The relationship between “Kemono Friends” and Chiba Prefecture has deepened through numerous collaboration events since the anime’s broadcast in 2017. From quiz rally events at Chiba City Zoo, large-scale events at Maihama Amphitheater, to the latest hot spring facility collaborations, Chiba Prefecture has become an important collaboration hub for the “Kemono Friends Project.”
This article comprehensively organizes all collaboration event information held in Chiba Prefecture in chronological order, thoroughly explaining the details of each event, special rewards, and access methods.
The Relationship Between Kemono Friends and Chiba Prefecture
What is the Kemono Friends Project?
“Kemono Friends” is a media mix project set in “Japari Park,” a massive comprehensive zoo where anthropomorphized animals called “Animal Girls” live. Following the television anime broadcast in 2017, it became a social phenomenon, with collaboration projects with real zoos and aquariums expanding nationwide.
Why Are There So Many Collaborations in Chiba Prefecture?
Chiba Prefecture is home to concentrated entertainment facilities such as Chiba City Zoo, famous for Futa the red panda, and the Maihama area near Tokyo Disney Resort. In particular, Chiba City Zoo raises many popular animals featured in the series, including red pandas and shoebills, making it a “sacred place” for Kemono Friends fans.
Collaboration Event History at Chiba City Zoo
2017 Quiz Rally Event “Amazing! Learning About Animals is So Fun!”
The first Kemono Friends collaboration event held at Chiba City Zoo was a quiz rally event conducted from September 16 to October 15, 2017.
Event Details:
- A search element where participants find hidden Friend panels throughout the park
- A rally format where participants answer quizzes about animal ecology
- Limited-edition enamel pins and other gifts distributed to participants (limited quantities, first-come-first-served)
- Friend panels installed throughout the park
This event was highly praised for balancing educational elements about animal observation with real animals alongside entertainment value of experiencing the work’s world.
Shoebill Fixed-Point Observation Event
The shoebill, a popular animal at Chiba City Zoo, also appears as an impressive character in the anime “Kemono Friends.” From this connection, fixed-point observation broadcasts of shoebills were conducted on Niconico Live, with special events featuring voice actors from Kemono Friends also held.
This initiative received significant response from fans as an attempt to connect the appeal of real animals with anime characters.
Real Escape Game Event
Chiba City Zoo, co-hosting with Kyoto City Zoo, also held a real escape game for “Kemono Friends.” This event featured:
- Game-format puzzle-solving while touring the park
- Collaboration menu offerings
- Character panel displays
- Limited goods distribution as participation rewards
The real escape game provided an experience different from typical zoo visits and succeeded in attracting younger visitors and new park attendance demographics.
Kemono Friends Project 10th Anniversary Event (2025)
Starting September 23 (Tuesday, national holiday), 2025, Chiba City Zoo participated in the “Kemono Friends Project 10th Anniversary Event.”
Event Details:
- Display of 10th anniversary commemorative posters throughout the park
- Distribution of 10th anniversary commemorative postcards (limited quantities)
- Distribution of Chiba City Zoo limited-design collaboration stickers
- Participation in the “Let’s All Go to Zoos and Aquariums!” campaign
This event celebrated the 10-year history of the Kemono Friends Project while deepening cooperation with zoos and aquariums nationwide in a large-scale initiative.
“Kemono Friends PARTY” at Maihama Amphitheater
Event Overview
At “Maihama Amphitheater” in Urayasu City, Chiba Prefecture, the large-scale fan event “Kemono Friends PARTY” was held on July 27, 2019.
Event Information:
- Venue: Maihama Amphitheater (Urayasu City, Chiba Prefecture)
- Date: July 27, 2019
- Content: Voice actor talk shows, live performances, new information announcements, and more
Limited Gacha “Gacha Ripark”
On the day of the event, a venue-exclusive gacha event called “Gacha Ripark” was held.
Reward Contents:
- Event limited-design enamel pins
- Character acrylic stands
- Special postcards
- Other limited goods
With many limited-quantity rewards, long lines formed before the venue opened, demonstrating its popularity.
Ticket Information and Performers
Event tickets were made available through advance pre-sales, with many seats filled before general sales began, showing high demand. Popular voice actors were among the performers, with diverse programs including fan interactions and game corners.
Shin-Narashino Station Front Hot Spring “Yu~neru” Collaboration (2025 Latest)
Collaboration Event Details
Starting September 1, 2025, a latest collaboration event with Kemono Friends began at “Shin-Narashino Station Front Hot Spring Yu~neru,” a hot spring accommodation facility in Narashino City, Chiba Prefecture.
Event Period: September 1 (Monday), 2025 ~ (end date undetermined)
Yoshizaki Kan Newly Drawn Illustrations
The highlight of this collaboration is newly drawn illustrations by Yoshizaki Kan, who handled concept design for Kemono Friends. Special illustrations themed around hot springs are displayed throughout the facility.
Limited Goods and Collaboration Menu
The Yu~neru collaboration offers the following benefits:
Limited Goods:
- Yu~neru limited-design towels
- Collaboration stickers
- Original enamel pins
- Goods using newly drawn illustrations
Collaboration Menu:
- Special menu inspired by Friends
- Limited-edition drinks
- Collaboration sweets
All are offered in limited quantities and subject to availability.
Access Information
Shin-Narashino Station Front Hot Spring Yu~neru
- Address: Akane-hama, Narashino City, Chiba Prefecture
- Access: Walking distance from “Shin-Narashino Station” on the JR Keiyo Line
- Business Hours: 24-hour operation (with cleaning during some periods)
Kemono Friends Collaboration Product Information
Chiba Limited Goods
Various facilities offered original limited-edition goods during Chiba Prefecture collaboration events.
