South Korea's national museums saw merchandise sales exceed 20 billion won ($13 million) in the first half of 2024, a 90% increase from the previous year. Driven by K-culture popularity and increased visitor numbers, the brand Mu:ds is expanding its product line and overseas market entry.
Kumamoto Prefecture announced that sales of merchandise featuring its character Kumamon reached ¥150.26 billion in 2025. This marks the eighth consecutive year sales have exceeded ¥150 billion, with cumulative sales since 2011 surpassing ¥1.77 trillion. Sales decreased for the second consecutive year from the record high in 2023.
Kumamon, Kumamoto Prefecture's PR character, celebrates 16 years with strong merchandise sales. 2025 sales projected at ¥150.3 billion, with cumulative sales reaching ¥1.77 trillion since 2011. Despite a slight decrease from last year, officials cite sustained popularity both domestically and internationally, with significant export growth in Taiwan.
