One of Japan's most iconic pop-culture creations is marking a major milestone in Tokyo this year. To celebrate three decades since its debut, the 30th Anniversary Tamagotchi Exhibition will be held at the Roppongi Museum from January 7th to February 2nd, 2026, inviting visitors to revisit and rethink the tiny digital creature that once ruled keychains around the world.
First released by Bandai in 1996, Tamagotchi quickly became a social phenomenon, particularly among Japanese teenagers, before spreading internationally. Over the past 30 years, the digital pet has continued to evolve alongside technology, with new models introducing infrared communication, color LCD screens, touch panels, and most recently Wi-Fi connectivity. Today, Tamagotchi is sold in more than 50 regions worldwide, with cumulative shipments surpassing 100 million units as of mid-2025.
Rather than functioning as a simple retrospective, the exhibition is designed as an immersive experience that places visitors "inside" the Tamagotchi world. Through interactive displays, the exhibition explores Tamagotchi not just as a character or toy, but as a strange, dependent lifeform that demanded constant care and attention from its owners. The aim is to reflect on why so many people felt emotionally tied to a creature living behind a small LCD screen.
Exclusive exhibition-only merchandise will also be available, including a limited-edition Original Tamagotchi created in collaboration with creative director Mitsuhiro Higuchi, alongside commemorative items celebrating the 30th anniversary.
If you miss the Tokyo exhibition dates, the exhibition will continue its journey across Japan, with confirmed stops in Nagoya, Mito, and Osaka later in 2026.
