Cover A sweater available as part of the Uniqlo Chiikawa series (Photo: Uniqlo)
A sweater available as part of the Uniqlo Chiikawa series (Photo: Uniqlo)
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A look at the top merch options in 2026 from Japanese illustrator Nagano’s cult character franchise Chiikawa, which has taken over apparel in the city
Character licensing has long been a driving force in Asian fashion, but the viral rise of illustrator Nagano’s Chiikawa universe is on another level. Created as a webcomic in 2020, the story centres on adorable, animal-like creatures who fight monsters and navigate a precarious gig economy. From the central trio of Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi to fan-favourite side characters like the Pyjama Parties—an adorable, hooded troupe of faces clad in pastel onesies who burst into song—the franchise’s cast has inspired fan clubs across Asia.
Coinciding with the theatrical debut of Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of the Mermaid Island in Hong Kong, these lovable creatures are having a serious style moment. From Japanse retail giants Uniqlo and GU to local favourites Catalog and Giordano, check out how these major fashion collaborations are helping the Chiikawaverse take over streetwear.
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Uniqlo UT Chiikawa Collection
Japanese retail titan Fast Retailing's Uniqlo rolled out a specialised Chiikawa UT graphic collection across its international store footprint, including its Hong Kong outlets. Strategically timed to coincide with the cinematic release of Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of the Mermaid Island, the product line-up was supervised directly by Nagano, the manga's creator. The range features short-sleeve graphic T-shirts priced at US$29.90 alongside fleece sweatshirts at US$49.90, tailored for women and children. Visually, the garments draw on sun-bleached artwork depicting the characters on their island expedition.
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Giordano Chiikawa Collection
Hong Kong casualwear favourite Giordano launched an expansive commercial collaboration centred on the franchise across Hong Kong and Macau. Established in 1981, the retailer structured the collection around versatile, family-oriented wardrobe staples across adult womenswear, men’s, and junior lines. These include short-sleeved, crew-neck graphic T-shirts priced between HK$279 and HK$319, featuring minimalist chest branding and line illustrations of the main characters.
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Catalog Chiikawa Collection
Multi-brand streetwear favourite Catalog debuted an exclusive Chiikawa fashion apparel range in Hong Kong. Originally established as a contemporary sneaker and lifestyle chain, Catalog engineered this release around unisex high-street silhouettes. The range comprises embroidered pocket T-shirts priced at HK$229, all-over print short-sleeve tops, and heavy-duty zip outerwear jackets at HK$459. Still available in select stores, the garments feature detailed character embroidery and woven patch details depicting Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi.
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GU Chiikawa Summer and Autumn Collection
Fast Retailing subsidiary GU—a sister brand of Uniqlo—deployed a comprehensive Chiikawa loungewear and apparel capsule across its Hong Kong network in 2025. The seasonal series features short-sleeve T-shirts from HK$99, patterned woven shirts at HK$179, satin pyjama sets at HK$179, and graphic fleece shorts for children at HK$99. Driven by popular local demand, GU re-issued selected womenswear and kidswear pieces across its brick-and-mortar locations and online flagship stores.
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Cat Wang is an editor at Tatler Asia based in Hong Kong, where she covers business, wealth, innovation, and impact. Previously, she was a Forbes Asia reporter and assistant editor of the Forbes Asia 100 to Watch list, spotlighting startups and small companies on the rise across the Asia-Pacific. She began her career as a trainee reporter at the South China Morning Post, Hong Kong’s newspaper of record. Born in New York City, she graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, with a B.A. in political science.
