Kuromi has taken over a limited-time department store in Shibuya, and &TEAM’s K got an early look at the surprise-filled space. The event, titled “KUROMI’S MYSTERIOUS DEPARTMENT STORE,” is part of the “World Kuromification Project,” which aims for a world where each person can be themselves alongside Kuromi.
The immersive event is set in a department store packed with Kuromi’s dreams and surprises, appearing in Shibuya during the Halloween season. Visitors move through a building with a dark-fantasy atmosphere, enjoy Kuromi’s worldview, encounter her messages, and experience something that may help them get closer to “the self they want to be.” It is open at MEDIA DEPARTMENT TOKYO until November 1, 2026.
K explores before the public opening
On October 18, before the general opening, &TEAM’s K visited the venue for an early experience. He toured the secret passages, photo spots inspired by a cosmetics shop and a boutique, and the surprises hidden throughout the building. The visit also included a surprise encounter with Kuromi, much to K’s delight. Afterward, he spoke about unexpected things he shares with Kuromi and what makes her appealing.
At the information counter near the entrance, where Kuromi welcomes visitors, K said, “I’m excited wondering what will happen!” In the secret passage, where Kuromi’s silhouette appears, he remarked, “You’re pulled into Kuromi’s world at once,” with his anticipation growing. On the second floor, photo spots evoke a cosmetics shop and a boutique. Seeing items such as the very long eyelashes “SUPER LONG LONG LASHES” and the hood colorant “HOOD COLOR MAGIC” in the cosmetics shop, K was intrigued. “Cute! All kinds of items are packed with Kuromi-chan-ness,” he said.
As he continued through the venue, a mirror revealed a sudden appearance by Kuromi. K let out a surprised “Oh!” and commented, “I get startled when I’m caught off guard,” while enjoying the “surprises” hidden inside the department store.
A surprise meeting with Kuromi-chan
Kuromi then appeared as a “surprise” before K, who had been enjoying her world inside the venue. Seeing her, K exclaimed, “Kuromi-chan! Cute!” and looked taken aback by the unexpected entrance. “I’m happy to meet Kuromi-chan!” he said with a smile as they faced each other, clearly pleased by the long-awaited meeting.
Asked about similarities with Kuromi that he noticed through the experience, K revealed an unexpected side of himself: “Actually, I also like ‘surprises,’ so I might be a good match with Kuromi-chan.” He added an anecdote that offers a glimpse of his usual self: “I also send ‘surprise presents’ for my members’ birthdays.” He smiled as he mentioned another shared point: “Our initials are the same, K, too.”
Favorite spots and merchandise
His especially memorable favorite spots were “KUROMI’S SECRET PASSAGE” and “SURPRISE CALL.” He commented, “The silhouette display pulls you into Kuromi-chan’s worldview at once, and the phone where you can talk with Kuromi-chan had a cute way of speaking that left an impression.”
Among the original-design goods sold ahead of the event, K chose a mascot as his favorite. “It’s super cute! This costume feels so Kuromi-chan, and I love how it fits the worldview of this event,” he said, sharing what he liked about it.
What Kuromi’s message means to K
In line with the event’s theme of encountering Kuromi’s messages and getting closer to “the self you want to be,” K was asked about Kuromi’s appeal and what he values in being himself. “Kuromi-chan’s charm is that she is very honest about the things she likes and wants to do,” he said. “Even as I work as an artist, the feeling of ‘liking’ something is my greatest energy source. Even when there are many things I have to do, I value making time for what I like and the time I enjoy.”
To those who will visit the event, he sent this message: “It’s a department store in full Kuromi-chan world mode! It’s a space that gives you a push on the back to challenge yourself with what you want to try, so please come and enjoy it!”
More surprises inside the venue
The event features a range of spots, including the original-design mascot that K picked as a favorite, a boutique with mysterious tricks, a large Kuromi on the second floor, and a secret base on the third floor labeled “No one but Kuromi allowed!?” The exterior of the venue and the event-limited design goods are also points to watch.
Event overview
Event name: “KUROMI’S MYSTERIOUS DEPARTMENT STORE”
Period: October 19 (Mon) to November 1 (Sun), 2026
Hours: 11:00–20:00 (last entry 19:30)
*On October 19 (Mon) only, 14:00–20:00 (last entry 19:30)
Venue: MEDIA DEPARTMENT TOKYO (19-3 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Admission: Free
© 2026 SANRIO CO., LTD. 著作 株式会社サンリオ
