Natsume’s Book of Friends (Natsume Yujincho), the long-running manga and anime series about a boy who can see spirits, is getting a large-scale collaboration event across Kumamoto Prefecture this summer. Organised by Kyushu Sanko Group, the campaign runs from late June through to the end of November 2026 and is centred on the scenic Hitoyoshi-Kuma region in southern Kumamoto — an area that inspired several locations in the anime. Characters including Natsume Takashi and Nyanko-sensei will appear in specially illustrated yukata (summer kimono) designs featuring Kumamoto motifs such as the Kuma River, kijima wooden horses, and the historic Hitoyoshi steam locomotive.
One of the most visible features of the collaboration is a fully wrapped Natsume Yujincho highway bus that will run between Kumamoto City and Fukuoka City on the Hino-Kuni highway bus route from late June to 30 November 2026. The cool-blue design collages Hitoyoshi-Kuma landscapes with the new yukata character illustrations. Note that the exact launch date will be announced separately, and the schedule is only confirmed two days in advance — call Kyushu Sanko Bus Kumamoto Office (TEL: 0570-09-1121, 9:00–17:00 daily) to check. Meanwhile, six bus stops managed by Sanko Bus in the Hitoyoshi area — including Hitoyoshi-ekimae and Yunomae-ekimae — will be decorated with character artwork from 1 July to 30 November 2026.
Fans in Kumamoto City can visit a pop-up shop at Sakuramachi Kumamoto (1F Main Entrance) from 1 July to 30 September 2026, offering exclusive collaboration merchandise using the new illustrated designs, alongside a photo spot to immerse yourself in the anime’s world. Out in Hitoyoshi-Kuma, a card-collecting rally runs across 11 spots from 1 July until cards run out — spending ¥1,000 or more (tax included) at each location earns you one of 11 original character cards (6 characters, multiple poses). Collect all 11 and bring them to the Sakuramachi Kumamoto event venue by 30 September 2026 to claim a completion bonus. Tour packages — including a guided taxi tour of anime filming locations, highway bus tickets, and optional overnight stays — are also available for both day-trip and multi-day itineraries. If you’re heading out that way, the Nishiki Secret Base Museum in nearby Nishiki is another worthwhile stop in the Kuma Valley.
| Spot | Location | Card Character |
|---|---|---|
| 道の駅人吉 / 人吉クラフトパーク石野公園 | Hitoyoshi City | Natsume Takashi |
| HASSENBA | Hitoyoshi City | Nyanko-sensei |
| ひみつ基地ミュージアム (Nishiki Secret Base Museum) | Nishiki-machi | Matoba Seiji |
| 多良木えびす物産館 | Taragi-machi | Tanuma Kaname |
| ふれあい交流センター「湯〜とぴあ」 | Yunomae-machi | Taki Toru |
| おかどめ幸福駅売店 | Asagiri-machi | Tanuma Kaname (full body) |
| 物産館 水の上の市場 | Mizukami-mura | Natori Shuichi |
| さがら温泉茶湯里 | Sagara-mura | Matoba Seiji (full body) |
| 道の駅子守唄の里五木 | Itsuki-mura | Natsume Takashi (full body) |
| 球泉洞 | Kuma-mura | Natori Shuichi (full body) |
| 山江村物産館ゆっくり | Yamae-mura | Taki Toru (full body) |
Source: sakuramachi-kumamoto.jp
