Applibot, Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Koki Ukita) is pleased to announce that its first smartphone app based on "Chiikawa," "Chiikawa Pocket" (hereinafter referred to as "Chiipoke"), will add the new "Interaction" feature around Autumn 2026. Furthermore, ahead of the pre-release of the new feature on July 24 (Fri), "Giant Smartphones" allowing users to try out the new feature will be exhibited at 28 locations nationwide starting July 10 (Fri).
This application is a smartphone game app based on the popular manga "Chiikawa" posted on X (formerly Twitter) by illustrator Nagano, with the concept of "Always and everywhere with Chiikawa." It is packed with gameplay that allows users to feel the world of "Chiikawa." It has been available in 43 countries and regions worldwide since March 27, 2025 (Thu).
◆Addition of the Highly Anticipated New Feature "Interaction" Decided!!
1 New Feature "Interaction" to be Added! A Trial Version for Early Access Will Be Pre-released on July 24 (Fri)!
A new feature called "Interaction," where you can enjoy life with Chiikawa, is scheduled to be added to Chiikawa Pocket.
This feature will include "Care," where you can feed Chiikawa and give it baths, "Coordination," where you can change Chiikawa's outfits and rearrange furniture, as well as features that allow you to play by petting and tickling Chiikawa.
In addition, ahead of the official release of this feature, a trial version will be pre-released on July 24, 2026 (Fri). In the trial version, you can try out the main functions of the new feature, such as "Care" and "Coordination."
*Currently, only "Chiikawa" is available as a character to interact with in the "Interaction" feature.
*The operating team is considering the addition of other characters. It is expected to take some time until they are available.
*The release date of the trial version is subject to change without notice.
2 First Promotional Video for the New Feature "Interaction" Released!
A promotional video has been released, giving you a sneak peek at the atmosphere of the new feature.
The video is packed with the charms of the new feature, such as cute scenes of Chiikawa eating and looking happy to be cared for.
Please check out the new life with Chiikawa at the URL below.
YouTube URL: https://youtu.be/L7gpAgpOBns
3 "Giant Smartphones" to Experience the New Feature "Interaction" Will Be Sequentially Displayed Nationwide Starting July 10 (Fri)!
"Giant Smartphones" that allow you to experience the new "Interaction" feature on a large screen will be sequentially exhibited at 28 locations nationwide. The "Giant Smartphones" are giant digital signage displays with a maximum height of approximately 1.9 meters, where you can try out some of the functions of the new "Interaction" feature. This is a special exhibition where you can interact with Chiikawa on a large screen, different from your usual smartphone. Please take this opportunity to feel closer to Chiikawa.
◼︎Event Period: July 10, 2026 (Fri) - September 6, 2026 (Sun)
*The event period varies by venue.
◼︎Exhibition Locations:
◆Movie Chiikawa: The Secret of the Mermaid Island POP UP STORE
・Aeon Mall Niigata Kameida Inter: July 10, 2026 (Fri) - July 20, 2026 (Mon/Holiday)
・Aeon Mall Kurashiki: July 10, 2026 (Fri) - July 20, 2026 (Mon/Holiday)
・Aeon Mall Hiyoshitsukuba: July 10, 2026 (Fri) - July 20, 2026 (Mon/Holiday)
・Aeon Mall Kashihara: July 10, 2026 (Fri) - July 27, 2026 (Mon)
・Sp Resort Hawaiian Pools: July 17, 2026 (Fri) - September 6, 2026 (Sun)
・Aeon Lake Town kaze: July 24, 2026 (Fri) - August 17, 2026 (Mon)
・Aeon Mall Kakamigahara Inter: August 7, 2026 (Fri) - August 17, 2026 (Mon)
・Aeon Mall Miyazaki: August 7, 2026 (Fri) - August 23, 2026 (Sun)
・Aeon Mall KYOTO: August 21, 2026 (Fri) - September 6, 2026 (Sun)
◆Chiikawa POP UP STORE
・Parc Avenue Kawatoku: July 31, 2026 (Fri) - August 17, 2026 (Mon)
・JR Sendai Station: July 13, 2026 (Mon) - July 23, 2026 (Thu)
・Nagano Tokyu Department Store: July 10, 2026 (Fri) - July 20, 2026 (Mon/Holiday)
◆Chiikawa Park
・Chiikawa Park: July 10, 2026 (Fri) - September 6, 2026 (Sun)
◆Shisa's Souvenir Shop
・Shisa's Souvenir Shop: July 10, 2026 (Fri) - September 6, 2026 (Sun)
◆Nagano Market
・Nagano Market GINZA Store: July 10, 2026 (Fri) - September 6, 2026 (Sun)
◆PARCO
・Sapporo PARCO: July 10, 2026 (Fri) - July 31, 2026 (Fri)
・Sendai PARCO: July 10, 2026 (Fri) - July 31, 2026 (Fri)
・Shizuoka PARCO: July 10, 2026 (Fri) - July 31, 2026 (Fri)
・Nagoya PARCO: July 10, 2026 (Fri) - July 31, 2026 (Fri)
・Hiroshima PARCO: July 10, 2026 (Fri) - July 31, 2026 (Fri)
・Fukuoka PARCO: July 10, 2026 (Fri) - July 31, 2026 (Fri)
*Please check the information for each venue regarding admission requirements and business hours.
*The venues are subject to change. Details of exhibition locations and other venues will be announced sequentially in "In-App Announcements" at a later date.
*The size of the signage may vary by venue.
*Content may be changed or canceled due to natural disasters, accidents, or equipment malfunctions.
*The number of people who can experience the feature is limited, and depending on the congestion, you may not be able to experience it even if you wait in line.
'Chiikawa Pocket' Overview
・Title: Chiikawa Pocket
・Price: Free-to-play (in-app purchases available)
・Supported OS: iOS/Android (may not be available depending on the model)
・Development/Operation: Applibot, Inc.
・Copyright: ©nagano / chiikawa committee Developed by Applibot, Inc.
・URL List
Official Website
Official X (@chiikawa_pt_jp)
Official TikTok (@chiikawa_pt_jp)
Official YouTube Channel
App Store
Google Play
'Chiikawa Pocket' Explained in 3 Minutes
About 'Chiikawa Pocket'
This application is a smartphone game app based on the popular manga "Chiikawa" posted on X (formerly Twitter) by illustrator Nagano, with the concept of "Always and everywhere with Chiikawa." It is packed with gameplay that allows users to feel the world of "Chiikawa." It has been available in 43 countries and regions worldwide since March 27, 2025 (Thu).
About "Chiikawa"
"Chiikawa" is a popular manga series posted on X (formerly Twitter) by illustrator Nagano, which began serialization in 2020. The story of Chiikawa and friends, who spend their days in a way that is fun, sad, and a little tough, has gained wide popularity among adults and children alike, with over 4.79 million followers on X. "Chiikawa" has also won the Grand Prix at the "Japan Character Awards 2022," "Japan Character Awards 2024," "Japan Character Awards 2025," and the "Japan Character Awards 2026" announced in June 2026.
The anime "Chiikawa" is broadcast every Tuesday and Friday around 7:40 AM within "Mezamashi TV" (Fuji TV network, 5:25 AM - 9:00 AM), and after the broadcast, it is available for one week on YouTube, TVer, and FOD. "Movie Chiikawa: The Secret of the Mermaid Island" is scheduled for release on July 24, 2026 (Fri).
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: 新機能リリース