The popular smartphone app Chiikawa Pocket is bringing its charming characters to three of Japan’s iconic summer festivals in 2026. Fans can enjoy special events, free giveaways, and exclusive merchandise at the Aomori Nebuta Festival, Sendai Tanabata Festival, and Awa Odori Festival.
Chiikawa, originally a beloved manga by illustrator Nagano, has captured the hearts of all ages with its endearing stories and characters. The Chiikawa Pocket app, launched globally in March 2025, lets users experience the whimsical world of Chiikawa anytime, anywhere. This summer, the app celebrates with “Chiipoke Summer Festival 2026,” appearing at three major summer festivals across Japan.
About Chiikawa Pocket Summer Festival 2026
During the summer of 2026, Chiikawa Pocket will feature at the Aomori Nebuta Festival (August 1–7), Sendai Tanabata Festival (August 6–8), and the Awa Odori Festival in Tokushima (August 10–16). Visitors at each festival can receive a free “Chiipoke Summer Uchiwa” fan by showing the app screen, featuring summer-themed illustrations of the characters in yukata. Additionally, limited-edition summer festival merchandise such as stickers, drawstring bags, and hand towels will be available for purchase at each location and online.
At the Aomori Nebuta Festival, a special “Chiipoke Nebuta” float featuring Chiikawa, Hachiwara, and Usagi in yukata will parade as part of the “Aomori City PTA Federation” floats. This heartwarming float aims to welcome festival-goers of all ages and kick off the event with excitement.
In Sendai, Chiikawa and friends will appear as colorful Tanabata decorations along the Happina Nakakecho shopping street, adding charm to one of Japan’s largest Tanabata celebrations.
Meanwhile, in Tokushima, a “Chiipoke Observatory” photo spot featuring yukata-clad characters will be set up atop Mount Bizan, a symbol of the city. This special spot invites families and friends to create unforgettable summer memories together.
Highlights
- Free “Chiipoke Summer Uchiwa” fans at all three festival venues by showing the app screen.
- Exclusive summer festival merchandise including stickers, drawstring bags, and hand towels available on-site and online.
- Special “Chiipoke Nebuta” float at Aomori Nebuta Festival from August 1 to 7.
- Chiikawa-themed Tanabata decorations displayed in Sendai from August 6 to 8.
- Photo spot “Chiipoke Observatory” at Awa Odori Festival from August 10 to 16.
- Chiikawa Pocket app is free to play with optional in-app purchases, available on iOS and Android.
Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Chiikawa Pocket Summer Festival 2026 |
| Menu / items | “Chiipoke Summer Uchiwa” fans, limited-edition stickers, drawstring bags, hand towels, Chiipoke Nebuta float, Tanabata decorations, Chiipoke Observatory photo spot |
| Location | Aomori Nebuta Festival (Aomori), Sendai Tanabata Festival (Sendai), Awa Odori Festival (Tokushima), Japan |
| Address | 1-1-1 Chuo, Aomori City, Aomori 2-1-1 Chuo, Aoba-ku, Sendai Bizancho, Tokushima City, Tokushima |
| Period | August 1–7, 2026 (Aomori Nebuta Festival) August 6–8, 2026 (Sendai Tanabata Festival) August 10–16, 2026 (Awa Odori Festival) |
| Price | Chiikawa Pocket app: Free (in-app purchases available); Merchandise prices vary |
| Release date | March 27, 2025 (app launch) |
