San-X’s ‘San-X Universe’ is collaborating with the ‘Cincinnati Art Museum Exhibition: European Treasures That Crossed to America,’ an exhibition that opens at The Ueno Royal Museum in Taito City, Tokyo, before touring four cities nationwide. Limited collaboration items will be sold for the exhibition.
San-X Universe brings together characters from separate worlds, gathered by San-X fairy magic into a new design. The roster ranges from nostalgic characters such as Tarepanda and Kogepan to newer additions like Pokantotan and new friends from Sumikko Gurashi.
The Cincinnati Art Museum Exhibition presents 84 selected works by masters including Corot, Cézanne, and Monet from a collection built over 145 years. Of these, 81 works are making their first visit to Japan. The Tokyo run is scheduled from October 10, 2026 (Sat) to January 10, 2027 (Sun).
Painting-Inspired Limited Plush
In the collaboration, San-X Universe characters appear in limited designs inspired by famous paintings, wearing costumes and carrying accessories based on the artworks. Among them, nine types of hanging plush and six types of te-nori plush stand out for their different-from-usual look.
Rilakkuma
Rilakkuma characters wear classical clothing inspired by the figures in Vincent van Gogh’s late work ‘Two Figures in a Poplar Grove,’ along with outfits evoking pretty flowers. The ‘Rilakkuma Hanging Plush’ lineup will include four types and is scheduled for release around late October.
Sumikko Gurashi
Sumikko Gurashi characters dress in a mysterious blue dress inspired by Ferdinand Hodler’s ‘Holy Hour’ and a chic dress inspired by Édouard Manet’s ‘Women at the Races.’ The ‘Sumikko Gurashi Te-nori Plush’ lineup of six types goes on sale October 10, the same day the exhibition opens.
Tarepanda and More Characters
Tarepanda recreates a painting scene with lemons from Paul Cézanne’s ‘Still Life with Blue Tones and Lemons,’ alongside a painted vessel. Afro Ken, Kogepan, Shirasu-tai, and Sentimental Circus will also have hanging plush items.
Kogepan and Shirasu-tai hanging plush go on sale October 10. Tarepanda, Afro Ken, and Sentimental Circus hanging plush are scheduled for release around late October.
Other Collaboration Goods
Additional collaboration items include acrylic keyholders, ballpoint pens with mascots, glass magnets, mini towels, clear pouches, tote bags, and kinchaku drawstring bags. Many are designed for everyday use.
Tour Schedule
| City | Dates | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | October 10, 2026 (Sat) – January 10, 2027 (Sun) | The Ueno Royal Museum (Ueno Park) |
| Toyama | January 23, 2027 (Sat) – April 11, 2027 (Sun) | Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art |
| Nagoya | April 23, 2027 (Fri) – July 4, 2027 (Sun) | Venue to be announced later |
| Osaka | July 17, 2027 (Sat) – September 26, 2027 (Sun), planned | Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts |
Collaboration Goods and Prices
| Item | Price (tax included) |
|---|---|
| Rilakkuma Hanging Plush (all 4 types) | 2,970 yen – 3,300 yen |
| Sumikko Gurashi Te-nori Plush (all 6 types) | 1,980 yen – 2,200 yen |
| Tarepanda Hanging Plush | 2,530 yen |
| Afro Ken Hanging Plush | 2,530 yen |
| Kogepan Hanging Plush | 2,530 yen |
| Shirasu-tai Hanging Plush | 2,530 yen |
| Sentimental Circus Hanging Plush | 2,970 yen |
| Acrylic Keyholder | 1,100 yen |
| Ballpoint Pen with Mascot | 1,320 yen |
| Glass Magnet (all 6 types) | 880 yen each |
| Mini Towel | 1,100 yen |
| Clear Pouch | 2,640 yen |
| Tote Bag | 2,420 yen |
| Kinchaku Drawstring Bag | 1,870 yen |
The exhibition begins at The Ueno Royal Museum in Tokyo and tours Toyama, Nagoya, and Osaka in 2027. After enjoying the exhibition, visitors can check out the special shop for the San-X Universe collaboration.
(C) 2026 SAN-X CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
