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Osaka has long been the vibrant, beating heart of Japan's pop culture and entertainment scene. From the historic legacy of the 1970 World Expo to the modern-day thrills of Universal Studios Japan (USJ), the Kansai region knows how to put on a show. But in late 2026, the worlds of global exhibitions and theme park thrills collided in an unprecedented, highly anticipated merchandise drop.
On October 13, 2026, Universal Studios Japan officially launched an exclusive collaboration between Myaku-Myaku (ミャクミャク), the iconic, shape-shifting official mascot of Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, and Hamikuma (ハミクマ), USJ’s fiercely beloved, original zombie bear mascot.
This extremely deep, exhaustive guide is designed specifically for inbound tourists visiting Japan in late 2026 and beyond. Whether you are a dedicated collector of Japanese mascot character goods, a USJ Halloween Horror Nights fanatic, or a traveler wanting to take home a piece of Osaka's post-Expo legacy, this guide covers absolutely everything you need to know. We will break down the officially confirmed merchandise facts, explain exactly where and how to buy these items inside the park, detail the somewhat complex "park visitor only" online store mechanics, and provide comprehensive travel logistics for navigating Universal Studios Japan.
The Significance of the October 2026 Collaboration
Before diving into the shopping strategies and price tags, it is crucial to understand why this specific merchandise launch has created such a frenzy among Japanese locals and international pop-culture tourists alike.
Commemorating the One-Year Anniversary of Expo 2025
The release date of this collaboration was not chosen at random. The Myaku-Myaku and Hamikuma collaboration officially commemorates the one-year anniversary of the closing of Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai.
Expo 2025 brought millions of global visitors to Yumeshima, the artificial island in Osaka Bay. Throughout the build-up and execution of the Expo, its mascot, Myaku-Myaku—a fascinating, slightly surreal entity composed of red "cells" and blue "clean water"—became a nationwide phenomenon. Embraced for its "kimo-kawaii" (creepy-cute) aesthetic, Myaku-Myaku evolved from a polarizing design into a beloved cultural icon.
Exactly one year after the Expo closed its gates, USJ (which is located just across the water from the Expo site) honored this legacy by pairing Myaku-Myaku with their own reigning king of kimo-kawaii: Hamikuma.
Who is Hamikuma?
For the uninitiated, Hamikuma is a Universal Studios Japan original character who debuted during the park's legendary Halloween Horror Nights events. He is a patchwork zombie bear whose name literally plays on the Japanese words for "protruding" or "spilling out" (hamidasu) and "bear" (kuma). True to his name, Hamikuma features a stitched-up belly with colorful, stylized "guts" spilling out. Much like Myaku-Myaku, Hamikuma subverts traditional cute mascot tropes, offering a slightly macabre, edgy, yet undeniably endearing design that commands massive lines for meet-and-greets every autumn.
By bringing these two titans of Osaka's creepy-cute subculture together, USJ created a masterclass in localized character marketing.
The Official Myaku-Myaku x Hamikuma Collaboration Lineup
According to the official reports published on October 13, 2026 (verified via GAME Watch / Yahoo News live from the park), the complete collaboration lineup consists of exactly 15 items.
Because Japanese theme parks frequently rotate stock, update pricing for later production runs, and remove sold-out items from their directories, we will stick strictly to the facts confirmed at launch. For the most up-to-date availability, travelers must check the official USJ App upon arriving in Japan.
1. The Headline Item: Mascot Keychain (3,200 Yen)
The undisputed crown jewel of the 15-item lineup is the Mascot Keychain.
- Price: 3,200 yen (Tax included)
- Designs Available: Two distinct designs.
- Design Details: The keychains brilliantly merge the two characters' defining traits. Specifically, Myaku-Myaku's signature red "cell" motif (the interconnected red rings and eyes) is physically attached onto Hamikuma's face.
This item serves as the perfect travel souvenir. It is small enough to attach to your backpack as you navigate the Kansai region, yet distinct enough to spark conversations with any local who recognizes the legendary Expo and USJ mascots.
2. The "Design Swap" T-Shirts and Tote Bags
Beyond the keychain, the other heavily promoted items in the lineup are wearable goods, specifically T-shirts and Tote Bags.
These items are built around a highly creative "design swap" theme. Rather than just printing the two characters standing next to each other, the designers swapped their most iconic anatomical features:
- Hamikuma-themed items feature Myaku-Myaku aesthetics integrated into the bear.
- Myaku-Myaku-themed items feature Hamikuma’s famous exposed, colorful belly pattern (the "spilling out" motif) applied to the Expo mascot's body.
