Regional Symbol “Shiretoko Toko-san” Collaborates with HIGHTIDE’s “nähe®” Brand to Launch First “Travel Series” Products
The “Travel Series,” designed to bridge travel and daily life, debuts with the popular Shiretoko Toko-san character. These lifestyle-oriented travel goods aim to bring the essence of Shiretoko into everyday living while promoting the region's charm.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 4, 2026 at 19:00
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 2, 2026 at 13:00 (1410h 0m after Published)
Shiretoko Shari (Headquarters: Shari Town, Hokkaido; Representative Directors: Hidenori Takahashi, Katsunori Nojiri), a town development company involved in product development for the regional brand symbol “Shiretoko Toko-san” and general value-enhancement projects for the Shiretoko region, is pleased to announce the launch of collaboration products with the brand “nähe®” from HIGHTIDE Co., Ltd.
Shiretoko Shari has been active in creating touchpoints between visitors and local residents through its retail operations in roadside stations and promoting local industries using the “Shiretoko Toko-san” brand. In this collaboration, they have developed the “Travel Series” with HIGHTIDE’s “nähe®” brand, focusing on items that “connect travel and daily life.”
**Background of the Collaboration**
“Shiretoko Toko-san” is the symbol for the Shiretoko regional brand, inspired by the brown bears living in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shiretoko. The character’s design is used across the town, from PR posters and tourist guides to official documents like residency certificates and marriage licenses, and even on fire trucks and school meal delivery vehicles.
Since 2016, Toko-san goods have been designed with the concept of “keeping Shiretoko close to your heart even after returning from a trip.” The simple, sophisticated design and high functionality have made them popular as “souvenirs for oneself.”
HIGHTIDE’s “nähe®” brand focuses on carrying goods that fit modern lifestyles, particularly for travel and active scenes. The name means “near” or “beside” in German, reflecting their goal of creating standard items that help organize personal belongings efficiently. This collaboration was born from the shared keywords of “Travel,” “Lifestyle,” and “Items that are always by your side.”
**First Release Phase**
The first phase includes the “Shiretoko Toko-san Travel Clear Pouch” (released Feb 2026) and the “Shiretoko Toko-san Travel Shopper” (released Mar 2026).
* **Shiretoko Toko-san Travel Clear Pouch (1,595 JPY incl. tax)**
Available in Ivory, Green, and Black. Features a transparent window for easy identification of contents. Made of water-resistant and dirt-resistant PVC, it is ideal for organizing toiletries and care items for both daily and travel use.
* **Shiretoko Toko-san Travel Shopper (2,090 JPY incl. tax)**
Available in Beige, Red, and Green. A large-capacity eco-bag that serves as a sub-bag for travel or daily shopping. It includes a shoulder strap, a large mesh pocket, and a buckle closure, folding compactly when not in use. The Toko-san illustration is printed inside the mesh pocket for a subtle, mature look.
A second phase of products is currently in planning for release later in 2026.
**Retail Locations**
Products are available at the directly managed store “Shiretoko Sustainable Station COBAKO Shari” located in the Roadside Station Shari (37 Honmachi, Shari Town, Hokkaido) and through their official online store.
Shiretoko Shari has been active in creating touchpoints between visitors and local residents through its retail operations in roadside stations and promoting local industries using the “Shiretoko Toko-san” brand. In this collaboration, they have developed the “Travel Series” with HIGHTIDE’s “nähe®” brand, focusing on items that “connect travel and daily life.”
**Background of the Collaboration**
“Shiretoko Toko-san” is the symbol for the Shiretoko regional brand, inspired by the brown bears living in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shiretoko. The character’s design is used across the town, from PR posters and tourist guides to official documents like residency certificates and marriage licenses, and even on fire trucks and school meal delivery vehicles.
Since 2016, Toko-san goods have been designed with the concept of “keeping Shiretoko close to your heart even after returning from a trip.” The simple, sophisticated design and high functionality have made them popular as “souvenirs for oneself.”
HIGHTIDE’s “nähe®” brand focuses on carrying goods that fit modern lifestyles, particularly for travel and active scenes. The name means “near” or “beside” in German, reflecting their goal of creating standard items that help organize personal belongings efficiently. This collaboration was born from the shared keywords of “Travel,” “Lifestyle,” and “Items that are always by your side.”
**First Release Phase**
The first phase includes the “Shiretoko Toko-san Travel Clear Pouch” (released Feb 2026) and the “Shiretoko Toko-san Travel Shopper” (released Mar 2026).
* **Shiretoko Toko-san Travel Clear Pouch (1,595 JPY incl. tax)**
Available in Ivory, Green, and Black. Features a transparent window for easy identification of contents. Made of water-resistant and dirt-resistant PVC, it is ideal for organizing toiletries and care items for both daily and travel use.
* **Shiretoko Toko-san Travel Shopper (2,090 JPY incl. tax)**
Available in Beige, Red, and Green. A large-capacity eco-bag that serves as a sub-bag for travel or daily shopping. It includes a shoulder strap, a large mesh pocket, and a buckle closure, folding compactly when not in use. The Toko-san illustration is printed inside the mesh pocket for a subtle, mature look.
A second phase of products is currently in planning for release later in 2026.
**Retail Locations**
Products are available at the directly managed store “Shiretoko Sustainable Station COBAKO Shari” located in the Roadside Station Shari (37 Honmachi, Shari Town, Hokkaido) and through their official online store.
FAQ
Who is Shiretoko Toko-san?
He is the regional symbol of Shari Town, Hokkaido, inspired by the brown bears of the Shiretoko UNESCO World Heritage site. He is widely used in local infrastructure like fire trucks.
What are the features of the partner brand 'nähe'?
Developed by HIGHTIDE, 'nähe' (German for 'near') focuses on functional carrying goods that help organize daily and travel essentials with a clean aesthetic.
Where can I buy these items?
They are available at the directly managed store 'COBAKO Shari' in the Roadside Station Shari, as well as on their official online store.