Everybody knows that Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort go all out during the Halloween season. Even if you aren’t visiting Halloween Horror Nights (HHN), take a daytime walk around the theme park and you’ll find some scary-good HHN props, decorations and merchandise that are sure to put you in the spooky spirit. This year, you’ll also encounter something cute and fuzzy among the gore and blood. Introducing: your extremely adorable (but terrifying) new friend, HamiKuma!
Capable of inspiring both fear and joy in the hearts of his fans, HamiKuma is a creepy/cute bear who met a tragic fate. Though doomed to roam the earth with his guts spilling out of his fur, HamiKuma is here to do what he loves best: entertain. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the Universal Studios Japan icon.
Who (and What) Is HamiKuma?
HamiKuma is a fan favorite that originated at Universal Studios Japan. In Japanese, HamiKuma’s name translates literally to “protruding bear.” Though he’s designed to fit the “kowa-kawa” style — a popular Japanese style that means “scary cute” — HamiKuma was not always so creepy. The story goes like this: When he was alive, HamiKuma was a sideshow act in a traveling circus, who attracted massive crowds wherever he went. He was that cute. The other performers in the circus became consumed by jealousy at the attention HamiKuma received, and decided he couldn’t possibly be a real bear. One night, they trapped HamiKuma in the big top and slashed his belly open to try to reveal his true identity — but no one was inside. To cover their tracks, the performers burned down the big top and HamiKuma lost his life.
But that wasn’t the end for HamiKuma. Far from it! In the afterlife, the demon Death Bringer worked its way into HamiKuma’s open belly, granting the bear eternal life and the ability to continue performing. However, as HamiKuma was ripped back into our world this left his guts, as well as other mysteries, just waiting to spill out. To get the full scoop on HamiKuma’s origin story, check out the video from Universal Studios Japan above.
Originating from Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Japan, HamiKuma debuted in the Gothic Killer Cuties scare zone in 2021. His weird and lovable appearance instantly endeared him to fans — so much so that he received his own show, HamiKuma Psycho Circus, the following HHN.
This year, he makes his international debut, along with merchandise, a HamiKuma-themed sweet treat and much more, at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort.
Meet HamiKuma at Universal Studios Hollywood
Have you always dreamt of meeting a possessed circus bear with protruding guts? Well, I’m sure you’ll be dreaming of it now!
Exclusive to the West Coast, HamiKuma is now appearing at Universal Studios Hollywood on Halloween Horror Nights event dates — during the daytime and during the evening event. Hop in line in front of the Animation Studio Store and take a picture with this “scary cute” bear to put a big smile on your face! For more info, check out the Universal Studios Hollywood app. And read here to get the full scoop on what to see at HHN 2025.
Take a Bite Out of HamiKuma at Universal Studios Hollywood
If you’re visiting Universal Studios Hollywood, the fun doesn’t stop at the meet-and-greet. Make sure you grab a sweet treat inspired by the tasty teddy bear at the nearest food cart.
The HamiKuma Dessert is basically all the delicious insides of HamiKuma in one tasty treat. This sweet surprise is made of layers of chocolate cake, chocolate buttercream, raspberry jam and assorted candies and sprinkles, donned with an edible HamiKuma topper. The HamiKuma Dessert is available at the Plaza Cart, right outside Universal Plaza and across from the meet-and-greet.
New HamiKuma Merch at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort
So you’ve grown emotionally attached to this creepy cutie? Join the club. If you’re visiting Universal Orlando Resort, you’re going to want to hit Five & Dime for exclusive HamiKuma merch. And if you’re at Universal Studios Hollywood, run to the Animation Studio Store to buy your HamiKuma essentials.
So what can you find inside HamiKuma? Although the bear is full of mysteries, one thing is certain: if you purchase the HamiKuma Popcorn Bucket, you’ll find delicious, buttery goodness.
In Florida and California, the fall means a slightly cool breeze during the evenings. Ditch the light jacket and treat yourself to a cute HamiKuma Spirit Jersey instead.
Looking to complete your theme park outfit? There’s nothing better than a HamiKuma Headband, I always say (yes, I do always say that). Other items you can get your hands on include a keychain, t-shirt and more.
For those wanting to virtually visit Universal Studios Japan and celebrate HamiKuma, fans can join the Universal Studios Japan Halloween Horror Nights Hunt and play an all-new mini-game of hide and seek throughout a realistically recreated park featuring HamiKuma.
And make sure to stay tuned for more. You never know when (or where) HamiKuma will appear next.
Are you excited to get your hands on HamiKuma food and merch? Let us know in the comments below!
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