Following the thrilling showdown between Arsenal and Tottenham at Kai Tak Sports Park, the highly popular Japanese anime Chiikawa exhibition grandly opened in Tsim Sha Tsui yesterday (Aug 1), with its run extended to Aug 31. Throughout the month, a variety of other events will continue to entertain tourists.
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Rosanna Law, stated that Hong Kong has already welcomed over 24 million visitors in the first half of this year. Major events and IP-themed activities have driven growth in tourism, catering, and retail sectors. She emphasized that the government will continue to organize a series of exciting events, deeply integrating sports, culture, and tourism to attract global travelers. Some mainland tourists shared that they had participated in multiple events during their stay, noting Hong Kong's geographical advantages as a key attraction for mainland visitors.
"CHIIKAWA DAYS" exhibition opens
The large-scale Chiikawa exhibition, "CHIIKAWA DAYS," officially opened yesterday at K11 MUSEA in Tsim Sha Tsui, drawing a massive crowd of fans. The exhibition is co-organized for the first time by the creative brand AllRightsReserved (ARR) and Chiikawa's official licensing partner, Spiralcute International. Originally scheduled to run from the 1st to the 24th of this month, the exhibition has been extended by a week due to overwhelming popularity, now closing on Aug 31.
Rosanna Law: Events boost tourism economy
At the Chiikawa exhibition opening, Law remarked that this event is one of the most anticipated IP-themed spectacles of the summer. She noted that IPs have sparked a global trend in recent years, with related activities significantly boosting tourism and the economy. For example, the recently concluded Animation-Comic-Game Hong Kong (ACGHK) attracted huge crowds, with visitors queuing enthusiastically even during black rainstorm warnings. Additionally, the Hong Kong Football Festival 2025 not only generated ticket revenue but also stimulated business for jerseys, creative merchandise, F&B, retail, and transportation.
With over 24 million visitors in the first half of 2024 (a double-digit increase), Hong Kong's appeal as an international cultural and tourism hub remains strong.
Law emphasized that IP-driven creative industries are thriving in Hong Kong, attracting both locals and global tourists who eagerly take photos with beloved cartoon characters, anime figures, and sports posters, and enthusiastically purchase related merchandise. To enhance this trend, the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau will strengthen collaboration with the industry to introduce more IP-themed mega-events, offering fresh and diverse experiences for both residents and visitors.
Tourists share feelings
Ms. Bai, a visitor from Shenzhen, came to Hong Kong with her family to see the Chiikawa exhibition and also took her younger brother—visiting for the first time—to explore Tsim Sha Tsui's museums (Art Museum, Space Museum, and Science Museum). She mentioned the theme decorations at East Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station, where ticket gates played original character voice clips from Chiikawa, amusing many passengers who filmed the experience.
She added that if her favorite singers hold concerts in Hong Kong, she would return. However, having tried purchasing tickets for Terence Lam's upcoming concert, she found the ticketing website difficult to navigate as a mainland user, hoping for more user-friendly platforms in the future.
Ms. Wu from Fujian traveled with two friends for a 4-day trip, primarily for business but specifically scheduled time to visit the Chiikawa exhibition, where she bought plush toys worth over HK$100.
Upcoming events in Hong Kong
- Saudi Super Cup (August 19–23): First-ever Hong Kong edition, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr and three other top teams at Hong Kong Stadium.
- Concerts: G-Dragon (K-pop), Terence Lam, and G.E.M. will perform at AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong Coliseum, and Kai Tak Sports Park, respectively.
- "Endless Exploration: The Journey of Chinese Aerospace, Aviation and Navigation" exhibition at the Hong Kong Science Museum
Combined with Hong Kong's nature trails and culinary scene, these events ensure tourists enjoy a diverse and unforgettable experience during their stay.
(Source: Wen Wei Po; Journalist: Tang Wen; English Editor: Darius)
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