Figure Skater Yuzuru Hanyu and Winnie the Pooh Announce Official Collab with Exclusive Merch
A new collaboration is bringing together one of Japan’s most celebrated figure skaters and one of Disney’s most beloved characters, with more than 100 exclusive items planned to mark a major anniversary this fall.
The collection pairs Yuzuru Hanyu with Winnie the Pooh as part of the character’s 100th anniversary celebrations, drawing on a connection that has followed the two-time Olympic champion throughout much of his competitive career.
Hanyu won consecutive Olympic gold medals in men’s singles at Sochi 2014 and PyeongChang 2018, establishing himself as one of the most successful and recognizable figure skaters of his generation.
Long before those victories, fans had already associated him with Winnie the Pooh after he regularly kept a plush Pooh tissue box beside the rink, eventually inspiring spectators to shower the ice with Pooh plush toys after his performances.
That tradition became known among fans as the “Pooh Shower,” and the new SHOWER OF HEART – Gift of Shining Light – collaboration takes direct inspiration from that long-running connection.
The project also celebrates October 14, 2026, marking 100 years since the original Winnie-the-Pooh book was first published in 1926.
A small part of the exclusive merchandise range, which will include around 100 products overall, has been revealed, including merchandise based on newly photographed images of Hanyu, original Disney-style illustrations of the pair, and designs inspired by the special costumes created for the project.
The “SHOWER OF HEART Pooh Plush,” priced at ¥8,800 (approx. $56 USD / £42 GBP), recreates the version seen in the collaboration’s key visual and dresses Pooh in a shimmering red shirt created specifically for the anniversary collection.
The “Key Visual Acrylic Stand 1,” priced at ¥3,300 (approx. $21 USD / £16 GBP), layers multiple acrylic pieces to recreate the main promotional artwork with added depth.
The newly illustrated “Acrylic Keychains,” priced at ¥990 each (approx. $6 USD / £5 GBP), come in three designs featuring Hanyu and Winnie the Pooh in original outfits created especially for the collaboration.
Visitors will also be able to see an original costume produced around the world of Winnie the Pooh, adding an exhibition element alongside the merchandise-focused pop-up stores.
The touring event begins at SHIBUYA TSUTAYA in Tokyo from October 2 through October 30, 2026, before moving to Kyoto from November 3 to November 15 and Nagoya from November 18 to November 29.
The tour continues at Okayama Takashimaya from January 8 to January 19, 2027, Hakata Hankyu in Fukuoka from April 21 to May 10, and Fujisaki in Sendai from May 27 through June 8, with further merchandise and venue details set to be announced closer to each stop.
Event Details
| calendar_month DATE | Oct 02 2026 - Jun 08 2027 |
|---|---|
| schedule TIME | ALL DAY |
| payments Cost | FREE |
| info Website | Official Website |
| location_on Location | Various |
|---|---|
| map Area | Nationwide |
| category CATEGORY | Pop Up Shop |
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