Applibot, Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Koki Ukita) announced that "Chiikawa Pocket" (hereinafter referred to as "Chiipoke"), the first smartphone app based on "Chiikawa," will appear at the "Aomori Nebuta Festival," "Sendai Tanabata Festival," and "Awa Odori" as part of the "Chiipoke Summer Festival 2026." Additionally, limited novelty goods for visitors and limited-edition summer festival merchandise will be sold at each venue.
This work is a smartphone game app based on the popular manga "Chiikawa" posted on X (formerly Twitter) by illustrator Nagano, with the concept of "Always and everywhere with Chiikawa." It is packed with gameplay that allows users to experience the world of "Chiikawa." It has been available in 43 countries and regions worldwide since March 27, 2025 (Thu).
◆ "Chiipoke Summer Festival 2026" Features Chiikawa at Three Summer Festivals!!
This summer, as part of "Chiipoke Summer Festival 2026," Chiikawa characters will appear at the "Aomori Nebuta Festival" in Aomori Prefecture, the "Sendai Tanabata Festival" in Miyagi Prefecture, and the "Awa Odori" in Tokushima Prefecture.
We will hold events to make summer even more enjoyable, including the giveaway of fans featuring original summer festival illustrations and the sale of limited-edition merchandise.
▼ "Chiipoke Summer Fans" to be Gifted!
"Chiipoke Summer Fans" will be distributed as novelty items to those who present their "Chiikawa Pocket" app screen at each summer festival venue. The fans feature an illustration of characters in yukata on the front and an illustration from the "Mermaid Island Event" on the back, filled with summer fun from Chiipoke. Please come to the distribution location with the "Chiikawa Pocket" app ready on your device. Details on distribution locations and times will be provided later.
※ The event venue and organizers cannot be held responsible for any troubles between customers. Please observe proper etiquette.
※ Contents may be changed or canceled due to natural disasters, accidents, or other unforeseen circumstances.
※ Admission methods may change, such as the distribution of numbered tickets, depending on the situation on the day. Any changes will be announced on the official "Chiipoke X" account.
▼ "Chiipoke Summer Festival 2026" Limited Edition Merchandise Also on Sale!
"Chiipoke Summer Festival 2026" limited edition merchandise featuring Chiikawa characters in yukata will be sold at each summer festival venue. In addition to standard items like stickers, summer-themed goods such as pouches and tenugui (Japanese towels) will also be available.
Please visit the merchandise sales area when you come to the summer festival venues.
※ There will be dates with admission restrictions. Please check here for information on how to apply for admission tickets.
※ Depending on crowd levels, admission tickets may be distributed on dates not previously announced.
※ "Chiipoke Summer Festival 2026" limited edition merchandise will also be available for purchase at the "Chiikawa Pocket Goods Store." Sales at the "Chiikawa Pocket Goods Store" will begin on August 1 (Sat) at 11:00 AM.
1 "Aomori Nebuta Festival"
The "Chiipoke Nebuta," featuring Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi in yukata riding on it, will appear at the "Aomori Nebuta Festival," a designated Important Intangible Cultural Property. It is scheduled to run as the "mae-nebuta" (front float) for the "Aomori City PTA Federation."
As a front float that runs in conjunction with the local community, Chiikawa characters, loved by a wide range of generations from children to adults, will lead the way to welcome everyone. Please enjoy the heartwarming opening that leads to the appearance of the powerful, large-scale Nebuta floats from the roadside.
Aomori Nebuta Festival Official Website: https://www.nebuta.jp/
◼︎ "Aomori Nebuta Festival" Period
August 1, 2026 (Sat) - August 7, 2026 (Fri)
※ August 1 (Sat) is the eve festival.
◼︎ Parade Schedule
・ August 2 (Sun) 19:00 –
・ August 3 (Mon) 19:00 –
・ August 5 (Wed) 18:45 –
・ August 6 (Thu) 18:45 –
▼ Novelty Distribution Details
◼︎ Distribution Location
In front of the Nebuta hut of the "Aomori City PTA Federation"
◼︎ Distribution Dates and Times
August 1, 2026 (Sat) - August 7, 2026 (Fri) 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
※ Lining up will begin at 9:30 AM each day.
※ Please refrain from lining up before the designated start time.
If you wait at the distribution location before the start time, you may be refused entry or participation in the lineup.
▼ Limited Edition Merchandise Sales Details
◼︎ Sales Location
"machicotoba" on the 2nd floor of the Aomori Prefectural Tourist & Products Center Aspam
◼︎ Sales Dates and Times
August 1, 2026 (Sat) - August 7, 2026 (Fri) 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
※ On the final day, sales will end at 4:30 PM.
