We Checked Out Japan’s Only Squid Game Pop-Up in Tokyo—A Must-Visit for Fans!

Squid Game, meet Harajuku!

Toy Sapiens is located right between Shibuya and Harajuku, around a 10-minute walk from both directions. It has held a variety of pop-up collabs in the past, and now it’s home to the Squid Game 2 Tokyo Pop-Up Store!

Having opened its doors on December 21, 2024, this pop-up will stay open until February 23, 2025. After that, fans can continue shopping for their favorite items at an online store that coincidentally opened on the day we went to visit! The online store will operate until stock runs out.

The pop-up store features designs of the infamous Young-Hee doll and the guards, recognizable to fans of the show, creating an experience that both dedicated viewers and newcomers can take part in. Beyond shopping, the store also offers themed photo spots for guests to explore freely, plus a fun photo booth – making it an interactive pop-up experience.

Special Experiences and Activities Inside the Store

The lineup includes items like figures and plush toys of Squid Game’s most popular characters, with the infamous Young-Hee doll taking a prominent role. The store also sells a variety of thematically designed t-shirts, tote bags, socks and other attire. Additionally, you will find a surprising lineup of useful everyday items like lunch boxes, cutlery sets and drink bottles, as well as notebooks and erasers.

Apart from the broad variety of goods, a themed photospot with two of the dressed guards and a frightening Young-Hee doll in the middle lets visitors take pictures and videos interacting as if they were actually a part of the game!

Exclusive Merchandise: Young-Hee Merch, Japan-Only Items And More

During my visit, staff member Nagami-san (pictured) and marketing manager Taguchi-san guided me through the lineup of items while explaining the store’s concept. I was curious to learn which items have been selling best since opening and how the reception has been among local fans and tourists. Let’s take a look at some of the items available and hear what the friendly staff had to say about them!

Even before you step into the store, it is easy to tell who the star of the show is.

Anyone who has watched the show will remember the giant Young-Hee doll from one of the very first episodes of Season 1. This time, she seems to be running the show once again, with her design featured prominently across much of the lineup.

The conveniently sized Young-Hee key chains have been popular with customers so far, and I can see why. Seeing her in this small format makes her less…frightening than the huge version you see on screen during the “Red Light, Green Light” game. A rather cute accessory to hang on a bag, perhaps?

You’ll also find this mid-sized Young-Hee plushie, which, according to the staff, is especially popular with children. Its neck twists 360 degrees – just like in the show! While I’m not sure if the kids drawn to this feature have actually seen the scene in question, I can see why it’s a favorite.

Black and white drink bottles accented with the bright pink that has become synonymous with Squid Game.

You’ll also find this cute cutlery set, featuring the iconic shapes seen on the guards throughout the games.

The staff shared that some items in the lineup were designed and developed in Japan. Among them is this set of erasers, packaged in a matching metal can. The designs draw inspiration from the first season of the show, featuring prints of its most memorable games, scenes, and characters.

These eraser cases come in 10 different designs, but which one you’ll get is a surprise since all the packages look the same. Much like Japan’s popular capsule toys , you won’t know which design you have until after you buy it! Honestly, that might be for the best – all the designs are really cool, and I wouldn’t know which one to pick if I had the choice.

The Surprising Bestseller

I asked the staff which items have been selling the most since the pop-up store opened. Without hesitation, staff member Nagami-san grabbed a box from the Cosbi collection.

Nagami-san explained, “The Cosbi series is the clear favorite. Our store is a flagship store of figure maker Hot Toys. The Cosbi is a popular mini-figure series of Hot Toys, and they’ve created Squid Game-themed ones as the newest. We have eight different figures, and which one you get will be a surprise. We sell around 150 of these on weekdays, and more than 400 on weekends. Since you won’t know which character you’ve got until you open the package, it’s hard to pinpoint a clear favorite among customers. But our impression is that many visitors are hoping for one of the guard figures and will buy a couple of boxes until they get one.”

I can see why the guards are the favorites – they make for pretty cool decorations. My personal favorite, however, has to be the transparent Piggy Bank figure on the far right, complete with little bundles of money inside! So cute.

Squid Game-Inspired Apparel

Want to truly immerse yourself in the Squid Game universe? Check out all the Squid Game-themed apparel! “Our t-shirts are designed by our in-house staff, and they’re exclusive to our store at present,” Taguchi-san shared while showing us around.

Some of my favorites were these two shirts featuring prints of Young-Hee and the attire of Player 456, both in the bright pink and green that have become the signature colors of the show.

I also really liked these prints of game scenes from the show. Slightly terrifying, but pretty cool!

Snap The Picture Of A Lifetime

After you’ve enjoyed all the time-limited items and maybe added a few to your shopping basket, be sure to stop by the massive photo wall before you head out! The Toy Sapiens team has gone all out, creating a realistic and immersive space for guests to enjoy. Since opening, many visitors have had fun interacting with the majestic, life-sized Young-Hee replica and guard props, with some even coming to the store dressed as players from the games! Talk about dedication! The staff mentioned that both children and adult fans have been having a blast with the interactive decor.

Did you say Korean photobooth?! With so much to see and do, we almost missed this on our way out, but the team has set up an exclusive photobooth with Squid Game-themed designs. While you can find these “purikura”-style booths at almost every game center in Japan, this one is specially designed for Squid Game fans, complete with countdowns in Korean and filters offering typical K-Beauty makeup looks. For 1,000 yen, you get two prints of the same set of pictures – perfect for sharing if you’re visiting with a friend or loved one.

Although the pop-up event ends on February 23, some items may still be available for purchase in-store afterward, depending on stock. Additionally, a selection of items can be ordered through the online store.

Toy Sapiens: A Haven for Western Pop Culture Fans

(Image: Toy Sapiens)

Toy Sapiens is a unique store that caters to fans of Western pop culture. It features a diverse lineup of items from iconic franchises such as Star Wars, Marvel, DC, as well as horror-themed collectibles, Disney merchandise, and popular Western cartoons like Snoopy, among others.

(Image: Toy Sapiens)

Whether you’re a fan of superheroes, classic cartoons, or thrilling horror franchises, Toy Sapiens offers a wide selection of memorabilia to explore and enjoy. If you’re a pop culture enthusiast, this is a must-visit destination to find your favorite items and more!

*This article was published in February, 2025. Please check the official website for the latest updates.

Written by:

LIVE JAPAN’s editorial team

LIVE JAPAN’s editorial team is a multicultural mix of native editors who have lived in Japan for over five years, alongside Japanese editors with a deep passion for travel. We’re devoted to sharing the wonders of Japan. From cultural insights and history to events, practical travel tips and coupons, we’re here to help make your journey unforgettable!