3. The Remaining 12 Items
The official GAME Watch report confirms that the total collaboration lineup features 15 items. While the on-site photo reports highlighted the keychains, totes, and T-shirts, the remaining 12 items make up a broader lifestyle and souvenir collection.
Tourist Warning: Do not trust third-party reseller websites claiming to have "exclusive" unannounced items from this line, as counterfeiters often rush to mimic high-profile USJ drops. To see the remaining 12 items—which may include stationery, snacks, or home goods—you must view the official Universal Studios Japan website or the USJ Official App, which dynamically updates based on current park inventory. The source material provided no official end date for this merchandise sale, meaning it will likely run until supplies are completely exhausted.
Where to Buy: Physical Stores Inside Universal Studios Japan
If you are planning a trip to USJ to hunt down the Myaku-Myaku x Hamikuma goods, you need to know exactly where to go. Universal Studios Japan is a massive park, and limited-edition collaboration goods are not sold at every random kiosk. They are strategically placed in the park's largest, most heavily trafficked souvenir hubs.
Below are the most reliable locations inside the park to find high-profile collaboration merchandise.
Location 1: Universal Studios Store (Inside the Park)
This is the largest merchandise location in the entire park. Located immediately to your left as you walk through the main entrance canopy (Hollywood area), this massive emporium carries almost every item available in the park.
- Access: A 1-minute walk from the main USJ entrance turnstiles.
- Strategy: Visit this store first thing in the morning. High-profile character goods, especially limited collabs like Myaku-Myaku x Hamikuma, frequently see stock depleted by mid-afternoon.
Location 2: Rodeo Drive Souvenirs
Located right across the street from the Universal Studios Store in the Hollywood area, Rodeo Drive Souvenirs is another massive retail space. It frequently hosts dedicated display corners for seasonal events, Halloween Horror Nights goods (which aligns with Hamikuma's origins), and special collaborations.
- Access: Hollywood Area, main canopy street.
- Strategy: If the Universal Studios Store is too crowded, simply walk across the street. The checkout lines here are sometimes slightly faster.
Location 3: Beverly Hills Gifts
Just a few steps further down the Hollywood area canopy, Beverly Hills Gifts is another essential stop. While they share much of the same inventory as the two stores mentioned above, they occasionally hold reserve stock of highly sought-after keychains and T-shirts when the front-of-park stores sell out.
- Access: Hollywood Area, continuing down the main thoroughfare toward the central lagoon.
How to Buy: The Official Online Store (Park Visitors Only)
Here is where the purchasing process gets slightly complicated for inbound tourists.
The Myaku-Myaku x Hamikuma collaboration goods went on sale on October 13, 2026, both physically inside the park and via the official Universal Studios Japan online store.
However, there is a massive catch that international tourists must understand: The online store's version of these items is strictly limited to park visitors.
What Does "Park Visitor Only" Mean?
In Japan, theme parks like USJ and Tokyo Disney Resort combat scalpers and manage inventory by restricting online sales of limited-edition goods. You cannot simply sit in your hotel room in Tokyo, load up the USJ website, and order the 3,200 yen Mascot Keychain. It is not a mail-order item available to the general public.
To unlock the ability to purchase these goods online, you must:
- Possess a valid USJ Studio Pass (park ticket) for the current day.
- Have your ticket scanned at the physical park entrance turnstiles.
- Link your scanned ticket to the official USJ App on your smartphone.
Once your ticket is scanned, the app's internal GPS and ticketing system registers that you are physically present at (or have visited) the park that day. Only then will the "Add to Cart" button for the Myaku-Myaku x Hamikuma goods become active on the online store. You usually have until 11:45 PM on the day of your visit to complete your online purchase.
Why Use the Online Store if You Are Already in the Park?
You might wonder: If I have to be in the park anyway, why not just buy the physical items at the Universal Studios Store?
- Sold Out In-Store, Available Online: Sometimes, the physical shelves are cleared out by aggressive shoppers in the morning. However, USJ often allocates a separate pool of inventory specifically for the online store. If the tote bags are gone from Rodeo Drive Souvenirs, check the app!
- Hands-Free Enjoyment: USJ is exhausting. Carrying around multiple heavy tote bags and T-shirts while trying to ride Hollywood Dream - The Ride or navigate Super Nintendo World is a hassle. Buying online means the items are shipped.
- Avoiding Checkout Lines: At park closing (8:00 PM to 10:00 PM depending on the season), the merchandise stores become a chaotic nightmare of shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. Buying online from a bench near the lagoon saves you an hour of waiting in line.
Shipping to Your Japanese Hotel
Because the USJ online store only ships domestically within Japan, tourists will need to have their items shipped to their accommodation.