Popular Products:
- Chiba City Zoo limited-design enamel pins
- Red panda merchandise collaborating with Futa the panda
- Items featuring shoebill motifs
- Yu~neru limited hot spring goods
These goods are limited quantity items sold only during event periods, commanding high popularity among collectors.
Gift Campaigns
Many collaboration events held gift campaigns for visitors and participants.
Past Gift Examples:
- First-come-first-served limited postcard distribution
- Enamel pins for quiz rally completers
- Prize giveaways through SNS post campaigns
- Sticker distribution to all park visitors (limited quantities)
Most gifts are “first-come-first-served until supplies last,” so visiting on opening day or early hours is recommended for guaranteed purchases.
How to Enjoy Collaboration Events
Efficient Touring Routes
Tips for maximizing enjoyment at Chiba City Zoo collaboration events:
- Visit soon after opening: To ensure securing limited goods and prizes
- Check park map in advance: To efficiently visit Friend panel locations
- Understand animal activity times: Animals are most active in early morning and evening
- Solve quiz rallies while observing animals: Careful observation reveals answers
- Check SNS information: Monitor real-time crowd status and stock information
Photography Tips
Throughout collaboration events, Friend panels and decorations are installed throughout the park.
Recommended Photography Spots:
- Photographing Friend panels alongside actual animals
- Designated photo spots in the park
- Facility entrances with collaboration decorations
- Product photography of limited goods
Most facilities allow photography, but avoid using flash with animals and refrain from bothering other visitors—maintain courteous photography practices.
Combining Nearby Facilities
To fully enjoy Kemono Friends collaborations in Chiba Prefecture, combining multiple facilities is also recommended.
Sample Course Example:
- Morning: Quiz rally at Chiba City Zoo
- Afternoon: Shopping in the Makuhari area
- Evening to night: Hot spring and collaboration menu at Yu~neru
With good transportation access throughout Chiba Prefecture, it’s possible to visit multiple spots in one day.
The Significance of Kemono Friends and Zoo Collaborations
Educational Value
The collaboration between Kemono Friends and zoos goes beyond mere entertainment.
Educational Effects:
- Interest in actual animals sparked by anime
- Learning about animal ecology through quizzes
- Increased interest in endangered species and environmental conservation
- Promotion of younger generations’ zoo visits
During collaboration periods at Chiba City Zoo, increased younger visitor numbers were confirmed, demonstrating effects in raising animal interest.
Contribution to Regional Revitalization
Collaboration events also contribute to Chiba Prefecture’s tourism promotion.
Economic Effects:
- Increased tourism from outside the prefecture
- Promotion of nearby restaurants and accommodation facilities
- Revenue from limited goods sales
- Advertising effects through SNS information spreading
Particularly during events at Maihama Amphitheater, thousands of fans from across the country visited Chiba Prefecture, bringing significant impact to the local economy.
Future Outlook and Expectations
After Kemono Friends Project’s 10th Anniversary
With the Kemono Friends Project reaching its 10th anniversary in 2025, it’s anticipated that it will continue deepening its relationship with Chiba Prefecture.
Expected Initiatives:
- Permanent exhibition corners at Chiba City Zoo
- New collaborations with hot spring facilities and commercial establishments
- Stamp rally campaigns involving Chiba Prefecture region-wide
- Year-round continuous collaborations
Potential for New Collaboration Facilities
Chiba Prefecture has many attractive facilities where collaborations have not yet been realized.
Candidate Facilities:
- Kamogawa Seaworld (marine life collaboration)
- Mother Farm (farm animal collaboration)
- Chiba Prefectural Central Museum (natural history collaboration)
- Regional highway rest areas (area-limited goods expansion)
Should collaborations materialize with these facilities, Chiba Prefecture could develop further as a “Kemono Friends sacred place.”
Notes for Collaboration Event Participation
Pre-Event Preparation
Preparation for enjoying collaboration events:
Packing Checklist:
- Comfortable clothing and shoes
- Camera or smartphone (fully charged)
- Event participation fees and facility admission costs
- Cash for goods purchases (confirm electronic payment availability)
- Beverages and heat stroke prevention supplies
- Memo of event information
Crowd Management
Popular collaboration events are very crowded.
Crowd Avoidance Tips:
- Target weekday openings
- Aim for early or late hours
- Check SNS for crowd predictions beforehand
- Purchase goods early
- Build in schedule flexibility
Etiquette and Rules
Etiquette to Observe:
- Avoid stressing animals
- Don’t bother other visitors
- Follow facility rules strictly
- Take trash with you or dispose in designated areas
- Avoid bulk purchases for resale purposes
Summary: The Appeal of Kemono Friends × Chiba Prefecture
The collaboration between Kemono Friends and Chiba Prefecture has unfolded in diverse forms from the first event in 2017 to the present. From quiz rallies and escape games at Chiba City Zoo, large-scale events at Maihama Amphitheater, to the latest Yu~neru collaboration, each offers unique charm.
These collaboration events not only provide special experiences for series fans but also heighten interest in real animals and contribute to regional revitalization with multi-faceted value. The relationship between the Kemono Friends Project, now celebrating its 10th anniversary, and Chiba Prefecture is expected to develop further.
When visiting Chiba Prefecture, check for Kemono Friends collaboration event information and experience the special encounter of enjoying both the series world and real animals. Since limited goods and prizes are often first-come-first-served until supplies last, checking official websites and SNS for the latest information and planning visits accordingly is recommended.
