So we headed out to check out the Square Enix pop-up shop in Little Tokyo this weekend, but first things first – had to fuel up! We swung by Hachioji Craft Ramen because, let’s be real, you can’t do proper shopping on an empty stomach. Plus, it’s one of our go-to spots when we’re in the area. This time I switched it up and went with their Hachioji Bun Burgers and gyoza instead of my usual ramen – sometimes you just need something different, you know?
Bellies happy, we made our way over to Little Tokyo Mall where the pop-up is set up. Honestly? There was already a decent line forming, but it moved way faster than expected – maybe 15 minutes tops. The vibe was pretty chill too, everyone seemed genuinely excited to be there.
Walking in was like stepping into a collector’s dream. They had everything spread out beautifully – from those crazy detailed Final Fantasy statues with some serious price tags, to the cutest little plushies that you just want to squeeze. What really got me was seeing stuff from Final Fantasy Tactics right next to the newest FFXVI merchandise, plus they had Dragon Quest and NieR:Automata items too. It’s wild how they manage to keep both the nostalgia and the fresh releases flowing.
Sure, you can browse most of this stuff online at the Square Enix store, but there’s something different about seeing it all in person. The craftsmanship on some of these pieces is insane – details you’d totally miss in photos. And the staff? Super laid back. No hovering, no pressure, just let you wander around and take it all in. They even let us snap photos, which was awesome.
Whether you’re a hardcore collector or just someone who appreciates good design and craftsmanship, this pop-up is definitely worth the trip. Even if you’re just window shopping (no judgment here), it’s cool to see all this stuff up close. Don’t worry, there’s much more to see than in these photos, so enjoy yourself if you can make it there.
Just don’t wait too long – they’re wrapping up on September 7th, 2025. So if you’re thinking about it, now’s the time!