Highschool! Kimengumi Pop-Up Store is Coming to Osaka!
Get ready, fans! A special POP UP STORE for the classic manga Highschool! Kimengumi is set to open its doors. Titled “Highschool! Kimengumi POP UP STORE in Keihan Moriguchi“, the event will run from January 15th to January 28th, 2026 at the Keihan Department Store Moriguchi location in Osaka. The exciting details about the nostalgic yet brand-new goods available have just been revealed!
What is Highschool! Kimengumi?
Highschool! Kimengumi is a legendary gag manga by Motoei Shinzawa that was serialized during the golden age of Weekly Shounen Jump in the 1980s. It took the world by storm with its outrageously high-energy gags from a cast of incredibly eccentric characters and its heartwarming portrait of friendship and youth.
The story revolves around the “Kimengumi” (literally, “Strange-Face Group”) led by the protagonist, Ittou Rei. They’re joined by heroine-like characters Kawakawa Yui and Uru Chie, the super athletic “Udegumi” (Arm Group), the delinquent “Bangumi” (Number Group), and the handsome “Irootokogumi” (Cool Guy Group). This collection of characters, all labeled as “hopeless cases,” is a uniquely creative product of the 80s that you just had to be there for.
The TV anime that aired from 1985 to 1987 was also a huge hit. Its theme songs, performed by the era’s top idol groups On’yanko Club’s Ushirogami Sasaeru-gumi and Ushirogami Hikare-tai, were absolute bangers and chart-toppers. As a masterpiece that sparked a major movement at the very heart of 80s pop culture, it remains a beloved legendary work to this day. A brand-new TV anime adaptation is also set to begin broadcasting on January 9th, 2026.
Check Out the Awesome Pop-Up Store Goods!
This “Highschool! Kimengumi POP UP STORE in Keihan Moriguchi” is packed with original merchandise and special plans that feel just like the series—totally obvious in their intent but impossible not to love anyway.
The goods lineup includes all the classics you’d expect. Of course, there’s apparel like T-shirts, caps, and bags that you’ll just have to try on. But the real stars are the popular acrylic stands featuring the huge cast of wildly unique characters, plus collectible stickers, can badges, and keyholders that you’ll just have to get your hands on.
Keep an eye out for the exclusive, high-quality items you can only get here, including goods with nostalgic yet fresh fancy designs that capture the essence of the 80s.
More Than Just Shopping!
But that’s not all! Inside the venue, with permission from the original author Motoei Shinzawa, there will be a display of reproduced color manuscript pages from precious sources like tankoubon covers. The event will also feature panel displays and plenty of fan-participation activities. Don’t miss the photo spot where you can take pictures with the Kimengumi members! In an era that celebrates diversity, now’s the perfect time to show your love for the characters you adored back in the day.
Event Summary
Highschool! Kimengumi POP UP STORE in Keihan Moriguchi
Period: Thursday, January 15th, 2026 – Wednesday, January 28th, 2026
Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Closes at 3:00 PM on the final day only)
Venue: Keihan Department Store Moriguchi, 6th Floor
Address: 8-3 Kawaramachi, Moriguchi City, Osaka 570-8558
This is shaping up to be a fantastic 40-year reunion packed with the charm of Highschool! Kimengumi, perfect for both longtime fans who enjoyed it in real-time and new fans discovering it for the first time. Be sure to check it out! For more details, visit the official information page.
(C) Motoei Shinzawa / Shueisha
《Koutarou Nakase》
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