Source: Yahoo! Shopping
The character Opanchu Usagi is extremely popular among young people in Japan. Created by the illustrator “Kawaisou ni!”, the manga and videos posted on social media have become a huge hit, leading to a wide range of merchandise collaborations and TV commercials. The character’s tendency to never be rewarded no matter how hard they try resonates deeply with people today, and recently, Opanchu Usagi has even started to gain popularity overseas. In this article, we’ll introduce the charm of Opanchu Usagi, as well as limited-time cafes and places to buy exclusive merchandise.
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What is Opanchu Usagi? The Character Everyone in Japan Can’t Help Rooting For Right Now
Opanchu Usagi is a character created by the up-and-coming creator “Kawaisou ni!”, known for their unique worldview and style that defies convention. The creator has produced popular characters such as “Opanchu Usagi” and “Npochamu,” and has amassed over 4.3 million followers across social media platforms.
Among these, “Opanchu Usagi” has become especially popular among junior high and high school girls since 2022. Here, we’ll introduce the main characters from the series: “Opanchu Usagi,” “Datsubou Kappa,” and “Kakui Guma.”
Opanchu Usagi: An Adorably Unfortunate Little Creature with Teary Eyes
An original creature living on Earth, Opanchu Usagi’s charm point is its big, teary eyes. Its trademark is its pink appearance and blue ribbon, It’s even particular about keeping all of its belongings in matching Opanchu colors.
Opanchu Usagi is always experiencing unfortunate and pitiful situations, but continues to live earnestly and bravely. With a very kind personality, it always does its best to help everyone.
Datsubou Kappa: Opanchu Usagi’s Closest Friend
Opanchu Usagi's best friend. Watching their relationship can be frustrating at times because Datsubou Kappa can be somewhat thoughtless, but their personality is impossible to dislike.
Clothed Bear: Opanchu Usagi's Childhood Friend
Clothed Bear is Opanchu Usagi's childhood friend. Although they sometimes quarrel, they are very close. The way Clothed Bear nudges closer and crowds Opanchu Usagi while they walk together is sure to make you smile.
Where Can You See Opanchu Usagi? TV Anime Has Also Started
Until now, Opanchu Usagi was content you could only see on YouTube and social media, but as its popularity grew, it began appearing as a segment on TV programs as well.
Official YouTube & Social Media
Opanchu Usagi was first introduced to the world through "Kawaisou ni!"'s social media accounts. In January 2022, accounts were launched on Twitter and Instagram, sharing illustrations, short comics, and short videos.
On the "Kawaisou ni!" YouTube channel, the "Opanchu Usagi Song" was released in August 2022 and has become a hit video with over 23 million views.
In March 2024, the first book, Opanchu Usagi, featuring entirely newly drawn content, was also published.
TV Anime Adaptation
Starting in April 2026, the 3D anime "Kawaisou ni! Theater" is being broadcast nationwide in Japan (except for some regions) within the "ZIP!" program slot on Nippon TV. The anime is completely newly written by Kawaisou ni!, including the scripts and storyboards. It features "Opanchu Usagi" and "Npochamu" in various situations. There are also plans for global distribution, not just in Japan.
Three Reasons Why "Opanchu Usagi" Is So Popular in Japan
Japan is a country where character culture thrives. Among the many characters, here are three reasons why Opanchu Usagi has become so popular in Japan.
Point 1: Overwhelming “Pitifulness” and Empathy from Modern People
The biggest feature of Opanchu Usagi is that it is a pitiful character. Even though it tries its best to help others, its efforts often go in vain or unappreciated, and the story typically ends with it on the verge of tears.
Many people empathize with this “well-meaning but futile effort,” seeing themselves in Opanchu Usagi’s misfortune. This is said to be one of the reasons for its popularity. In other words, it reflects the sensibility of today’s Japanese youth, who are drawn to imperfection and the clumsiness of not being able to live perfectly.
Point 2: An Unforgettable “Unbalanced” Appearance
In Japan, there has long been an appreciation for “kimo-kawaii” (gross-cute), and there are always people who find something strange yet endearing. Opanchu Usagi fits this value perfectly, with its round, teary eyes, thick lips, underwear, and blue ribbon—a slightly unbalanced look that captures people’s hearts.
Point 3: Short Animations That Transcend Language Barriers
The videos and manga created by Kawaisou ni!, have a unique tempo and brevity. There are hardly any complicated lines, and you can understand what kind of misfortune is happening just from the visuals, making it entertainment that even those who don’t understand Japanese can easily enjoy.
