Cricut Debuts Cricut Joy 2 and Cricut Explore 5 in Japan at the 50th 2026 Japan Hobby Show

Cricut, a cutting machine brand with more than 10 million users worldwide, exhibited at the 50th 2026 Japan Hobby Show, one of Japan’s largest handmade craft events, held at Tokyo Big Sight from May 8 to 10, 2026. Marking the double anniversary of Cricut’s 20th year and the Japan Hobby Show’s 50th edition, the company unveiled its next-generation models, Cricut Joy 2 and Cricut Explore 5, in Japan for the first time. At the booth, Cricut presented demonstrations and hands-on workshops using the new machines, introducing visitors from beginners to professional makers to new possibilities in handmade creation enabled by advanced technology. Cricut Joy 2 drew attention for its compact size and the ease of creating original stickers with only a smartphone, prompting comments such as “I feel like I could make this myself” and “I want to enjoy this with my children.” Cricut Explore 5 demonstrated its versatility across more than 100 materials and significantly improved cutting speed, attracting strong interest from professional makers and serious creators seeking better production efficiency and scalability. The booth also featured demonstrations of Cricut Maker 3, the high-end model capable of professional-level finishes, showcasing Cricut’s full lineup for a wide range of creative needs. During the three-day event, visitors from their 20s to those over 50 experienced the machines through tattoo sticker making, iron-on bag workshops, and a collaborative cherry blossom artwork activity, gaining firsthand appreciation of the machines’ precision and speed. Many existing Cricut owners who had left their machines unused because they did not know how to operate them also visited the booth, where ambassadors provided step-by-step guidance. Ryuji Shimomori, Head of Japan Marketing at Cricut, said the exhibition was a highly significant opportunity to introduce Cricut Joy 2 and Explore 5 to the Japanese market. Compared with the HandMade In Japan Fes held in January, more visitors said they had already known Cricut or had seen it on social media or at events, showing that brand awareness in Japan is steadily expanding. Shimomori noted that Cricut is not merely a craft machine but a tool that helps people give shape to what they want to create, and that the company will continue to support Japan’s handmade and DIY culture while expanding an environment where everyone can freely bring their ideas to life. Cricut Joy 2 is the most compact entry-level model, suited to easy customization and practical everyday projects. Cricut Explore 5 is a powerful mid-range model that can cut more than 100 types of materials and offers remarkably fast cutting for popular DIY projects. Cricut Maker 3 is the top-end model, capable of professional-quality results and cutting more than 300 materials, including fabric cutting, metal engraving, and leather debossing.