Kumamon travels all around the world while serving as Kumamoto Prefecture's Sales and Happiness Manager. Kumamon Square, his base of operations, was revamped and re-opened on Friday, July 21, 2023. Various new and exciting attractions have been added for visitors of all ages, including a 360° stage, photo stations great for posting to social media, an AR game-equipped giant screen TV, and more! Let's take a closer look at the new attractions that are sure to get you excited.
Welcome to the Unique World of Kumamon!
Kumamon's distinctive red cheeks and round eyes make him a beloved and popular mascot the world over. Kumamon is always busy performing on stage in Kumamoto and doing PR as the manager of Kumamoto Prefecture's Sales Department all around the world, but how does he get around so well? It turns out, there's a special Kumamon Road that only he can take that lets him come cross time and space as he pleases! What's more, the tear in space-time that allows him to cross the Kumamon Road is located right inside Kumamon Square! As Kumamon needs to make use of this special portal on a daily basis, if you choose the right timing for your visit, you're sure to meet Kumamon. Who would've thought such a miraculous space would be right here in Kumamoto?!
Endless Excitement at Our Three New Booths!
The concept of the new Kumamon Square is to provide you with the good vibes of Kumamon whenever you visit, regardless of whether Kumamon is here or away on business. To achieve this, we have carefully designed three new booths to please everyone from die-hard Kumamon enthusiasts to casual fans.
Booth 1: The 360° Kumamon Stage - See Kumamon From All Angles!
Since its opening in July 2013, Kumamon Square has drawn in over three million visitors. Now, we have re-vitalized what has always been one of its most popular attractions: the Kumamon Stage. This circular stage is located right in the center of Kumamon Square. You can walk all the way around it and watch Kumamon do his flamboyant dance from any angle you'd like.
Stage shows are held daily. We recommend checking Kumamon's office hours schedule on the Kumamon Square website (linked below) before your visit.
Daily Kumamon stage performance (free of charge)
Twice a day on weekdays, three times a day on weekends, holidays, and during summer vacation (July 24 to Aug. 31)
Details at the following website.
Booth 2: A Photo Station with a Perfect Replica of Kumamon!
This photo station was built to make your dream of having a picture taken with Kumamon come true. Here you will find a replica Kumamon with the same size, look, and feel of the real Kumamon. You can sit right next to him and take a photo. You can even touch the look-alike if you really want to, but be gentle! Keep this a secret... but his fur is fluffy and feels great to touch!
Booth 3: Play an AR game on a Giant Screen!
When Kumamon isn't around, the 360° stage transforms into an augmented reality (AR) game station! Young or old, any and all are welcome to come play.
The game starts as soon as you get on stage. Kumamon will playfully pop up on the big screen and start presenting quiz questions—all you have to do is move to the left or right to select your answer. The quiz is followed by a selfie photo opportunity where Kumamon appears on screen with you! There's also a rhythm game and other modes so that you can feel close to Kumamon even if the real one is busy elsewhere.
(The AR game station may be unavailable at certain times.)
There's still so much more! Check out the following booths for even more fun!
Find Kumamon's Most Treasured Possessions at the Fan's Houses
Two Fan's Houses were built to display Kumamon's most treasured and beloved possessions. Items on display include treasures from his close friends, pictures of his various world travels, products made in collaboration with different companies, and traditional Kumamoto art pieces. Some of these are precious one-of-a-kind items.
Upper-right: Part of Kumamon's collection of signatures from various Kumamoto celebrities
Lower-right: A bicycle made by the Italian company De Rosa. This particular bike is one-of-a-kind, made just for Kumamon!
Left: A chair for Kumamon, specially designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma. Feel free to take a seat!
Right: All throughout Kumamon Square are various signs written by Kumamon. Hardcore fans will have a great time finding them all.
Left: A map showing everywhere Kumamon has been. So far he has been to all 47 prefectures in Japan, and it's looking increasingly likely that he'll complete his world tour, too!
Right: Kumamon got a perfect score on the Kumamon Kentei test. He must be quite the bookworm!
A Bazaar with Tons of Kumamon Merchandise
The Bazaar is chock-full of over 100 kinds of Kumamon merch, including everything from stuffed animals to key chains, T-shirts, calendars, and more. Some of these are rare items only available at Kumamon Square, so definitely check it out if you're in the market for some souvenirs.
Some merchandise has new designs to commemorate our reopening.
Right: The Kumamon Gacha Gacha capsule dispenser. You never know what you'll get!
This original Kumamon stuffed animal can only be found here.
Try Some Exclusive Sweets at the Café.
Kumamon Square features a café that primarily serves sweets made with Kumamoto-grown fruits. Delightful drinks like dekopon juice and the blueberry frappe shouldn't be missed. Take a seat and enjoy a tasty break during your visit.
Left: You're sure to want to take a picture of this latte with Kumon's face floating on the foam (¥450).
Right: Our most popular sweet, the Kuma-monaka (¥500). It features a base of Oguni Jersey milk soft-serve ice cream, topped with Kumamoto-grown melon, rice-flour dumpling, kuromitsu syrup, sweet potato paste and azuki beans. So delectable that you'll eat it up in no time!
Fruit toppings may change based on the season.
Write a Message to Kumamon
Kumamon Square also has a Messages to Kumamon Mailbox—if you put a letter in here, Kumamon will be sure to read it! There are also message boards where you are free to draw Kumamon or write any message you'd like.
Sometimes, Kumamon will take pictures of these messages and drawings and upload them to his social media accounts. Kumamon welcomes messages in Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, or any language, so just write what's in your heart!
There are still more things to make you smile at Kumamon Square. Entry is free of charge, so please stop by if you come to Kumamoto.
Kumamon is waiting and so excited to see you!!
Name
Kumamon Square
Address
Tetoria Kumamoto Bldg. 1st floor, 8-2 Tetorihoncho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City
Phone
096-327-9066
Hours of Operation
10AM to 7PM
Entry fee
Free
Closed
December 29 through January 3
*For more details, visit the Kumamon Square home page.