2 "Sendai Tanabata Festival"
Tanabata decorations featuring Chiikawa, Hachiware, Usagi, Momonga, and Kurimanju in yukata will appear at the "Sendai Tanabata Festival." Chiikawa characters enjoying the festival in their lovely summer attire will add color to the city of Sendai alongside the vibrant and large-scale Tanabata decorations, which are among Japan's finest.
Sendai Tanabata Festival Official Website: https://www.sendaitanabata.com/
◼︎ "Sendai Tanabata Festival" Period
August 6, 2026 (Thu) - August 8, 2026 (Sat)
◼︎ Tanabata Decoration Display Location
Within the "Hapina Nakedachi Shopping Street"
▼ Novelty Distribution Details
◼︎ Distribution Location
"Hare-machi Court" on the 2nd floor of Sendai Station
◼︎ Distribution Dates and Times
August 5, 2026 (Wed) - August 16, 2026 (Sun) 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
※ No prior lining up is allowed. Please refrain from lining up before the start time.
If you wait at the distribution location before the start time, you may be refused entry or participation in the lineup.
▼ Limited Edition Merchandise Sales Details
◼︎ Sales Location
"Hare-machi Court" on the 2nd floor of Sendai Station
◼︎ Sales Dates and Times
August 5, 2026 (Wed) - August 16, 2026 (Sun) 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
3 "Awa Odori"
A "Chiipoke Observation Deck" featuring Chiikawa characters in yukata will be set up at the summit of Mt. Bizan, a symbol of Tokushima City. A special photo spot will be available for commemorative photos with the Chiikawa characters in their summer attire. Please feel free to stop by to create special summer memories with your family and friends.
Awa Odori Official Website: https://www.awaodorimirai.com/
※ Please do not touch the exhibits.
※ When taking photos, please be considerate of others.
Please refrain from taking photos in a way that disturbs other visitors.
※ Exhibits may be subject to sudden cancellation due to natural disasters, epidemics, unforeseen accidents, etc. Also, some exhibit details may be changed without notice due to circumstances.
※ Exhibit details may be changed without notice.
※ The event venue and organizers cannot be held responsible for any troubles between customers. Please observe proper etiquette.
◼︎ "Chiipoke Observation Deck" Exhibition Period
August 10, 2026 (Mon) - August 16, 2026 (Sun) 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
▼ Novelty Distribution Details
◼︎ Distribution Location
Next to Amiko Dome, 2nd floor of Amico Building
◼︎ Distribution Dates and Times
August 12, 2026 (Wed) - August 15, 2026 (Sat) 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
※ Lining up will begin at 9:30 AM each day.
※ Please refrain from lining up before the designated start time.
If you wait at the distribution location before the start time, you may be refused entry or participation in the lineup.
▼ Limited Edition Merchandise Sales Details
◼︎ Sales Location
5th floor of Amico Building
◼︎ Sales Dates and Times
August 10, 2026 (Mon) - August 16, 2026 (Sun) 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
"Chiikawa Pocket" Overview
・ Title: Chiikawa Pocket
・ Price: Free to play (in-app purchases available)
・ Supported OS: iOS/Android (may not be available on some devices)
・ Development & Operation: Applibot, Inc.
・ Copyright: ©nagano / chiikawa committee Developed by Applibot, Inc.
・ URL List
Official Website
Official X (@chiikawa_pt_jp)
Official TikTok (@chiikawa_pt_jp)
Official YouTube Channel
App Store
Google Play
"Chiikawa Pocket" - How to Play in 3 Minutes
About "Chiikawa Pocket"
This work is a smartphone game app based on the popular manga "Chiikawa" posted on X (formerly Twitter) by illustrator Nagano, with the concept of "Always and everywhere with Chiikawa." It is packed with gameplay that allows users to experience the world of "Chiikawa." It has been available in 43 countries and regions worldwide since March 27, 2025 (Thu).
About "Chiikawa"
"Chiikawa" is a popular manga series posted on X (formerly Twitter) by illustrator Nagano. The story of Chiikawa and friends, who spend their days in a way that is fun, poignant, and a little tough, has gained widespread popularity among adults and children alike, with over 4.79 million followers on X. "Chiikawa" has also won the Grand Prix at the "Japan Character Awards 2022," "Japan Character Awards 2024," "Japan Character Awards 2025," and the "Japan Character Awards 2026" announced in June 2026.
The anime "Chiikawa" is broadcast every Tuesday and Friday around 7:40 AM within "Mezamashi TV" (Fuji TV network, 5:25 AM - 9:00 AM), and is available for one-week catch-up viewing on YouTube, TVer, and FOD after broadcast. The movie "Chiikawa: The Secret of Mermaid Island" is scheduled for release on July 24, 2026 (Fri).
Inquiries about this event:
Applibot, Inc. Chiikawa Pocket Support Team [[email protected]]
※ Please refrain from contacting the event venues or individual facilities regarding inquiries about this event.
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: Event