【Kemono Friends】(Narita City, Chiba Prefecture)
The relationship between “Kemono Friends” and Chiba Prefecture has deepened through numerous collaboration events since the anime broadcast in 2017. From quiz rally events at Chiba City Zoo, large-scale events at Maihama Amphitheater, to the latest collaboration with a bathhouse facility, Chiba Prefecture has become an important collaboration hub for the “Kemono Friends Project.”
This article organizes all collaboration event information held with Kemono Friends in Chiba Prefecture in chronological order, providing thorough explanations of event details, bonus information, and access methods for each event.
The Relationship Between Kemono Friends and Chiba Prefecture
What is the Kemono Friends Project?
“Kemono Friends” is a multimedia project set in “Japari Park,” a massive integrated zoo where anthropomorphized animals called “Animal Girls” live. Following the television anime broadcast in 2017, it became a social phenomenon, with collaboration events between the real zoos and aquariums developing throughout the country.
Why Are There So Many Collaborations in Chiba?
Chiba Prefecture is home to concentrated entertainment facilities, including Chiba City Zoo, famous for Futa the red panda, and the Maihama area near Tokyo Disneyland Resort. In particular, Chiba City Zoo, which raises many popular animals featured in the work such as red pandas and shoebills, has become a “sacred site” for Kemono Friends fans.
Collaboration Event History at Chiba City Zoo
2017 Quiz Rally Event “Amazing! Observing Animals is So Fun!”
The first Kemono Friends collaboration event held at Chiba City Zoo was a quiz rally event implemented from September 16 to October 15, 2017.
Event Content:
- An exploration element of finding Friend panels hidden throughout the park
- Quiz rally format answering questions about animal ecology
- Limited edition pin badges and other prizes distributed to participants (limited quantity, while supplies last)
- Friend panels installed at various locations throughout the park
This event received high praise for combining educational elements that allow visitors to observe actual animals and learn about their ecology with entertainment value that allows people to experience the work’s world.
Shoebill Fixed-Point Observation Project
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 the shoebill were conducted on Niconico Live, and special programs featuring voice actors from Kemono Friends were also held.
This project received significant response from fans as an attempt to connect the charm of real animals with anime characters.
Real Mystery-Solving Game Project
Chiba City Zoo also implemented a real mystery-solving game for “Kemono Friends” in simultaneous hosting with Kyoto City Zoo. This project included:
- Mystery-solving game format while touring the park
- Collaboration menu offerings
- Character panel displays
- Limited merchandise distributed as participation bonuses
The real mystery-solving game provided a different experience from regular zoo visits and succeeded in developing new visitor demographics, primarily among younger age groups.
Kemono Friends Project 10th Anniversary Project (2025)
From September 23 (Tuesday, National Holiday), 2025, Chiba City Zoo participated in the “Kemono Friends Project 10th Anniversary Project.”
Project Content:
- Display of 10th anniversary commemoration posters throughout the park
- Distribution of 10th anniversary commemoration postcards (limited quantity)
- Distribution of collaboration stickers with Chiba City Zoo exclusive design
- Participation in the “Let’s Visit Zoos and Aquariums Together!” campaign
This project became a large-scale initiative celebrating the 10-year history of the Kemono Friends Project while deepening cooperation with zoos and aquariums nationwide.
“Kemono Friends PARTY” at Maihama Amphitheater
Event Overview
At “Maihama Amphitheater” in Urayasu City, Chiba Prefecture, a 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, etc.
Limited Gacha “Gacha Ripark”
On the event day, a venue-exclusive gacha gacha project “Gacha Ripark” was held.
Bonus Content:
- Event exclusive design pin badges
- Character acrylic stands
- Special postcards
- Other limited merchandise
Many limited-quantity bonuses led to long lines forming before the venue opened, demonstrating the event’s popularity.
Ticket Information and Performers
Event tickets underwent advance pre-sales, with many seats filled before general sales began. Popular voice actors were among the performers, and diverse programs including fan interactions and game corners were prepared.
Shin-Narashino Station Front Onsen “Yu~neru” Collaboration (Latest 2025)
Collaboration Project Details
Starting September 1, 2025, the bathhouse accommodation facility “Shin-Narashino Station Front Onsen Yu~neru” in Narashino City, Chiba Prefecture, is hosting the latest collaboration event with Kemono Friends.
Event Period: September 1 (Monday), 2025～ (End date undetermined)
Yoshizaki Kanon Original Illustration
The highlight of this collaboration is the original illustration by Yoshizaki Kanon, who designed the concept for Kemono Friends. Special illustrations themed on hot springs are displayed throughout the facility.
Limited Merchandise and Collaboration Menu
The Yu~neru collaboration offers the following benefits:
Limited Merchandise:
- Yu~neru exclusive design towels
- Collaboration stickers
- Original pin badges
- Various merchandise using the original illustrations
Collaboration Menu:
- Special menu inspired by Friends
- Limited drinks
- Collaboration sweets
All are offered in limited quantities, available while supplies last.
Access Information
Shin-Narashino Station Front Onsen Yu~neru
- Address: Akane-hama, Narashino City, Chiba Prefecture
- Access: A short walk from “Shin-Narashino Station” on the JR Keiyo Line
- Business Hours: 24-hour operation (cleaning at certain times)
Kemono Friends Collaboration Merchandise Information
Chiba-Exclusive Merchandise
Various original merchandise exclusive to each facility have been sold at collaboration events in Chiba Prefecture.
