Kemono Friends × Chiba Prefecture Collaboration Event Complete Guide | Comprehensive Summary from Animal Park to Hot Spring Facilities
The relationship between “Kemono Friends” and Chiba Prefecture has deepened through numerous collaboration events since the anime broadcast in 2017. From the quiz rally at Chiba City Zoo, large-scale events at Maihama Amphitheater, to the latest hot spring facility collaboration, 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 each event’s details, bonus information, and access methods.
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 comprehensive zoo where anthropomorphized animals called “Animal Girls” live. Following the television anime broadcast in 2017, it became a social phenomenon, and collaboration projects with real zoos and aquariums have been developed throughout the country.
Why Are There So Many Collaborations in Chiba?
Chiba Prefecture is home to concentrated entertainment facilities, including the Chiba City Zoo famous for Futa-kun and the Maihama area close to Tokyo Disney Resort. In particular, the Chiba City Zoo houses numerous popular animals featured in the work, such as red pandas and shoebills, making it a “sacred site” for Kemono Friends fans.
Collaboration Event History at Chiba City Zoo
2017 Quiz Rally Project “That’s Amazing! Observing Animals is So Fun!”
The first Kemono Friends collaboration event held at Chiba City Zoo was a quiz rally project that ran from September 16 to October 15, 2017.
Event Content:
- Exploration element of finding Friends panels hidden throughout the park
- Rally format of answering quizzes about animal ecology
- Limited edition can badges and other gifts distributed to participants (limited quantity, until supplies run out)
- Friends panels displayed at various locations in the park
This event received high praise for combining educational elements—learning about animal ecology through actual animal observation—with entertainment value of experiencing the work’s world.
Shoebill Fixed-Point Observation Project
The shoebill, a popular resident of Chiba City Zoo, also appears as an impressive character in the anime “Kemono Friends.” Prompted by this connection, fixed-point observation broadcasts of the shoebill were held on Niconico Live, and special projects featuring voice actors from Kemono Friends were also hosted.
This project received significant fan response as an attempt to connect the appeal of real animals with anime characters.
Real Escape Game Project
Chiba City Zoo also hosted a “Kemono Friends” real escape game project, held simultaneously with Kyoto City Zoo. This project featured:
- Game format solving mysteries while touring the park
- Collaboration menu offerings
- Character panel displays
- Limited merchandise distribution as participation rewards
The real escape game provided an experience different from typical zoo visits and succeeded in attracting new young visitor demographics.
Kemono Friends Project 10th Anniversary Project (2025)
Beginning September 23, 2025 (Tuesday, National Holiday), Chiba City Zoo participated in the “Kemono Friends Project 10th Anniversary Project.”
Project Content:
- Display of 10th anniversary commemorative posters throughout the park
- Distribution of 10th anniversary commemorative postcards (limited quantity)
- Distribution of Chiba City Zoo exclusive design collaboration stickers
- Participation in the “Let’s All Go to Zoos and Aquariums!” campaign
This project became a large-scale initiative celebrating ten years 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 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.
Exclusive Gacha “Gacha Ri Park”
On the event day, a venue-exclusive gacha project “Gacha Ri Park” was held.
Bonus Content:
- Event exclusive design can badges
- Character acrylic stands
- Special postcards
- Other exclusive merchandise
Many bonuses were limited quantity, and long lines formed before the venue opened due to its popularity.
Ticket Information and Performers
Event tickets were subject to advance pre-sales, with many seats sold out before general sales began. The lineup featured popular voice actors, with programs including fan interaction and game corners.
New Shushihsina Station Front Hot Spring “Yu-neru” Collaboration (2025 Latest)
Collaboration Project Details
Starting September 1, 2025, the hot spring lodging facility “Shin-Shushihsina Station Front Hot Spring Yu-neru” in Narashino City, Chiba Prefecture, is hosting the latest Kemono Friends collaboration event.
Event Period: September 1, 2025 (Monday) ~ (End date undetermined)
Kanzaki Masaaki’s Original Illustration
The highlight of this collaboration is an original illustration by Kanzaki Masaaki, who designed the concept art for Kemono Friends. Special illustrations themed around hot springs are displayed throughout the facility.
Exclusive Merchandise and Collaboration Menu
The Yu-neru collaboration includes the following bonuses:
Exclusive Merchandise:
- Yu-neru exclusive design towels
- Collaboration stickers
- Original can badges
- Various merchandise using original illustrations
Collaboration Menu:
- Special menus inspired by Friends
- Limited edition drinks
- Collaboration sweets
All are offered in limited quantities, and supplies are available until sold out.
Access Information
Shin-Shushihsina Station Front Hot Spring Yu-neru
- Address: Akane-hama, Narashino City, Chiba Prefecture
- Access: Walking distance from “Shin-Shushihsina Station” on the JR Keiyo Line
- Business Hours: 24-hour operation (cleaning during some periods)
Kemono Friends Collaboration Product Information
Chiba Exclusive Merchandise
Various exclusive original merchandise has been sold at each facility during Chiba collaborations.
