Hamikuma Confirmed for Universal’s HHN in U.S. Popcorn Buckets and Merch Announced. What began as speculation and a hunch has now been officially confirmed: Hamikuma, the “scary-cute” zombie teddy bear from Universal Studios Japan’s Halloween Horror Nights, is making its long-awaited debut in the United States. Following our initial report questioning the character’s potential arrival, Universal has announced that Hamikuma will be a part of the Halloween Horror Nights 2025 season at Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Universal Studios Beijing.
For years, rumors have swirled among fans that the beloved but terrifying bear might one day make its way to the U.S. parks. Our article, “Could Hamikuma be Coming to Universal Orlando’s HHN 2025?”, pointed to several clues, including the filing of five patents by Universal City Studios LLC for Hamikuma-related products in the United States on January 15, 2025. Now, Universal has confirmed our suspicions, stating that Hamikuma will expand internationally in early September with a new merchandise collection.
Universal has posted:
What began as an original character developed for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Japan, HamiKuma has quickly turned into a staple of the event since its 2021 debut. Over the past four years, HamiKuma has grown from a single character to a social media icon and is known for his unique blend of cuteness and grotesque horror—a style popular in Japan called kowa-kawa, meaning “scary cute”.
Next month, in early September, the character will expand internationally, making his debut at Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Beijing via new merchandise collections, including a popcorn bucket featuring adorably creepy phrases, plush headwear and much more. Stay tuned for more details regarding HamiKuma coming stateside, you never know where he’ll pop up…
Hamikuma, a portmanteau of the Japanese words “hami” (sticking out or protruding) and “kuma” (bear), was first introduced in 2021 at Universal Studios Japan for the “Gothic Killer Cuties” scare zone. The character’s unique blend of adorable charm and grotesque horror, a style known in Japan as kowa-kawa, quickly made it a fan favorite and a social media icon.
The centerpiece of the new merchandise collection coming stateside is a highly anticipated popcorn bucket. Fans in Japan have been clamoring for their own Hamikuma popcorn bucket, and now guests at the U.S. parks will have their chance. This unique item is described as featuring “adorably creepy phrases” and promises to be a must-have collectible for any Halloween Horror Nights enthusiast. The international launch will also include plush headwear and more, all bringing the distinct kowa-kawa aesthetic to a new audience.
While the confirmation focuses on merchandise, Universal’s announcement teasing that “you never know where he’ll pop up…” has left fans buzzing with the possibility of Hamikuma making an appearance in other ways. Whether this means a Hamikuma dance party, a meet-and-greet, or something more sinister within the event remains to be seen. But one thing is for certain: the wait is over. Hamikuma has arrived.
Hamikuma Confirmed for Universal’s HHN in U.S. Popcorn Buckets and Merch Announced
