Illustrator Nagano's creation, Chiikawa, has taken the world by storm. After its anime debut, its unique style captivated audiences, leading to an endless stream of merchandise and solidifying its status as a top fandom icon.
But recently, a Japanese X user traveling in Egypt found themselves in a peculiar situation. Every time they pulled out their VISA credit card featuring the popular illustrated character "Chiikawa," local shop staff would react with a bewildered "Huh?" This bizarre encounter quickly went viral on X.
The original poster shared that many attractions in Egypt accepted VISA contactless payments. The only VISA card they had on hand, however, was their "Chiikawa Weeding Exam Grade 1 Certified Card." Each time they presented it, the staff's "Huh?" expression left them both amused and a little flustered.
This particular EPOS Card is a credit card operated by Japan's Marui Department Store. They previously collaborated with Chiikawa to release four different co-branded designs. Since EPOS Cards have no enrollment or annual fees and come with no strict conditions, their convenience makes them a popular choice, even among foreign residents in Japan.
Many Japanese netizens chimed in, noting that co-branded anime IP credit cards often lead to similar misunderstandings overseas. Since local staff might not recognize the characters, they sometimes mistake the card for a fake. While unintentional, this often results in a "Are you serious right now?" kind of reaction.
Still, other users found the whole idea quite entertaining, saying they'd be curious to see the reactions if they used their Chiikawa co-branded card abroad.
It's not just credit cards, either! One netizen shared that when they used a "Chiikawa" eco-bag overseas, subway passengers stared at them with "What is that thing?" expressions. Another reported that at the Paris airport, their MacBook, plastered with Chiikawa stickers, was even questioned as to whether it was actually a laptop...
For someone living in Japan, where "adults carrying character merchandise is totally normal," this kind of behavior can seem "unfathomable" in many other countries. This is likely due to anime culture not being as widespread globally.
While character-focused fandom activities are becoming more common, these kinds of encounters might become rarer in the future. Still, it's a good reminder to consider local cultural norms when using such items overseas, as some countries might not be as receptive to these designs.
Nevertheless, the X user's experience was certainly amusing, seeing foreigners react to these characters with a genuine "Huh?" – just like Usagi!