Kitakyushu-Born Pop Culture Hub 'Aruaru City' to Open Oita Branch on June 26, 2026

APAMAN Co., Ltd. (Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President: Kai Yamazaki) will pre-open 'Aruaru City Oita Branch' at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 26, 2026, in front of the JR Oita Station (Funai Central Exit) roundabout. This new facility is a strategic expansion of its renowned pop culture center 'Aruaru City'.

Originally established in Kitakyushu as one of the largest pop culture hubs in Kyushu, Aruaru City has served as a central destination for fans of manga, anime, games, and trading cards.

The Oita Branch is part of a broader mission to contribute to the growth and promotion of the content industry, which the Japanese government has designated as a key area in its national growth strategy. By combining local characteristics with pop culture, APAMAN aims to create a vibrant new center for the community.

### Opening the First 'Branch School' in Oita

Since its opening in 2012 near Kokura Station in Kitakyushu, Aruaru City has been a theme-based commercial facility housing the Kitakyushu City Manga Museum, specialty shops, and event halls. It has played a vital role in urban revitalization.

The 'Aruaru City Oita Branch' will leverage its convenient location in front of JR Oita Station to serve as an accessible daily hub for pop culture. As the content industry gains global attention as a growth sector for Japan, APAMAN Group seeks to deliver the charm of Japanese pop culture to regional cities and contribute to the revitalization of station-front areas.

### Facility Overview

- **Name:** Aruaru City Oita Branch - **Location:** TKP Building, 1-1-17 Kanaikemachi, Oita City, Oita Prefecture - **Opening Date:** June 26, 2026 (Fri) 11:00 AM Pre-opening - **Hours:** 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM - **Holidays:** Open daily (subject to facility requirements)

### Planned Tenants and Products

- **Trading Card Shop:** Various trading cards and a dedicated duel space. - **Official Character Goods Store:** Official merchandise from popular manga, anime, and games. - **Pop-up Stores:** Limited-time events featuring popular anime titles. - **Amusement Facility:** Scheduled to open in July 2026.

### About Aruaru City

Developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Kitakyushu City, Aruaru City opened in 2012 as Kyushu's premier pop culture facility. Its seven floors house shops, event halls, and the municipal Manga Museum. It frequently hosts live shows and talk events featuring voice actors and artists, drawing fans from across the region.

URL: https://aruarucity.com/