At Wally Run, you can finally become the striped-shirt-wearing hero we all adore.
Waldo (known as Wally outside the U.S.) is as famous in Japan for getting lost as he is everywhere else in the world. He’s inspired Ghibli fan theories, Pokémon searches, and now an entire day of scavenger hunting bliss in Japan.
Wally Run, which will be held in Osaka and Aichi Prefectures this November, doesn’t involve any running at all, unless you count running around trying to find awesome things. Participants get an official Waldo hat, glasses, and striped shirt, then spend the day basically walking around inside one of a Where’s Waldo book.
▼ The outfit, so that participants can truly feel what it’s like to be Waldo.
▼ The parks where Waldo Run is being held will be loaded with things to find,
and those who find everything can get special prizes.
▼ Looks like someone found the camera!
▼ That key seems just a little too big.
▼ Wally Run – fun for families to enjoy a day together…
▼ …and for any single ladies looking to
get closer to the eligible bachelor himself.
▼ Can you find the real Waldo?
▼ Here’s a video of what the event will be like in all of its striped shirt glory.
If you’re interested in joining Wally Run in either Osaka’s Hirakata Park or Aichi’s Monkey Park, then be sure to sign up at the official site. It costs 6,800 yen (US$66) for adults and 3,800 ($37) for children, but that includes the swanky Waldo clothes that you’ll be able to cosplay with for the rest of your life. Just think of it as an investment in your future as an international spy/peppermint salesperson.
Where’s Wally? In Japan, you’ll find him on Heinz ketchup bottles!
Tokyo sweets store has a “350% Pudding Soft Serve”, and people are going wild for it
Studio Ghibli adds new Jiji’s baby plush toy to its anime merchandise range in Japan
Beautiful off-the-beaten-path spot near samurai castle in rural Japan looks like a Monet painting
The Japanese city where ordering grilled chicken doesn’t guarantee you’ll actually get chicken
Japanese figure skating star Yuzuru Hanyu and Winne-the-Pooh announce crossover merch line [Pics]
Shinto shrine in downtown Tokyo announces cosplay ban
Wagyu ramen for foreign tourists appears in Kabukicho, with a very high price tag
Hello Kitty x Godzilla Happy Meals are coming to McDonald’s, but not in Japan [Video]
This beautiful Okinawa beach gives you the best of both worlds when visiting the prefecture [Pics]
McDonald’s Japan’s new Chiikawa Happy Meal figures are here![Photos]
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Anime fan in Japan arrested for ordering and cancelling over 4.3 billion yen in anime merch
Starbucks Japan teams up with Traveler’s Company for new stationery and goods collection
Japan’s new beer glass is designed to force you to drink…water [Video]
Beautiful Totoro bonsai figure needs no watering, makes soothing rain showers whenever you want
End of a manga era as Weekly Shonen Jump’s circulation drops under one million
This beautiful rural Japan river is a great alternative to touristy summer retreats [Photos]
Studio Ghibli releases new Kiki’s Delivery Service Jiji music box for anime fans
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】