Kyushu Sanko Group’s collaborative project Natsume Yūjin-Chō in Kumamoto 2026 ~Hitoyoshi・Kuma~ is set to launch in July 2026, and new details for the pop-up store at Sakura Machi Kumamoto have been announced. The store will feature a wide lineup of original goods created exclusively for the collaboration, using newly drawn illustrations.
The Natsume Yūjin-Chō television anime, based on Yuki Midorikawa’s manga serialized in Hakusensha’s Monthly LaLa, has sold over 18 million copies. It follows Takashi Natsume, a boy who can see yokai, as he returns names to spirits bound in his grandmother Reiko’s “Book of Friends,” accompanied by the self-proclaimed bodyguard Nyanko-sensei. The anime first aired on TX in 2008, celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2023, and broadcast its seventh season, Natsume Yūjin-Chō Shichi, in October 2024.
Project Background
Continuing from 2025, the project is a regional contribution initiative by Kyushu Sanko Group to promote the appeal of Kumamoto’s Hitoyoshi and Kuma areas. It supports ongoing recovery from the July 2020 heavy rain disaster, and coordinates closely with the Kumagawa Railway (aiming to resume operations in 2026) and the Kumamoto Destination Campaign 2026. The goal is to share the region’s present and future with the world.
Pop-Up Store Details
The pop-up store at Sakura Machi Kumamoto (1F Main Entrance) will open on July 1, 2026 and run until September 30, 2026. Hours follow the facility’s operating schedule. A wide range of collectible and practical items will be available, all featuring the special collaboration illustrations.
Products include can badge collections, mini shikishi collections, acrylic stands, acrylic keychain collections, die-cut stickers, small plates, face towels, die-cut cushions, pouches, tote bags, and clear files.
Special Clear Card & Original Paper Bag
During the event period, customers who spend 5,000 yen or more (tax included) in a single transaction at the pop-up store will receive one special clear card randomly from six designs. The cards feature the newly drawn characters alongside landscapes of Kumamoto and the Hitoyoshi・Kuma area.
Additionally, an original paper bag designed with the collaboration illustration will be sold for 100 yen (tax included) per bag at the pop-up store and select shops. Note that no free plastic or paper bags will be provided at the pop-up store.
The pop-up store will also carry goods from the official Natsume Yūjin-Chō anime online store and other regional merchandise. Further lineup details will be announced on Sakura Machi Kumamoto’s social media.
In-Store Announcement by Nyanko-sensei
Throughout the event period, a newly recorded original announcement by Nyanko-sensei (voiced by Kazuhiko Inoue) will be played inside Sakura Machi Kumamoto. Visitors can enjoy shopping while listening to this special voice-only available at the venue.
For full details, visit the special website for Natsume Yūjin-Chō in Kumamoto 2026 ~Hitoyoshi・Kuma~.
Please note: Purchase limits may apply for some items. No reservations or phone orders. No inquiries about stock status. Resale for profit is strictly prohibited. On crowded days, entry restrictions (numbered tickets) may be implemented. Queuing late at night or early morning is not allowed.
