Rains fail to deter Chiikawa fans and big spenders after roundabout cancellation

The return of an exhibition featuring popular Japanese manga series Chiikawa to Hong Kong drew crowds and big spenders on a rainy Sunday afternoon, even though the organiser cancelled a much-anticipated roundabout due to safety reasons.

While some fans expressed disappointment over the halted rides at the K11 Musea promenade on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, others welcomed the alternative arrangement, which allowed them to take photos with several characters on the stationary roundabout.

Some spent thousands of Hong Kong dollars on merchandise.

“It is a bit disappointing, as my son was looking forward to hopping on the roundabout,” said Joey Chan, a corporate secretary in her thirties. She was visiting with her son and her husband, who is also a corporate secretary.

The show, Chiikawa Artiverse, organised by local design studio, AllRightsReserved, is in its second year and will run until September 6.