If you’re a kawaii fan, you’ve probably come across Chiikawa and friends, a set of cute characters that are becoming more well-known worldwide after massive popularity in Japan. Learn more about the characters and have a look at all the cute merch, including some fun collabs.
Chiikawa (ちいかわ if searching Japanese shops) was originally a manga and then also an anime series (some episodes are on YouTube). The full name of the series is Nanka Chiisakute Kawaii Yatsu, which means “Something Small and Cute”. The main characters are Chiikawa (a hamster), Hachiware (cat), and Usagi (bunny) but there are more animal friends too, and even some humans. After massive popularity in Japan, it’s now much easier to find merch internationally including collabs with global brands.
Casetify (global) have an amazing new collab with Chiikawa for summer with cases and tech accessories for phones, tablets, earbuds and watches. There’s so many fun cases and they’re available for Apple, Samsung & Google devices (including older versions). There’s also a special box set that includes a pool float! Some items are already selling out so don’t wait too long.
A collab with Hello Kitty & Friends was inevitable and includes these adorable plushies, along with stickers, bags and charms. Sanrio (US) are selling out fast but you can find all the plush at Kawaii Republic & Meccha Japan (both JP). It’s worth keeping an eye on the Sanrio Japan store (JP – requires forwarding service) too as they may restock or add more new things.
Chiikawa Market is the official merch store in Japan and includes an English version – they offer international shipping through WorldShopping (a forwarding service) or you can use our guide for Tenso. They have pretty much every product imaginable but they do sell out so you’ll want to stalk the preorders and restocks. 2026 diaries are already available, along with a new year Happy Bag celebrating the Year of the Horse. This bodes well for all the horse-themed kawaii we’re going to see later this year!
I mentioned Kawaii Republic (JP) above and they have all kinds of rare and hard to find merch including secondhand items. Their huge Chiikawa category includes a footwear collab with Converse for high-tops and sneakers in 5 sizes and 3 colours, some of which include shoe charms. There’s free international shipping on all orders too.
Meccha Japan (JP) also have some fun Chiikawa stuff I didn’t see anywhere else, like this pudding house playset with so many cute details.
If you prefer to make something yourself, おもちゃ箱 (omotyabako) has loads of Chiikawa origami tutorials including all the main characters, seasonal designs, stationery & decorations.
Are you fan of Chiikawa?
Leave a Reply