Popular Products:
- Chiba City Zoo exclusive design can badges
- Red panda merchandise collaborating with Futa-kun
- Items featuring shoebill motifs
- Yu-neru exclusive hot spring merchandise
These merchandise items are limited quantity and sold only during event periods, making them highly popular among collectors.
Gift Projects
Many collaboration events feature gift projects for visitors and participants.
Examples of Past Gifts:
- Limited postcard distribution on a first-come, first-served basis
- Can badge gifts for quiz rally completers
- Raffle prizes for SNS posting campaigns
- Sticker distribution to all visitors (limited quantity)
Most gifts are “available until supplies run out,” so visiting on opening day or early hours is recommended if you want to secure specific items.
How to Enjoy Collaboration Events
Efficient Route Planning
Tips for maximizing enjoyment of collaboration events at Chiba City Zoo:
- Visit right after opening: To secure limited merchandise and gifts
- Check park map in advance: To efficiently visit Friends panel locations
- Know animal activity times: Morning and evening are when animals are most active
- Combine quiz rally with animal observation: Careful observation helps find answers
- Check SNS information: Real-time updates on crowd levels and inventory
Photography Tips
Collaboration events feature Friends panels and decorations displayed throughout the park.
Recommended Photography Spots:
- Friends panels photographed together with actual animals
- Dedicated photo spots within the park
- Facility entrances with collaboration decorations
- Product shots of limited merchandise
While most facilities allow photography, avoid using flash on animals, respect other visitors, and follow proper etiquette.
Combining Nearby Facilities
To fully enjoy Kemono Friends collaborations in Chiba, combining multiple facilities is recommended.
Model Course Example:
- Morning: Quiz rally at Chiba City Zoo
- Afternoon: Shopping in Makuhari area
- Evening/Night: Hot spring and collaboration menu at Yu-neru
Excellent transportation access in Chiba makes it possible to visit multiple spots in one day.
The Significance of Kemono Friends and Zoo Collaborations
Educational Value
Collaborations between Kemono Friends and zoos extend beyond entertainment alone.
Educational Effects:
- Anime sparks interest in actual animals
- Quizzes teach about animal ecology
- Increased awareness of endangered species and environmental conservation
- Promotes zoo visits by younger generations
During collaboration periods at Chiba City Zoo, increased younger visitor numbers and heightened animal interest have been confirmed.
Contribution to Regional Revitalization
Collaboration events also contribute to Chiba’s tourism promotion.
Economic Effects:
- Increased tourist arrivals from outside the prefecture
- Increased use of nearby restaurants and accommodations
- Revenue from limited merchandise sales
- Advertising effects from SNS information spread
Especially during Maihama Amphitheater events, thousands of fans from across Japan visited Chiba, bringing significant economic impact to the region.
Future Outlook and Expectations
After Kemono Friends Project’s 10th Anniversary
With the project reaching its 10th anniversary in 2025, Kemono Friends is expected to continue deepening its relationship with Chiba.
Expected Projects:
- Permanent exhibition corner at Chiba City Zoo
- New collaborations with hot spring and commercial facilities
- Prefecture-wide stamp rally projects
- Year-round continuous collaborations
Possibilities for New Collaboration Facilities
Chiba has many attractive facilities yet to collaborate with Kemono Friends.
Candidate Facilities:
- Kamogawa Sea World (marine life collaboration)
- Mother Farm (farm animal collaboration)
- Chiba Prefectural Central Museum (natural history collaboration)
- Regional roadside stations (location-limited merchandise)
If these facilities collaborate, Chiba could further develop as the “Sacred Site of Kemono Friends.”
Important Notes for Collaboration Event Participation
Pre-Event Preparation
Preparations for enjoying collaboration events:
Packing Checklist:
- Comfortable clothing and shoes
- Camera or smartphone (fully charged)
- Participation fees or facility admission
- Cash for merchandise (confirm electronic payment options)
- Beverages and heat exhaustion prevention supplies
- Noted event information
Crowd Avoidance
Popular collaboration events can be very crowded.
Crowd Avoidance Tips:
- Choose weekday events
- Aim for right after opening or near closing time
- Check SNS for crowd predictions beforehand
- Purchase merchandise early
- Allow schedule flexibility
Etiquette and Rules
Rules to Follow:
- Avoid causing stress to animals
- Don’t disturb other visitors
- Follow facility regulations
- Take trash with you or dispose at designated areas
- Avoid bulk purchases for resale purposes
Summary: The Appeal of Kemono Friends × Chiba
Kemono Friends and Chiba collaborations have developed in diverse forms from the 2017 inaugural event to the present. From the Chiba City Zoo quiz rallies and escape games, to large-scale events at Maihama Amphitheater, and the latest Yu-neru collaboration, each offers unique appeal.
These collaboration events provide special experiences for work fans while raising interest in actual animals and contributing to regional revitalization, holding multifaceted value. The relationship between the Kemono Friends Project, now in its 10th anniversary, and Chiba is expected to continue developing.
When visiting Chiba, check collaboration event information to enjoy a special experience combining the work’s world with actual animals. Since limited merchandise and gifts are often available only in limited quantities until sold out, confirm the latest information on official sites and SNS, and visit with careful planning.
