Narumiya Characters Wins Special Jury Award at Japan Character Awards 2026

Narumiya International Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce that its original 'Narumiya Characters' has received the Special Jury Award at the Japan Character Awards 2026, organized by the Character Brand Licensing Association. The 'Narumiya Characters' have gained renewed attention from fans in their late 20s and early 30s, fueled by the recent rise in interest in 'Heisei retro' and 'Y2K' culture. Beyond mere nostalgia, they have expanded their support among Gen Z as a new cultural icon. In 2025, the character business and licensing operations saw significant growth. POP UP SHOPs held in 11 locations nationwide, starting with Lumine Est Shinjuku in February, have been well-received, and the permanent store opened in September continues to maintain high popularity. The introduction of new products to encourage store visits and MD development focused on supply speed have created a fresh retail experience, leading to expanded support and the formation of a highly engaged fan community. The company is also focusing on developing new characters. The new character 'Mimily-chan,' introduced exclusively at Lumine Est Shinjuku, was designed with a look that appeals to today's children, helping to acquire a new fan base. Currently, the company is promoting a wide range of licensing activities, including apparel, miscellaneous goods, facility campaigns, and novelty planning, expanding touchpoints with characters into daily life through collaborations with various industries. Narumiya International will continue to foster character IPs loved across generations and propose new lifestyles through 'Narumiya Characters'.