FamilyMart Launches 2nd Anime Tourism Association Collaboration: Limited-Time 'The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya × JR Central' Wrapped Store from June 20, Featuring Exclusive Original Goods

FamilyMart Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Koji Kotani) will celebrate its 45th anniversary in September 2026. Building on five long-standing key initiatives, the company is moving forward under the slogan 'Ichiban Challenge' (The Ultimate Challenge). As part of its efforts to achieve the goal of being 'the most exciting and fun,' FamilyMart is launching a collaborative project with the General Incorporated Association Anime Tourism Association (hereinafter, Anime Tourism Association), becoming the first retail and distribution company to join the organization.

Now, as the second phase of this initiative, FamilyMart will launch a limited-time wrapped store starting Saturday, June 20, 2026, at a store in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture—the setting of the TV anime 'The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya'—in collaboration with the 'Haruhi Suzumiya × JR Central Anime 20th Anniversary Campaign.'

*Image is for illustrative purposes only

The Second Wrapped Store Launches: Experience Anime Pilgrimage at FamilyMart!

FamilyMart is advancing initiatives to become a place that delivers 'the most exciting and fun' experience by combining the traditional values of 'clothing, food, and shelter' with the element of 'play,' under the theme of a 'playable convenience store.'

Anime pilgrimage—visiting real-world locations featured in anime—has become a powerful content driver, attracting domestic and international tourists to local regions.

Following the first phase held from March to May 2026 in Ikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo (the sacred site of 'Durarara!!'), FamilyMart will now implement a wrapped store in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture—the sacred site of 'The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya'—as the second phase.

This time, in conjunction with JR Central's 'Oshi Tabi' (Favorite Travel) campaign, 'Haruhi Suzumiya × JR Central Anime 20th Anniversary Campaign,' we will offer fans a must-see pilgrimage experience that uniquely blends railway travel, convenience stores, and special collaborative designs.

The Second Phase: 'The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya' × JR Central Collaboration for the Anime's 20th Anniversary

The TV anime 'The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya' is renowned for its highly faithful and beautiful depiction of the streets and scenery of Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, and remains a representative work for anime pilgrimage, attracting numerous fans to this day.

This time, we will implement wrapping decorations using special collaborative visuals from 'The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya × JR Central' to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the anime's broadcast at the 'FamilyMart Nishinomiya Shishiguchi Store.'

Store: FamilyMart Nishinomiya Shishiguchi Store

Address: 1-39 Shishiguchicho, Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture

Period: Saturday, June 20, 2026 – Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Important Notes:

* To avoid disturbing other customers, please refrain from taking photos inside the store.

* Please avoid loitering around the store or engaging in any behavior that may disturb nearby residents.

[Additional Information: Original Goods Sales and JR Central Campaign Integration]

In conjunction with the wrapped store launch, the following initiatives are also planned:

Original Goods Sales:

Exclusive original goods featuring newly drawn illustrations by Mr. Noizi Itou for this campaign will be sold at the wrapped store.

JR Central 'Oshi Tabi' Linked Stamp Rally Spot:

As part of a campaign hosted by JR Central, a 'Digital Anime Pilgrimage Stamp Rally' will be held, allowing participants to visit locations associated with the anime. The FamilyMart Nishinomiya Shishiguchi Store will serve as a check-in point.

* For further details, please visit the official JR Central 'Oshi Tabi' campaign website.

Official Website: https://recommend.jr-central.co.jp/oshi-tabi/haruhitv/

Under the slogan 'You and Convenience, FamilyMart,' we aim to be an indispensable presence beyond convenience, deeply connected to local communities and forming family-like bonds with each customer.

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About the 'The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya × JR Central Anime 20th Anniversary Campaign'

A special campaign launched as part of JR Central's 'Oshi Tabi' initiative to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the anime broadcast. It features a wide array of special travel experiences, including a limited voice drama available only on Shinkansen trains, a digital stamp rally exploring Nishinomiya City, and the sale of limited collaboration goods—allowing fans to reflect on and enjoy 20 years of memories together.

Official Website: https://recommend.jr-central.co.jp/oshi-tabi/haruhitv/

About the TV Anime 'The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya'

The 'Haruhi Suzumiya' series is a science fiction-flavored school story centered on the unofficial school club 'SOS Brigade,' led by Haruhi Suzumiya. It is based on the light novel series published by Kadokawa Sneaker Bunko, written by Nagaru Tanigawa and illustrated by Noizi Itou.

The 2006 TV anime adaptation gained explosive popularity online due to its shuffled chronological storytelling and the dance of the ending theme 'Hare Hare Yukai,' becoming a social phenomenon.

In 2009, a second season was broadcast, restructured in chronological order with new episodes added to the 2006 version. In 2010, the theatrical film 'The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya' was released, achieving unprecedented box office success for a late-night anime and receiving high critical acclaim.

Now, in 2026, the TV anime celebrates its 20th anniversary, and the 'Haruhi Suzumiya Thank You Project' is underway to express gratitude to all who have supported the series.

About the General Incorporated Association Anime Tourism Association

Established in 2016, the association promotes regional tourism by selecting and promoting 'Anime Sacred Sites 88,' sharing the charm of anime worlds and their real-life locations with audiences worldwide, and connecting tourists with local communities.

About 'Japan's 88 Anime Pilgrimage Sites You Want to Visit'

An annual list of 'anime sacred sites' selected and announced by the General Incorporated Association Anime Tourism Association based on global fan voting, followed by consultations with rights holders and local governments. By visiting these sites, fans can rediscover Japan's charming regions and connect with local communities. Some designated member regions feature 'Anime Sacred Sites 88 Certification Plates' and 'Goshuin-style stamps,' promoting the formation of wide-area tourism routes.

The Meaning Behind 'Ichiban Challenge'

FamilyMart will celebrate its 45th anniversary in September 2026.

To remain a brand that customers choose as 'the best' beyond the traditional convenience store model, we have adopted the new slogan 'Creating Your Many 'Bests'—The Ichiban Challenge' in response to changing times.

Under this slogan, we will continue the largest challenge in FamilyMart's history, based on eight areas: 'delicious,' 'slightly affordable,' 'exciting and fun,' 'discover something wonderful,' 'innovative and cutting-edge,' 'eco-friendly,' 'a place you want to work at,' and 'loved by the community.'

45th Anniversary Special Website: https://www.family.co.jp/campaign/spot/2026_45th.html