Popular Products:
- Chiba City Zoo exclusive design pin badges
- Red panda merchandise collaborating with Futa
- Items featuring shoebills as motifs
- Yu~neru exclusive hot spring merchandise
These items are sold in limited quantities and only during event periods, making them highly popular among collectors.
Gift Campaigns
Many collaboration events have conducted gift campaigns for visitors and participants.
Past Gift Examples:
- Limited postcard distribution on a first-come, first-served basis
- Pin badge gifts for quiz rally completers
- Lottery prizes from SNS posting campaigns
- Sticker distribution to all visitors (limited quantity)
Most gifts are offered “while supplies last,” so early arrival on opening day or during early hours is recommended for guaranteed acquisition.
How to Enjoy Collaboration Events
Efficient Touring Routes
Tips for maximizing enjoyment at collaboration events at Chiba City Zoo:
- Visit right after opening: To ensure limited merchandise and gifts
- Pre-confirm park map: To efficiently tour Friend panel locations
- Understand animal activity schedules: Morning and evening are when animals are most active
- Complete quiz rallies while observing animals: Careful observation reveals answers
- Check SNS information: Real-time updates on congestion and inventory status
Photography Tips
Collaboration events feature Friend panels and decorations installed throughout the park.
Recommended Photo Spots:
- Photographing Friend panels together with actual animals
- Designated photo spots in the park
- Facility entrances with collaboration decorations
- Product shots of limited merchandise
While most facilities permit photography, avoid using flash on animals, respect other visitors, and maintain proper etiquette.
Combining Nearby Facilities
To fully enjoy Kemono Friends collaborations in Chiba Prefecture, combining multiple facilities is recommended.
Sample Course Example:
- Morning: Quiz rally at Chiba City Zoo
- Afternoon: Shopping in the Makuhari area
- Evening-Night: Hot spring and collaboration menu at Yu~neru
With good transportation access throughout Chiba Prefecture, it’s possible to visit multiple spots in a single day.
The Significance of Kemono Friends and Zoo Collaborations
Educational Value
The collaboration between Kemono Friends and zoos extends beyond mere entertainment.
Educational Effects:
- Anime sparks interest in actual animals
- Learning animal ecology through quizzes
- Increased interest in endangered species and environmental conservation
- Promotion of zoo visits among younger demographics
During collaboration periods at Chiba City Zoo, increased visits from younger age groups have been confirmed, raising interest in animals.
Contribution to Regional Revitalization
Collaboration events contribute to tourism promotion in Chiba Prefecture.
Economic Effects:
- Increased tourism from outside the prefecture
- Promotion of use at nearby restaurants and accommodations
- Revenue from limited merchandise sales
- Advertising effects from SNS information dissemination
Particularly during events at Maihama Amphitheater, thousands of fans from throughout the country visit Chiba Prefecture, creating significant economic impact on the region.
Future Prospects and Expectations
After Kemono Friends Project’s 10th Anniversary
As the Kemono Friends Project enters its 10th anniversary in 2025, it is expected to deepen its relationship with Chiba Prefecture further.
Expected Projects:
- Permanent exhibition corner at Chiba City Zoo
- Collaborations with new bathhouse facilities and commercial establishments
- Prefecture-wide stamp rally projects involving all of Chiba
- Ongoing collaborations throughout the year
Possibilities for New Collaborative Facilities
Chiba Prefecture has numerous attractive facilities where collaborations have not yet been realized.
Candidate Facilities:
- Kamogawa Sea World (marine life collaborations)
- Mother Farm (farm animal collaborations)
- Chiba Prefectural Museum of Natural History (natural history collaborations)
- Local roadside stations throughout the area (regional exclusive merchandise)
If collaborations with these facilities materialize, Chiba Prefecture as a whole could further develop as the “Kemono Friends sacred site.”
Notes When Participating in Collaboration Events
Prior Preparation
Preparation for enjoying collaboration events:
Packing Checklist:
- Comfortable clothing and shoes
- Camera or smartphone (with full charge)
- Event participation fees and facility entrance fees
- Cash for merchandise purchases (verify electronic payment options)
- Beverages and heat stroke prevention supplies
- Notes on event information
Congestion Countermeasures
Popular collaboration events can be very crowded.
Congestion Avoidance Tips:
- Aim for weekday events
- Target right after opening or near closing
- Pre-check SNS for congestion predictions
- Purchase merchandise early
- Plan with schedule flexibility
Etiquette and Rules
Rules to Follow:
- Do not cause stress to animals
- Do not disturb other visitors
- Comply strictly with facility rules
- Take trash with you or dispose at designated areas
- Avoid large-quantity purchases for resale purposes
Summary: The Charm of Kemono Friends × Chiba Prefecture
The Kemono Friends and Chiba Prefecture collaboration has developed in diverse forms from the first event in 2017 to the present. From quiz rallies and mystery-solving games at Chiba City Zoo to large-scale events at Maihama Amphitheater and the latest Yu~neru collaboration, each possesses unique charm.
These collaboration events not only provide special experiences for work fans but also raise interest in actual animals and contribute to regional revitalization, possessing multifaceted value. As the Kemono Friends Project celebrates its 10th anniversary, its relationship with Chiba Prefecture is expected to develop further.
When visiting Chiba Prefecture, check collaboration event information for Kemono Friends and enjoy a special experience combining the work’s world with actual animals. As limited merchandise and prizes are often limited quantities and available while supplies last, be sure to check official websites and SNS for latest information and plan your visit accordingly.
