Outing Diary Tohoku Edition Print Cookies
Cookies printed with Koupen-chan's hanamaru (gold star) diary illustrations.
Printed designs: 3 varieties each
Price: 8-piece set — ¥1,144 (tax included)
Print Manju
Left: Koupen-chan Nagano Walking Together Manju
Right: Koupen-chan Tohoku Festival Tour Manju
Each individual manju is printed with Koupen-chan, making it a treat to enjoy alongside a walk or a festival visit.
Price: 16-piece set — ¥864 (tax included)
Where to Buy
- Nagano limited products: Service areas (SA/PA), station concourses, and souvenir shops within Nagano Prefecture
- Tohoku limited products: Service areas (SA/PA), station shops, and souvenir stores across six prefectures: Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, and Fukushima
Background
In recent years, character-based souvenir sweets have gained growing popularity, combining regional products with well-known characters. Koupen-chan, a character known for affirming the small moments in everyday life, has earned devoted fans across all age groups. By combining Koupen-chan's widespread appeal with regional confections, these new products aim to be souvenirs that travelers will want to pick up and that bring smiles to the people who receive them.
About Koupen-chan
Koupen-chan is a baby Emperor Penguin character who cheerfully affirms all the little things in everyday life. Appearing in large numbers and seemingly everywhere, Koupen-chan just might be right by your side. The character has gained widespread popularity across all age groups through social media, LINE stickers, books, and merchandise, known for adorable gestures and warm, encouraging words.
Koupen-chan info: https://koupenchan-info.jp/
