Autumn at Tobu Zoo with the animals and JOCHUM’s 11 members

New artwork shows the 11 members spending time with the animals

The newly released key visual shows JOCHUM’s 11 members spending time with animals at the zoo. The illustration combines pastel colours with a background suggesting the zoo grounds, complete with balloons, trees and fences. Panels featuring this original artwork are also planned for display around the zoo.

The animals in the illustration include penguins, seals, rabbits, alpacas, peacocks, red pandas, lions, Shiba Inu dogs, white tigers, cheetahs, leopards, wolves and otters. Each character is paired with a different animal, but no official information has been released about which character is paired with which animal. Rather than trying to identify every pairing, you could simply enjoy taking in all the animals depicted across the illustration.

JOCHUM is a character brand jointly developed by JO1 and Sanrio. Its concept is “Go to the DREAM”: 11 housemates live in a home where “people who live here have their dreams come true,” each pursuing their own dream. Learning about the characters’ backgrounds can make their illustrations alongside the animals feel even more distinctive.

They each have a different dream. Mamechii wants to be a hero, Popo wants an easy life, Yanukami wants to be a splendid guardian deity, and Piihai hopes to become a pilot. RURU dreams of becoming the king of comfort for everyone; Rain wants to surprise people around the world; and Bira wants to become a world-famous artist. Mikun wants to brighten everyone’s spirits through song, Churara dreams of invading the universe, Chimata wants to eat all the sushi in the world, and Moco wants to make everyone around the world happy.

Look out for updates on merchandise and food alongside the exhibition

Three plans have been announced: a panel exhibition featuring newly drawn illustrations, sales of original merchandise and sales of collaboration food. The panels will be displayed around the zoo, but the specific locations have not been provided. Tobu Zoo, the venue, is a leisure complex with both zoo and amusement park areas. You can enjoy the exhibition while also planning how to spend time in each area.

The merchandise lineup and sales methods, as well as details of the collaboration food, will be announced later. If you’re planning your visit around shopping or dining, it may be best to wait until more details are available before making plans. Tobu Zoo is also known for its white tigers, so thinking about the animals featured in the visual is another way to enjoy this particular venue.

The event runs from October 3 to 25. Opening hours vary by day, so check the operating calendar once you’ve chosen your visit date. The information provided does not clarify the event fee or how it relates to admission to the zoo, so be sure to check the fees and ticket information before setting out.