[Shimotsuma City, Ibaraki Prefecture] Limited-time appearance on Saturday, November 21! Japan’s largest character festival, the “15th World Character Summit in Hanyu,” will feature “Simon-chan,” the fairy of Japan’s national butterfly, the Great Purple Emperor.

~Featuring appearances on the PR stage, sales of limited-edition merchandise available only here, and a social media follow campaign~

2026.11.13 09:30

茨城県下妻市

Shimotsuma City, Ibaraki Prefecture (Mayor: Hiroshi Kikuchi) announced that on Reiwa 8 (2026), Shimotsuma City will operate a booth for one day only—Saturday, November 21—at the “15th World Character Summit in Hanyu,” to be held in Hanyu City, Saitama Prefecture, and we are pleased to announce that Shimotsuma City’s mascot, “Simon-chan,” will make an appearance.

On the day of the event, Simon-chan will appear on the PR stage and will also stroll around the venue to interact with visitors. Additionally, the Shimotsuma City booth will sell limited-edition original merchandise available only at the event venue and will run a special campaign offering non-commercial stickers to those who follow the city’s official social media accounts.

下妻市イメージキャラクター「シモンちゃん」

Shimotsuma City Mascot “Simon-chan”

■ Saturday, November 21 Only! Simon-chan Appears on the PR Stage & Throughout the Venue

Simon-chan will participate only on the first day of the event, Saturday, November 21.

On that day, he will take the PR stage alongside characters gathered from all over the country to energetically showcase the charms of Shimotsuma City. Furthermore, when he’s not on stage, Simon-chan is scheduled to take a stroll (greeting visitors) throughout the venue. This will be a rare opportunity to interact directly with Simon-chan—who enjoys “taking walks” as a hobby—and take photos with him.

■ Highlights of the Shimotsuma City Booth: “Venue-Exclusive Merchandise” You Can Only Buy Here!

Simon-chan merchandise is not typically sold through mail order or other online channels; it is available exclusively at event venues where Simon-chan participates. At this event, we’ve prepared a wide variety of cute items that fans won’t want to miss.

(1) Mug

マグカップ

Mug

Price: 1,000 yen (tax included)

Size: Height 95 mm / Diameter 80 mm / Capacity 330 ml

Simon-chan will be right by your side during those relaxing moments when you take a breather. It’s the perfect size for everyday use.

(2) Original Notepad

オリジナルメモ帳

Original Notepad

Price: 300 yen (tax included)

Size: 12.7 cm (H) × 9.1 cm (W) / 0.4 cm (Thickness)

This cute notepad features a design that brings a little joy every time you write a quick note or jot something down.

(3) Acrylic Keychain

アクリルキーホルダー(カプセルトイ)

Acrylic Keychain (Capsule Toy)

Price: 300 yen per play (tax included)

Varieties: 5 types total (including 1 secret design)

It’s a surprise what you’ll get! This capsule toy lets you test your luck—you’ll be lucky if you find the secret design.

■ [First 250 Customers] Follow us on social media to receive a free, non-sellable sticker!

On Saturday, November 21, at the Shimotsuma City booth, the first 250 people who show a screenshot of following Shimotsuma City’s official social media accounts (Instagram or TikTok) will receive a “Simon-chan Original Sticker” (not for sale). (Limited to one per person.)

The cute design will have you wondering where to stick it—on your smartphone, notebook, or somewhere else. Supplies are limited, so be sure to visit the booth early.

■ About Shimotsuma City’s Mascot, “Simon-chan”

This character was created based on the “Great Purple Emperor,” Japan’s national butterfly, which has a habitat within Shimotsuma City. In addition to serving as a guide on the city’s official website, Simon-chan is active in promoting the region’s charms and raising awareness for conservation efforts. LINE stickers featuring Simon-chan are also available and have been well-received.

Motif: A fairy based on the national butterfly, the “Great Purple Emperor”

Year of Creation: 1999 (Heisei 11)

Gender: Not specified (as she is a fairy)

Height/Weight: Equivalent to two pears

Favorite Food: Shimotsuma pears

Hobbies: Basking in the sun, taking walks around Shimotsuma

Distinguishing Feature: Vibrant wings that sparkle when exposed to the sun

■ About the “World Character Summit in Hanyu”

Held every November since 2010 in Hanyu City, Saitama Prefecture, this is a major event featuring local and corporate mascots. In 2013, 452 characters gathered, earning the event a Guinness World Record for the “Largest Gathering of Mascots.”In 2015, the event drew 450,000 visitors over two days, making it one of the largest of its kind in Japan. It features stage performances by characters from across the country, as well as numerous booths selling local specialties and famous dishes, and is a huge success every year.

