From the Labubu craze that nearly exploded the internet to people spending big bucks on Jellycat plushies, Hongkongers are quite the experts when it comes to obsessing over absurdly cute things. So, it's no surprise that the cute, wide-eyed creatures of Chiikawa have been making rounds in the city. What are they, you ask? Read on to find out.
What is Chiikawa?
Created by illustrator Nagano, Chiikawa, which comes from the Japanese phrase 'Nanka Chiisakute Kawaii Yatsu' (meaning 'something small and cute'), first started as just a social media manga series before it exploded into a multimedia franchise with millions of followers, an anime series, and merch that sells out in minutes.
The series follows the daily adventures of Chiikawa and other tiny animal-like creatures navigating life's little challenges. They live in a fantastical world that's much like our planet – except they have flying sunfish to ride on, ginormous sweets to eat, and unlimited steamed rice found in the middle of the woods.
Who are Chiikawa's friends?
Chiikawa is the titular character of the series, whose closest friends are Hachiware and Usagi. While the trio are more widely recognised, the Chiikawa universe is filled with other adorable (and sometimes mischievous) creatures. Here's a breakdown of some of the more popular characters:
Chiikawa (chee-ee-kow-wah)
- The anxious but kind-hearted main character
- Personality: Gentle and sweet, prone to nervous breakdowns that result in tears
- Fun fact: Chiikawa does not like broccoli
Hachiware (hach-ee-wah-rey)
- Chiikawa’s talkative best friend, who looks like a two-toned cat but isn't necessarily one
- Personality: Has a big heart and a can-do attitude; always ready to hype up their friends and make them feel safe
- Fun fact: Hachiware's voice actor sings the ending credit theme song for the anime
Usagi (oo-sah-gee)
- Also friends with Chiikawa and Hachiware – has bunny ears but its true identity is unclear
- Personality: Lively, fearless, and known for always shouting "Yaha!" and "Ura!" – basically the friend who never runs out of battery
- Fun fact: No one knows where Usagi actually lives
Rakko (rah-koh)
- Rakko is a top-ranking monster hunter
- Personality: Brave, generous, and secretly soft-hearted
- Fun fact: Rakko loves munching on sweet treats
Momonga (moh-mohn-gah)
- Cute and fluffy, Momonga loves making unreasonable demands and causing trouble
- Personality: Mischievous and likes using its cuteness to get its way.
- Fun fact: Momonga can actually fly!
Why is Chiikawa so popular in Hong Kong?
While it may seem like a kid's show with squeaking characters and silly adventures, a lot of fans love watching the anime because they resonate with the storylines, whether it's workplace challenges, a misunderstanding between friends, or stress-eating on snacks. The anime episodes are also short and digestible, and the endless stream of merchandise just taps right into our love of splurging on ridiculously cute things.
Basically, they're cute and relatable – so what's not to like?
Where to find Chiikawa in Hong Kong?
From now to April 27, there's an official pop-up store at Harbour City where you can grab all kinds of Chiikawa merch, from T-shirts and tote bags to stationery, plushies, and bag charms. If you do decide to visit, make sure to first register on KKday. Find out more here.
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