[Aichi/Tokoname] Giant Guardian Cat 'Tokonyan' Turns 20 on March 28, 2027: Anniversary Campaign Launch
Key facts
- [Aichi/Tokoname] Giant Guardian Cat 'Tokonyan' Turns 20 on March 28, 2027: Anniversary Campaign Launch
- To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the giant maneki-neko 'Tokonyan' in Tokoname City, Aichi, in March 2027, the Tokoname Tourism Association will run a year-long 'Tokonyan 20th Anniversary Year' campaign from August 2026. The campaign aims to promote tourism and stimulate consumption in Tokoname through merchandise collaborations with Centrair and Hello Kitty, limited menus at local eateries, and lighting events.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 11, 2026
Direct answer
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the giant maneki-neko 'Tokonyan' in Tokoname City, Aichi, in March 2027, the Tokoname Tourism Association will run a year-long 'Tokonyan 20th Anniversary Year' campaign from August 2026. The campaign aims to promote tourism and stimulate consumption in Tokoname through merchandise collaborations with Centrair and Hello Kitty, limited menus at local eateries, and lighting events.
- Citation
- [Aichi/Tokoname] Giant Guardian Cat 'Tokonyan' Turns 20 on March 28, 2027: Anniversary Campaign Launch (June 11, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 11, 2026
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the giant maneki-neko 'Tokonyan' in Tokoname City, Aichi, in March 2027, the Tokoname Tourism Association will run a year-long 'Tokonyan 20th Anniversary Year' campaign from August 2026. The campaign aims to promote tourism and stimulate consumption in Tokoname through merchandise collaborations with Centrair and Hello Kitty, limited menus at local eateries, and lighting events.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 11, 2026 at 22:00
- 🔍 Collected: June 11, 2026 at 13:21
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 11, 2026 at 14:55 (1h 34m after Collected)
The Tokoname Tourism Association is launching a year-long 'Tokonyan 20th Anniversary Year' campaign from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027, to commemorate the 20th birthday of 'Tokonyan,' Tokoname City’s most famous maneki-neko (beckoning cat), on March 28, 2027.
June 11 marks 100 days before the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and Asian Para Games. Tokoname, the home of maneki-neko, welcomes many Asian visitors daily who come to see or purchase these figurines. Using this timing when many visitors are expected, the association aims to use the anniversary year to link to increased tourism, visitor circulation, and consumption across Tokoname.
Tokonyan has been beloved by many tourists as a guardian of the 'Ceramics Walk.' Rather than just a commemorative event, the 20th anniversary will be developed as an effort to enliven the area with 'All-Tokoname' cooperation involving local businesses, tourism facilities, and the community.
■ About the guardian cat 'Tokonyan'
Tokonyan is a giant maneki-neko set up on March 28, 2007, to watch over Tokoname, the city of pottery. It is famous for its giant face, 3.8 meters tall and 6.3 meters wide, and is a key photo spot representing Tokoname, popular among visitors from Japan and abroad.
■ Campaign Schedule
① Original merchandise production/sales (planned for Summer 2026)
- Tokonyan x Chubu Centrair International Airport collaboration goods
- Tokonyan x Hello Kitty collaboration goods
② Collaboration with local businesses
Planned development of limited menus and products in partnership with local eateries and businesses. Participating businesses include Tokoname.com, Craft Kobo Clear, Umioto Kitchen, Okuramochi, and Hills house second, among many others.
③ Tokonyan Light-up
Special light-up planned for one week from December 18 to December 25, 2026, marking 100 days before the birthday.
④ SNS Campaign
SNS giveaway campaign planned to start from February 22, 2027 (Cat Day).
FAQ
What is the significance of March 28, 2游戏副本027, for the Tokonyan statue in Tokoname City?
March 28, 2027, marks the 20th anniversary of the giant maneki-neko statue named Tokonyan in Tokoname City, Aichi.
Which brand is collaborating with Tokonyan for merchandise during the 20th anniversary campaign?
Centrair is collaborating with Tokonyan on merchandise as part of the 20th anniversary campaign in Tokoname City.
How long will the Tokonyan 20th Anniversary Year campaign last starting from August 2026?
The Tokonyan 20th Anniversary Year campaign will run for one full year, starting from August 2026 through July 2027.
What character is featured in a collaboration with Tokonyan for the anniversary merchandise?
Hello Kitty is featured in a collaboration alongside Tokonyan for the 20th anniversary merchandise in Tokoname.
What types of events are included in the Tokonyan 20th Anniversary Year campaign in Tokoname?
The campaign includes merchandise collaborations, limited menus at local spots, and special lighting events in Tokoname.