The Cutest Disney Merch from Japan Might Be Closer Than You Think

Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea are often praised by fans as some of the most beautiful and thoughtfully designed Disney parks in the world, especially regarding their merchandise.

Known for their unique character choices and exceptional quality, the products from these Japanese parks have become must-haves for Disney collectors everywhere.

However, they’ve been nearly impossible to find outside Japan. But something rare is happening: Disney quietly brings some of these beloved items to the U.S. Disney Store.

This isn’t Just Any Merch Drop. Here’s Why.

Disney doesn’t actually own Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea. They’re operated by the Oriental Land Company, which licenses Disney’s characters but makes its own creative choices, including decisions about merchandise.

That freedom has led to a whole different level of product design, heavily influenced by Japan’s kawaii culture. The result? Soft, pastel-toned, incredibly detailed items that feel more like collectibles than souvenirs.

While these products are thoughtfully created with the Japanese audience in mind, reflecting local tastes and cultural preferences, the desire for beautifully made products isn’t unique to Japan.

Fans in the U.S. have also been asking for more thoughtfully designed merchandise, proving that great design and attention to detail clearly transcends borders.

A selection of plush toys fills the room with charm. On the left, two brown animal plushies from Japan sit on a seat, accompanied by a smaller matching keychain. On the right, Disney's yellow and gray bunny plushies, along with their tiny keychain versions, are placed beautifully on another seat. — Credit: Disney

New Disney Characters Arriving at the Disney Store

One of the most prominent differences fans notice is the character selection. Items from Japan often feature characters that don’t get much love in Western parks.

Think Lucifer (Cinderella’s cat), Rex from Toy Story, and Baymax from Big Hero 6. This makes each release feel extra special for collectors who crave something a little off the beaten path.

Now, Disney has officially announced a new drop coming soon. On Monday, April 14, at 8 a.m. PST, a brand-new keychain collection from Disney Store Japan will launch on DisneyStore.com.

This release will feature fan favorites like Marie, Miss Bunny, and Dumbo, each crafted in soft plush fabric, a signature of Japanese quality and charm.

Four adorable plush keychains from Japan rest on a wooden surface, destined for the Disney Store. They feature a blue creature with large ears, a yellow bear in a pink shirt, a pink cat with a golden collar, and a blue elephant wearing a yellow hat perched atop two stacked books. — Credit: Disney

What Could This Mean for Disney Stores in the States?

These kinds of releases have been few and far between in the past, with most fans turning to third-party resellers or overseas travel to get their hands on the goods.

However, with the introduction of the “International Arrivals” section on the Disney Store website, Disney seems to be testing the water, and fans are hopeful this is just the beginning.

For years, fans have pointed out the noticeable gap between Japanese Disney merchandise and what’s typically offered in the U.S.—where there’s limited character variety, questionable design choices, and lower plush quality. This is a sharp contrast to the beautifully crafted, thoughtfully designed items that have come to define Japan’s releases.

So, it’s no surprise that this rare drop is causing a stir. With items that were once only available thousands of miles away now making their way stateside, Disney fans and collectors alike are thrilled to finally get a taste of that signature Tokyo magic, no passport required.

Whether you’re a longtime collector or just discovering the magic of Disney Japan, now’s your chance to snag a little piece of that overseas charm without needing a passport.