Step inside the cute and sometimes dark world of Chiikawa in Tokyo

At Chiikawa Park in Tokyo, Chiikawa and its animal-like friends are on display in numerous displays and dioramas where fans can interact and take photos. Japan gave the world Hello Kitty and Pokemon. Now another cast of cute characters has become nearly impossible to miss across the country. Chiikawa and its animal-like friends appear on everything from toys and stationery to snacks and clothing, and fans can step inside their strange and sometimes surprisingly dark world at Chiikawa Park in Tokyo. The indoor attraction in Ikebukuro re-creates scenes from the popular comic series and combines photo opportunities, games and interactive exhibits with a sprawling merchandise shop. Chiikawa is short for the Japanese phrase “nanka chiisakute kawaii yatsu,” meaning “small and cute ones.” Illustrator Nagano began posting the comic on X in 2020.

The series follows the everyday adventures of friends Chiikawa, Hachiware and Usagi, pairing their adorable appearance with stories that can take bizarre, dark turns. The franchise has since expanded into animation, merchandise and other entertainment. It was also made into a movie that became a box-office hit this summer. The Chiikawa series follows the everyday adventures of friends Chiikawa, Hachiware and Usagi, pairing their adorable appearance with stories that can take bizarre, dark turns. (Hana Kusumoto/Stars and Stripes) Chiikawa Park opened last year in Ikebukuro, a major shopping