- Important Step: Before you order, you must speak to the front desk staff at your hotel to ensure they accept incoming packages. Most major hotels do, but Airbnb hosts or unstaffed boutique hotels often do not.
- Delivery Time: Theme park online deliveries usually take 3 to 7 days. Therefore, do not use this option if you are flying back to your home country tomorrow. You should only use the online store if you are staying in Japan for at least another week.
- Logistics Advice: The process of receiving packages at a Japanese hotel is highly standardized. For a broader understanding of how domestic shipping to hotels works for tourists, we highly recommend reading our guide on How to Order From Amazon Japan Before Your Trip and Ship It to Your Hotel (2026 Guide). The principles of notifying your concierge and writing your reservation number on the shipping address apply perfectly to USJ online orders.
Universal Studios Japan Entry & Travel Logistics 2026
In stock now on Rakuten¥1,870
To get your hands on this historic Osaka crossover merchandise, you actually have to get into the park. Traveling to USJ requires a bit of logistical planning, especially in the post-Expo 2026 travel boom.
1. Navigating to Universal City Station
The gateway to Universal Studios Japan is Universal City Station, operated by JR West on the Yumesaki Line (also known as the JR Sakurajima Line).
- From Osaka Station: Take the JR Osaka Loop Line (Inner Loop) to Nishikujo Station, then transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line to Universal City Station. The trip takes about 15 minutes and costs roughly 190 yen.
- Direct Trains: During morning peak hours, JR runs direct trains from Osaka Station to Universal City Station, requiring no transfer at Nishikujo.
- Payment: You will absolutely want a digital or physical IC card to tap in and out of the gates seamlessly, as the ticket machines at Universal City Station are notoriously crowded at the end of the night. For a full breakdown of the best cards to use in Kansai, check out our guide: What is the Best IC Card for Tourists in Japan 2026? | Suica vs Pasmo vs ICOCA.
2. Universal Citywalk Osaka (Pre-Park Prep)
When you exit Universal City Station, you will immediately enter Universal Citywalk Osaka, a vibrant outdoor shopping and dining complex that leads directly to the park gates.
While the Myaku-Myaku x Hamikuma goods are only sold inside the park gates (and via the gated online store), Citywalk is vital for your trip prep.
- Food and Drink: Buying food inside USJ is a premium experience. If you are traveling on a budget, grab breakfast or a heavy lunch at one of the Citywalk convenience stores (Lawson) or fast-food joints before scanning into the park. If you want to understand standard Japanese food pricing versus theme park pricing, read our breakdown: How Much Does Food Cost in Japan? 2026 Konbini vs Restaurant.
- Hydration: Theme park days are grueling. Japan's municipal water is perfectly safe. Bring an empty bottle to fill at park fountains, or stock up at the Citywalk Lawson. Read more here: Can You Drink Tap Water in Japan? | City by City Guide 2026.
- Cash and Payments: Inside USJ, almost all stores, including the Universal Studios Store, accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB). However, some smaller snack carts may require cash. Make sure you have some yen on hand. For a deep dive on currency logistics, see Cash vs Card in Japan 2026: How Much Cash Do You Need?.
3. Securing Your USJ Studio Pass
You cannot walk up to the gates at 9:00 AM and expect to buy a ticket easily. In 2026, USJ frequently sells out of day passes in advance, especially during the wildly popular Halloween season (September through early November), which coincides with this merchandise launch.
- Buy in Advance: Purchase your Studio Pass via the official USJ English website, or through authorized partners like Klook, at least 4 to 8 weeks in advance.
- Express Passes: If you want to ride major attractions like the Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge or The Flying Dinosaur, you should heavily consider an Express Pass. Note that Express Passes are not required to enter the front-of-park merchandise stores to buy the Myaku-Myaku x Hamikuma goods.
Expanding Your Osaka Pop Culture Trip (Post-Expo 2026)
If you are dedicating a day to USJ to snag the 3,200 yen Mascot Keychain and celebrate the 1-year anniversary of the Expo closing, you should maximize the rest of your time in Osaka. The city has cemented its status as a pop-culture juggernaut.
CAPCOM CONNECT SPACE Osaka
Just a short train ride away in the heart of Osaka (often located in Shinsaibashi or Umeda districts), Capcom—the legendary Osaka-born video game developer—hosts immersive retail and event spaces. If the zombie bear aesthetics of Hamikuma get you in the mood for Resident Evil (Biohazard in Japan) or Monster Hunter, this is a must-visit. Check out our Ultimate Guide to CAPCOM CONNECT SPACE Osaka 2026.
