Kumamon Square — the free visitor centre in central Kumamoto City dedicated to everyone’s favourite black-and-red bear mascot — is turning 13, and it’s marking the occasion in style. As part of its anniversary campaign, “Oshi-katsu Matsuri! ~ Kumamon-sugi te Metsu! ~” (loosely: “Fan-Love Festival: Too Much Kumamon to Handle!”), the venue is hosting a special costume photo session called “Iroiro na Isho de Kumamon to Satsuei-kai ~ Bakuretsu Satsuei-kai 💛 ~” — a chance to get a photo with Kumamon decked out in a range of outfits. Think of it as a matsuri (festival) for Kumamon superfans.
Entry is by advance lottery only — you choose your preferred costume from a survey when you apply, though your selection isn’t guaranteed. There are five sessions available across late July:
| Date | Day | Start Time |
|---|---|---|
| July 18 | Saturday | 17:00 |
| July 19 | Sunday | 17:00 |
| July 20 | Monday (Public Holiday) | 16:30 |
| July 25 | Saturday | 17:00 |
| July 26 | Sunday | 16:30 |
Application window: June 2 (Tuesday) from 14:00 until June 14 (Sunday) at 23:59. Winners will be notified by email on or before June 22 (Monday) from the domain @kumamon-sq.jp — make sure to whitelist it. Each person may apply once only; multiple entries will be disqualified. You can select up to two preferred dates per application (selecting three or more will void the entry).
Who can apply? Individual applications are open to middle-school age and above. Families with primary-school-aged children (elementary school and under) can apply under the family entry option, which allows one representative, one accompanying adult, and up to three children of high-school age or under (maximum five people per family, one group photo together). Solo/couple/friend-group entries each get one individual shot with Kumamon — you cannot pose as a group under an individual entry. Bring photo ID (driving licence, passport, or My Number card) on the day; children in primary school and under are exempt from the ID requirement.
Kumamon fans who missed the recent crowdfunding campaign for a stone statue downtown will want to put this lottery on their calendars. For enquiries, contact Kumamon Square directly at TEL: 096-327-9066, weekdays 10:00–16:00 (closed weekends and public holidays). Check the official website or Kumamon Square’s official X (Twitter) account for the latest updates, as details are subject to change.
Source: https://kumamon-land.jp/news
