Discover the Adorable World of NejiMaru at SMALL WORLDS TOKYO Event

A Fascinating Miniature World at SMALL WORLDS TOKYO

From March 2nd to March 27th, 2026, SMALL WORLDS TOKYO is welcoming visitors to a special exhibit titled ‘Neji no Doubutsu #NejiMaru’. This enchanting showcase features adorable metallic creatures, masterfully crafted by the talented Tepuji Hatanos from Hatanos Factory in Ota, Tokyo. Positioned within Asia's largest miniature museum, spanning 7,000 square meters, the exhibition invites a blend of creativity and whimsy.

Meet Tepuji Hatanos!

During the initial two days of the event, visitors will have the opportunity to meet the creator Tepuji Hatanos. He will be present at various locations within the museum including the 3rd Floor Workshop, 2nd Floor Cafe, or the 1st Floor Shop on March 2nd and March 7th in the afternoon. This is a perfect chance to ask questions regarding the making of NejiMaru and discover more about its creative narrative.

Experience the NejiMaru Exhibition

The exhibit promises an engaging experience where attendees can marvel at the NejiMaru characters that almost appear alive, captivating both children and adults alike. The spacious layout allows for particularly unusual animals to emerge, sparking unexpected delights around every corner of the museum. What’s surprising about these creations is how cold metal screws transform into endearing creatures, merging craftsmanship with playful spirit. Expect to share some joyful moments and smile as you engage with these unique pieces.

Exclusive Merchandise

In the 1st Floor Shop, attendees can browse unique merchandise inspired by NejiMaru, featuring a range of animals including dogs, cats, giraffes, crabs, and even monsters. Handcrafted treasures like these are one-of-a-kind and make exceptional collector's items.

Special Event Menu

Don't forget to stop by the 2nd Floor Museum Cafe to taste limited-edition treats specially designed for this event!

NejiMaru Scavenger Hunt

Join in on the fun with a scavenger hunt looking for NejiMaru characters within the exhibit area, free of charge! Once you find them all, head over to the lottery venue for a delightful prize. The grand prize includes a figure of yourself in the same size as the original characters, along with exclusive event cards as guaranteed rewards.

NejiMaru Workshop Experience

For an interactive experience, participate in the NejiMaru workshop where you can assemble miniature materials, paint them using acrylic paints and create your own NejiMaru home. This workshop is priced at 2,500 JPY (tax included).

What is NejiMaru?

About the Artwork

NejiMaru, the beloved creation, comes from the innovative mind of Tepuji Hatanos. Inspired by screws found in his factory, his customized miniature characters of dogs and cats characterize adorable personalities through his welding techniques, giving life and expression to metal screws. It has steadily cultivated a fanbase through events nationwide, online sales, and social media engagement.

The Story Behind NejiMaru

Ever misplaced a screw? Perhaps it wandered away for a leisurely stroll. With tiny feet and ears, these spirited NejiMaru creatures are on their way to find unseen friends and craft alongside creative souls each day.

Making Video

For a closer look at the making of NejiMaru, check out the making video here.

SMALL WORLDS TOKYO Overview

Positioned in Ariake, Tokyo, SMALL WORLDS TOKYO is renowned as Asia's largest miniature museum. It features eight meticulously recreated areas, including themes like the Space Center and Evangelion. The museum showcases a wide array of moving miniatures while fans can admire the works of leading miniature artists in its creator's gallery. Visitors can also enjoy creating custom 3D figures of themselves, with the museum reopening in March 2023 to continue the experience of discovering and sharing the joy of miniature worlds.

Operating Hours: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Last entry at 6:00 PM)
Admission Fee (tax included): Adults (18+) 3,200 JPY / Youth (12-17) 2,100 JPY / Children (4-11) 1,700 JPY / Free for children under 3.

For further details, you can visit the official website or follow them on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok.