One character is Hachiware, who looks like a cat, likes to sing, and eats chocolate and onions. Another one is Usagi, who looks like a rabbit and has Level 3 weeding certification. The title character, Chiikawa, is shy, emotional, and scared of monsters.
And now, these adorable characters are heading to Flushing.
The grand opening of a pop-up store selling Miniso X Chiikawa Collaboration products will open at Tangram Shopping Mall on Friday, Aug. 9, at 11 am. It’ll operate there until Sept. 9.
Chiikawa (aka Nanka Chiisakute Kawaii Yatsu) is a Japanese anime series that has morphed into an international lifestyle brand. The endearing cast members now appear on such merchandise as bath products, chocolate, lunchboxes, notepads, pens, and socks. (Gummy candy, too, of course!)
The Tangram pop-up is the first one in the United States. The free-standing venue, which features a massive 3D figure on the roof, will carry nearly 100 items, including bags, plush toys, stationery, and various lifestyle products. It’ll also give customers the chance to step into the Chiikawa World via a custom photo booth and other interactive activities.
On opening weekend, mascots will entertain customers and pose for photos.
With a main entrance at 133-33 39th Ave., Tangram spans 1.2 million square feet. The mixed-use site has residential apartments, offices, a four-star hotel, a food hall, retail, a swimming facility, a cinema, and a cavernous common area.
Chiikawa, which translates from Japanese as “something small and cute,” has been serialized on Twitter since January 2020. Episodes are on Fuji TV’s Mezamashi morning news program and YouTube.
Images: Tangram/Chiikawa