「第15回世界キャラクターさみっとin羽生」ポスター

"The 15th World Character Summit in Hanyu" Poster

■Event Overview

Name: The 15th World Character Summit in Hanyu

Date and Time: Reiwa 8 (2026), November 21 (Sat) and 22 (Sun), 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

　　　　　*Please note that the Shimotsuma City booth and Simon-chan’s appearance

　　　　　　on Saturday, November 21 only.

Venue: Hanyu City Hall and Hanyu Peace Park (6-15 Higashi, Hanyu City, Saitama Prefecture)

Organizers: World Character Summit in Hanyu Executive Committee / Hanyu City

Access: [Train] 19-minute walk from the East Exit of “Hanyu Station” on the Tobu Isesaki Line and Chichibu Railway

　　　　　[By Car] About 10 minutes by car from the “Hanyu IC” on the Tohoku Expressway

■About Shimotsuma City, Ibaraki Prefecture

下妻市の中央に位置する「砂沼(さぬま)」

“Sanuma,” located in the center of Shimotsuma City

下妻市の田園を走る「関東鉄道常総線」

The “Kanto Railway Joso Line” runs through the countryside of Shimotsuma City

Located in southwestern Ibaraki Prefecture, Shimotsuma is a city where nature and urban amenities blend seamlessly. Taking advantage of its convenient location within a 60-kilometer radius of Tokyo, the number of commuters to the capital is on the rise.

Set in a lush, green environment with views of Mount Tsukuba, the city center features “Sanuma,” a recreational spot for residents where they can enjoy the natural beauty of the waterfront.It is also known as the “Kitchen of the Greater Tokyo Area,” producing high-quality agricultural and livestock products such as the exceptionally sweet “Shimotsuma Pears,” high-sugar “Melons,” and the flavorful brand pork “Rose Pork.” The city is also committed to enhancing administrative services through the use of digital technology, making it a place where residents can enjoy a relaxed parenting lifestyle and live life on their own terms.

[Basic Information]

・Population: 40,566 (as of October 1, 2026)

・Area: 80.88 km² (12.4 km east-west, 10.9 km north-south)

・Location: Southwestern Ibaraki Prefecture, within approximately 60 km of Tokyo

[Access to Shimotsuma City]

関東鉄道常総線「下妻駅」

“Shimotsuma Station” on the Kanto Railway Joso Line

下妻市アクセスマップ

Shimotsuma City Access Map

○ By Train (Accessible from central Tokyo in about 1.5 hours!)

・From Akihabara Station

Take the Tsukuba Express (Rapid) to “Moriya Station” (approx. 35 min) + Transfer to the Kanto Railway Joso Line to “Shimotsuma Station” (approx. 30 min on the Rapid train or 40 min on the Local train)

・From Tokyo Station or Ueno Station

Take the JR Ueno-Tokyo Line or Joban Line to “Toride Station” (approx. 40 min) + transfer to the Kanto Railway Joso Line to “Shimotsuma Station” (approx. 50 min [Express]–65 min [Local])

・From the Northern Kanto region (Tochigi and Gunma)

From Shimodate Station on the JR Mito Line, take the Kanto Railway Joso Line to “Shimotsuma Station” (15 minutes by express, 20 minutes by local)

○ Bus

From TX Tsukuba Station, take the Kanto Railway Bus bound for Shimotsuma (55 minutes)

From JR Tsuchiura Station, take the Kanto Railway bus bound for Shimotsuma (75 minutes)

〇 By Car (Just over an hour from central Tokyo!)

・From the Tokyo metropolitan area

Take National Route 294 from the Joban Expressway’s Yawara Interchange (about 40 minutes from the interchange)

*It takes about 20–30 minutes from Misato IC to Yawara IC.

・Other routes:

From the Joban Expressway, take the Sakura-Tsuchiura Interchange and proceed via the Tsukuba Science City (Gakuen Higashi-Odori) (30 minutes)

From the Joso Interchange on the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Link Expressway (Ken-O Expressway), take National Route 294 (25 minutes)