Juice Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Teruo Kobe, hereinafter 'Juice') announces the grand opening of 'Kobitos Hakubutsukan,' a 100-tsubo immersive experience facility based on the world of the popular book series 'Kobitodzukan' (created by Shitaka Nabata, published by Rokurinsha), on the 3rd floor of AEON LakeTown mori (located in Kazo City, Saitama Prefecture) in mid-August 2026.
The facility is a permanent installation built upon the exhibition concepts developed through the highly acclaimed 'Kobitodzukan EXPO' events held in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro (September 2024), Osaka’s Shinsaibashi (December 2024), Osaka’s Umeda (November 2025), and Nagoya, Aichi (December 2025). Comprising an exhibition area and a merchandise area, the exhibition space offers an unprecedented immersive experience by blending spatial design, sound, lighting, and intricate three-dimensional modeling to evoke the sensation that 'little people' are truly living there. Admission to the exhibition area will be charged.
Ahead of the grand opening of 'Kobitos Hakubutsukan,' the merchandise area will open on Friday, July 17, 2026. The venue will feature approximately 300 exclusive items that fully capture the 'Kobitodzukan' universe, as well as limited-edition capsule toys available only at this location.
Merchandise Area to Open First
Starting Friday, July 17, the merchandise area will launch with around 300 exclusive items inspired by the 'Kobitodzukan' world. From beloved classic Kobitos to uniquely themed goods featuring diverse characters, the lineup is designed to delight both longtime fans and newcomers to the 'Kobitodzukan' universe.
Exclusive venue-only capsule toys will also be available. Which Kobito you’ll meet is a surprise revealed only after turning the crank. Discover unexpected Kobitos and find new favorites—experiencing the unique charm that only 'Kobitodzukan' can offer.
Come and enjoy the excitement of discovering your favorite Kobito at the venue.
Highlights of the Merchandise Area
※Image shows the large diorama used during the December 2024 event.
The merchandise area will display the full-length, approximately 3-meter large diorama that was featured in past 'Kobitodzukan EXPO' events and captivated numerous visitors. This meticulously crafted, highly immersive diorama also serves as a perfect photo spot, making visitors feel as if they’ve stepped directly into the world of 'Kobitodzukan.'
Exclusive Original Goods from 'Kobitos Hakubutsukan'
Popular limited-edition goods previously sold at 'Kobitodzukan EXPO' will be available. Additionally, new exclusive 'Kobitos Hakubutsukan' merchandise will be released one after another!
① New Product: Kobitodzukan Trading Cards
※Image shows the 'Kobitodzukan Trading Card (Grand Encyclopedia Edition).'
A new trading card set that brings the 'Kobitodzukan' world to life! Includes 269 cards in the 'Grand Encyclopedia Edition' and 206 cards in the 'Endemic Species Edition,' totaling 475 cards. Each card features details about the Kobitos’ characteristics and ecology, making it an enjoyable collectible that’s both fun and educational.
② Trading Pop-Up Acrylic Encyclopedia
Also available is the 'Trading Pop-Up Acrylic Encyclopedia,' a complete recreation of the original book. Including secret designs, the excitement of discovering which Kobito appears adds to the fun when opening the package.
③ Original Print Goods
A print goods corner allows visitors to create one-of-a-kind original items on-site. By purchasing transfer stickers of your favorite Kobito along with a T-shirt or tote bag, you can heat-press the sticker onto your chosen spot, creating your very own custom Kobito merchandise.
Comment from Juice, the Planner of 'Kobitos Hakubutsukan'
'We constantly ask ourselves, 'What kind of experience will truly delight our fans?' From our past 'Kobitodzukan EXPO' events, we’ve seen many visitors deeply engaged in searching for Kobitos, leaving with smiles on their faces. For the 20th anniversary, we decided to create a permanent facility where fans can always interact with Kobitos.'
'Kobitos Hakubutsukan,' opening this time, brings together all the expertise we’ve accumulated in exhibition design to create a facility where visitors can experience the 'Kobitodzukan' world. We aim to deliver a special experience where both fans and newcomers alike can feel the very breath of the Kobitos.'
About the Immersive Experience Facility 'Kobitos Hakubutsukan'
'Kobitos Hakubutsukan,' spanning approximately 100 tsubo, is an immersive facility that further evolves the world and exhibits from the previously held 'Kobitodzukan EXPO.' By integrating spatial design, sound, lighting effects, and precise three-dimensional modeling, it offers an unprecedented full-body experience of the 'Kobitodzukan' universe.
Life-sized Kobitos, recreated based on ecological diagrams, are placed throughout the facility. Visitors can explore, observe, and discover, enjoying a space that feels as if the Kobitos are truly living there. From children to adults, visitors of all ages can engage with the charm of 'Kobitodzukan' from their own perspectives and enjoy new discoveries.
Future Developments
The exhibition area of 'Kobitos Hakubutsukan' is scheduled to open in mid-August 2026.
The official website and SNS channels for 'Kobitos Hakubutsukan' are currently under preparation. For updates until the opening, please visit the official 'Kobitodzukan' website:
https://www.kobitos.com/post/kobitos-museum
We will introduce some of the Kobitos appearing in the exhibition area. After the grand opening, be sure to search for the Kobitos hidden throughout the venue.
[Facility Overview]
〇 Facility Name
Kobitos Hakubutsukan
〇 Grand Opening Date
Mid-August 2026
〇 Location
3-1-1 Lake Town 3-chome, Kazo City, Saitama 343-0828
〇 Business Hours
10:00–21:00
〇 Annual Holidays
Irregular
About 'Kobitodzukan'
'Kobitodzukan' is a picture book and book series by Shitaka Nabata, first published in 2006. In 2026, it celebrates its 20th anniversary, with cumulative circulation exceeding 3.2 million copies, making it a popular children’s book series.
In the first book, the protagonist 'I' discovers a mysterious creature called 'Kobito,' which is neither an insect nor a plant. To date, 444 species have been introduced. While their striking visuals may startle viewers at first glance, the series has become a 'classic' read in kindergartens, nurseries, and elementary schools, beloved primarily by children who genuinely believe in the existence of Kobitos and their families.
Following the 'how to catch Kobitos' methods introduced in books and video series, the 'Kobito hunting' game has become a major trend among children.
Whether Kobitos actually exist remains a frequent topic of debate, puzzling parents across Japan. 'They can’t possibly exist—
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: Event