*(Map: Osaka Station Area - A prime hub for accessing Shinsaibashi/Umeda pop culture shops and transferring to Universal City)*The AnimeJapan 2027 Shift
The legacy of Expo 2025 has permanently elevated Kansai's infrastructure for massive events. In fact, the gravitational pull of Osaka has become so strong that major Tokyo-centric events are beginning to migrate west. If you are planning a return trip, keep an eye on our coverage of how AnimeJapan 2027 Moves to Osaka: Dates, Venue & Complete Visitor Guide. The spirit of Myaku-Myaku lives on in this continuing wave of major conventions choosing Kansai as their home.
Den Den Town (Nippombashi)
Osaka's equivalent to Tokyo's Akihabara is Nipponbashi, commonly known as Den Den Town. If you missed out on the USJ official online store or the physical park inventory, you might eventually find second-hand resellers carrying the Myaku-Myaku x Hamikuma goods in the glass display cases (rental showcases) of Den Den Town. However, expect severe markups. A 3,200 yen keychain could easily command double or triple the price on the aftermarket due to the hyper-localized, limited-edition nature of the crossover.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Tourists
Q: Can I buy the Myaku-Myaku x Hamikuma collaboration goods if I do not have a ticket to USJ? A: No. As confirmed by the October 13, 2026 launch facts, physical sales are located inside the park gates, and the official online store requires a scanned, same-day park ticket to process a purchase. There is no legitimate mail-order option for non-visitors.
Q: How long will this merchandise be available? A: No official end date was stated in the initial press reports. These items commemorate the 1-year anniversary of the closing of Expo 2025. Typically, USJ collaborations run until the allocated inventory is completely sold out. We highly recommend checking the official USJ App on the day of your visit to confirm current stock levels.
Q: What exactly is the "design swap" on the T-shirts and tote bags? A: It is a thematic design choice where the core visual motifs of the characters are swapped. Hamikuma's signature exposed belly pattern is applied to items themed around Myaku-Myaku, and Myaku-Myaku's aesthetic is applied to Hamikuma's items.
Q: Does the 3,200 yen price for the Mascot Keychain include tax? A: Yes, the 3,200 yen price point confirmed for the keychain includes Japanese consumption tax.
Q: Is there a limit on how many items I can buy? A: Universal Studios Japan strictly enforces purchase limits on highly anticipated collaboration goods to deter scalpers. While specific item limits for this 15-item lineup were not detailed in the primary announcement, standard USJ policy usually dictates a strict "1 to 3 items per ticket holder per day" rule. You will likely have your park ticket scanned by the cashier when purchasing the keychain or T-shirts to ensure you do not double-dip.
Final Thoughts: A True Osaka Souvenir
In the world of Japanese character goods, crossovers happen constantly. But the Myaku-Myaku and Hamikuma collaboration is something uniquely special. It is a hyper-localized celebration of Osaka—blending the global, historic weight of Expo 2025 with the chaotic, thrilling energy of Universal Studios Japan’s beloved local Halloween mascot.
For the inbound tourist wandering through Kansai in late 2026, hunting down that 3,200 yen Mascot Keychain with the red "cell" motif attached to a zombie bear's face is more than just a shopping trip. It is a way to participate in a genuine moment of Japanese pop-culture history.
Just remember the golden rules of Japanese theme park shopping: arrive at the Universal Studios Store early, check the official app for the full 15-item lineup inventory, and if you choose to use the park-visitor-only online store, ensure your Japanese hotel is ready to receive your package. Happy hunting!
FAQ
Q: Can I buy the Myaku-Myaku x Hamikuma collaboration goods if I do not have a ticket to USJ?
No. Physical sales are located inside the park gates, and the official online store requires a scanned, same-day park ticket to process a purchase. There is no legitimate mail-order option for non-visitors.
Q: How long will this merchandise be available?
No official end date was stated in the initial press reports. Typically, USJ collaborations run until the allocated inventory is completely sold out. We highly recommend checking the official USJ App on the day of your visit to confirm current stock levels.
Q: What exactly is the design swap on the T-shirts and tote bags?
It is a thematic design choice where the core visual motifs of the characters are swapped. Hamikuma's signature exposed belly pattern is applied to items themed around Myaku-Myaku, and Myaku-Myaku's aesthetic is applied to Hamikuma's items.
Q: Does the 3,200 yen price for the Mascot Keychain include tax?
Yes, the 3,200 yen price point confirmed for the keychain includes Japanese consumption tax.
Q: Is there a limit on how many items I can buy?
Yes, Universal Studios Japan strictly enforces purchase limits on highly anticipated collaboration goods. Standard USJ policy usually dictates a strict 1 to 3 items per ticket holder per day rule. You will likely have your park ticket scanned by the cashier when purchasing.