How to Get Opanchu Usagi Goods
Another appeal of Opanchu Usagi is the wide variety of merchandise available. In addition to specialty character stores, you can also find items through capsule toys, crane games, collaborations with restaurants, and online stores.
KIDDY LAND (Harajuku, Umeda, etc.)
“KIDDY LAND” is a character shop with locations in Tokyo (Harajuku) and Osaka (Umeda). Not only can you find Opanchu Usagi, but also classic characters like Sanrio, as well as trending ones like Chiikawa and Puppet Sunsun. New products are added regularly, so if you’re a fan of Opanchu Usagi, be sure to stop by.
Tokyo Character Street (Tokyo Station)
If you love characters, you can't miss "Tokyo Character Street" at Tokyo Station. As of 2026, there are no permanent stores for Opanchu Usagi inside Tokyo Character Street, but limited-time pop-up shops are sometimes held. Be sure to check for the latest updates regularly!
Tokyo Character Street
- Address: 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, inside Tokyo Station Ichibangai
- Official Website (Japanese, Traditional Chinese, English, Thai, Korean, Simplified Chinese)
Capsule Toys & Crane Games
Opanchu Usagi also appears as prizes in capsule toys and crane games. Capsule toys, in particular, are extremely popular and can sell out on the very day they arrive in stores. If you spot one, we recommend trying your luck right away!
👀 10 Large Capsule Toy Stores in Tokyo: Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, and More
👀 7 Large Capsule Toy Stores in Osaka: Umeda, Namba, Shinsaibashi, Abeno, and More
👀 10 Large Capsule Toy Stores in Fukuoka: Hakata, Tenjin, Kokura, Dazaifu, and More by Area
🎁 10 Large Crane Game Specialty Stores in Osaka: Umeda/Osaka Station, Shinsaibashi, Namba, and More
Sushiro, 100 Yen Shops, and Other Corporate Collaborations
Due to its immense popularity, Opanchu Usagi often collaborates with various companies. Conveyor belt sushi chain "Sushiro" has offered limited-time menu items that come with exclusive picks and stickers on several occasions in the past. There have also been collaborations with convenience store "Lawson" and 100 yen shops like "Seria" and "Can★Do." Depending on the timing, you can find Opanchu Usagi goods at a variety of locations.
Online
You can also purchase Opanchu Usagi merchandise online. The "Skater Official Online Shop" offers a wide range of Opanchu Usagi goods. You can also buy them from "Perfect World Tokyo" and "charasta." However, please note that shipping is only available within Japan.
👀 Search for "Opanchu Usagi" Goods on Yahoo! Shopping
Step Into the World of Characters at the Limited-Time "Paradise! Cafe☆ ~Opanchu Usagi★Npochamu★Kimimaro~"
Starting Friday, October 10, 2025, the collaboration cafe "Paradise! Cafe☆ ~Opanchu Usagi★Npochamu★Kimimaro~" will be held for one year at CONCEPT CAFE GINZA BY SWEETS PARADISE. This special collaboration cafe features a unique story where Opanchu Usagi, who has graduated from confectionery school, along with Npochamu and Kimimaro—two other characters created by the same artist, KAWAISOUNI!—open their own shop together.
A variety of collaboration menu items are available, and when you order, you’ll receive a paper placemat and one randomly selected original postcard. In addition, you can purchase exclusive collaboration merchandise that is available nowhere else.
Seats can be reserved in advance, and reservations are only accepted through the Sweets Paradise app. Since you may not be able to enter during busy times, making a reservation is recommended! Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, from five weeks before your desired date until 8:00 p.m. the day before. Please note that you can only reserve one date per account through the app.
CONCEPT CAFE GINZA BY SWEETS PARADISE
- Address: 7F, Ginza Velvia-kan, 2-4-6 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Business hours: 11:00~21:00 (last entry 19:30)
- Official Website
- How to reserve: Reserve via the dedicated app 👉 Here (Japanese only)
Summary: The Lovably Pitiful Character Captivating the Young Generation!
Opanchu Usagi is arguably the character that people in Japan empathize with the most right now. The way people empathize with its repeated failures may be something uniquely Japanese. Furthermore, in October 2024, Itochu Corporation, a major Japanese trading company, acquired the rights to merchandise this character in Asia (excluding Japan and South Korea), and in May 2025, the company also obtained the rights for the United States and Canada. Its popularity overseas is also continuing to grow.
If you’re visiting Japan, why not buy some Opanchu Usagi merchandise or experience the collaboration cafe to immerse yourself in Japan’s unique pop culture?
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