Mexican Character Dr. Simi Launches First POPUP Store in Shibuya, Japan; Grand Opening Event Held with Kumamon Dance Collaboration
On April 13, 2026, Farmacias Similares held a grand opening event for "Dr. Simi TOKYO," the first limited-time POPUP store in Japan for the popular Mexican character Dr. Simi, at SHIBUYA109 Shibuya. CEO Victor Gonzalez Herrera spoke about the background of Dr. Simi's expansion into Japan. Kumamon, the Sales Manager and Happiness Manager of Kumamoto Prefecture, appeared as a guest and performed a dance collaboration with Dr. Simi. The POPUP store, located at ZeroBase Shibuya, opened on April 10 and offers an immersive experience blending Japanese and Mexican cultures. This event marked the official start of Dr. Simi's full-scale expansion into Japan.
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- 📰 Published: April 14, 2026 at 08:17
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Farmacias Similares held the "Dr. Simi TOKYO Grand Opening Event" on Monday, April 13, 2026, to commemorate the opening of "Dr. Simi TOKYO," the first limited-time POPUP store in Japan for Dr. Simi, a popular character from Mexico. At the event, CEO Victor Gonzalez Herrera spoke about the company's intentions and background for entering the Japanese market, accompanied by Dr. Simi. Kumamon, the Sales Manager and Happiness Manager of Kumamoto Prefecture, appeared as a guest and performed a dance with Dr. Simi. Press representatives attended the event, and an opening ceremony and preview of the POPUP store were held at ZeroBase Shibuya after the event. CEO Herrera introduced Dr. Simi as a character that embodies empathy and connection with people, symbolizing accessibility, solidarity, and connection, and has been loved while being close to people's lives and cultures. Regarding the expansion into Japan, he stated that the company respects Japan and shares similarities in culture and values, such as helping and supporting people, and involving individuals with disabilities in their activities. He also mentioned an interest in Japanese subculture and Shibuya, expressing a desire to convey a message of mutual assistance in Shibuya, a central hub for young people. The POPUP store "Dr. Simi TOKYO," which opened on Friday, April 10, at ZeroBase Shibuya, was introduced. The store is structured across three floors: the 1st floor is a greeting area, the 2nd floor is an interactive experience area with games and music, and the 3rd floor is a shop selling limited merchandise. The store aims to provide a comprehensive experience by blending Japanese and Mexican cultures. During the event, Kumamon, the Sales Manager and Happiness Manager of Kumamoto Prefecture, appeared as a special guest. A dance performance was presented in collaboration with Dr. Simi. The CEO officially declared the opening of the POPUP store, stating the goal for Dr. Simi to become a beloved character in Japan and marking the start of its full-scale expansion. A photo session was held afterward. Following the presentation, a grand opening ceremony for the POPUP store "Dr. Simi TOKYO" was held at ZeroBase Shibuya. The ceremony included a traditional 'kusudama' ball breaking by the CEO and Dr. Simi.