[Daimaru Kobe Store] Somewhere in your memory, returning to the nostalgic yet new 'Heisei' era: 'NEO Heisei Retro Exhibition' confirmed
Daimaru Kobe will host the 'NEO Heisei Retro Exhibition,' a hit event that drew 30,000 people in Tokyo, featuring 90s/00s nostalgia, workshops, and exclusive pop-ups targeting Gen Z and their parents.
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- 📰 Published: April 15, 2026 at 20:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 15, 2026 at 11:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 19, 2026 at 09:27 (93h 55m after Collected)
The highly talked-about event "NEO Heisei Retro Exhibition," which mobilized over 30,000 people when held in Shibuya, Tokyo last summer, will make its first appearance in Kobe.
In recent years, mainly among Generation Z, there has been a growing movement to enjoy the goods, characters, and culture that were popular in the Heisei era from both the perspectives of "nostalgia" and "novelty." In this exhibition, in addition to 9 exhibition and experience areas where you can experience the atmosphere of the Heisei era from multiple angles, over 300 goods will be on display. You can fully savor the charm of Heisei culture in a worldview that makes you feel as if you have slipped back in time to those days.
* Background of the Event
In recent years, marketing focusing on "nostalgia" has been gathering attention in product and service development aimed at younger demographics. Among them, "Heisei Retro" is attracting particular interest, where the culture and characters popular from the early to mid-Heisei era are enjoyed for both their nostalgic value and freshness.
For Generation Z, who spent their childhood in the Heisei era, the culture tied to their memories of spending time with family and friends evokes strong empathy and nostalgia. On the other hand, for the younger generation who do not know the Heisei era in real-time, it is accepted as fresh design and culture.
Against this backdrop, "Heisei Retro" is linked to the trend of "emo-consumption"—prompting consumer behavior by resonating with emotional value—and is expanding its support across generations. We at Daimaru Kobe store propose this event as an experience that can be enjoyed not only by younger demographics centered around Gen Z, but also by the parent generation who knew that era, down to the next Generation Alpha!
* Supervisor Mero Yamashita Profile
Born in Hiroshima Prefecture in 1981. Raised in Kazo City, Saitama Prefecture. The Doorboy of Memory's Door. Advocating "Heisei Retro," he researches the common customs of the Showa and Heisei eras, centering on the bubble economy period. He tracks transparent culture like skeletons, communication devices, digital products, talent shops, Yankee culture, and Gyaru culture, and creates exhibitions replicating the rooms of youth from that era. He also researches "Fancy Picture Souvenirs," souvenirs for children at tourist destinations during the bubble era. Through nationwide preservation activities, he has investigated 6,000 stores and preserved 25,000 types. He introduces nostalgic culture through numerous media appearances, including TBS's "Matsuko's Unknown World."
Experience "Heisei" across 9 areas!!
You can experience 9 booths that will remind you of the Heisei era, featuring goods you used to see everyday, nostalgic music, and fashion trends of the time!
* The venue layout is subject to change.
* Scenes from past venues (Exhibition content may differ from the Kobe venue).
A massive gathering of nostalgic characters & miscellaneous goods! Bring back the excitement of those days!
Furthermore, held concurrently will be the "Heisei Fancy" POP-UP, as well as POP-UP shops by , known for "Hoppe-chan," and , popular for its nostalgic character designs. Daimaru Kobe brings you a special opportunity to experience the "emo-ness" of Heisei Retro.
1. Hatsune Miku x Heisei Fancy
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Heisei fancy characters like "Pukupuku Awawa-chan" and "Love-tomo," which everyone in the MZ generation used to have! You can meet the characters that colored the Heisei era once again! Please pick up and check out the many goods♩
2. Hoppe-chan x Heisei Fancy Characters Heisei Nakajo POP-UP
(C) Sun Hoseki / Hoppe-chan Production Committee
Round eyes, sparkling cheeks, and an addictive squishy feel! You can enjoy collaboration goods and workshops of the original character "Hoppe-chan," which is celebrating its 15th anniversary. It is sure to bring back the nostalgic feelings of those days!
* "Hoppe-chan Squeeze Workshop" Held!
- Dates: April 29 (Wed) - May 10 (Sun), May 16 (Sat), 17 (Sun)
- Reception: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM each day
- Duration: Approx. 20 minutes
- Price: 2,500 yen (tax included) per session
You can squeeze out your very own original Hoppe-chan! It's a fun workshop no matter how many times you make it♩
3. POP-UP STORE
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