Idol group =LOVE members Takamatsu Hitomi and Takikawa Shōko appeared in Tokyo on July 29 to promote a Zootopia anniversary lottery [1, 2].

The appearance signals a strategic alignment between the group's upcoming milestone and the 10th anniversary of the Happyくじ “Zootopia” product line [1, 2].

Takamatsu Hitomi [1] and Takikawa Shōko [1], both 25 years old [1], are known collectively by the nickname “しょこみん” [1, 2]. During the event, the pair wore yukata designed in colors matching the characters Nick and Judy from the Zootopia franchise [1, 2].

The promotional event precedes the official release of the lottery products, which are scheduled to go on sale on Aug. 1, 2026 [1, 2]. This launch celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Zootopia-themed lottery [1].

Beyond the product promotion, the members used the platform to discuss the future of their own group. They said that all 10 members of =LOVE [2] will become “buddies” as they approach their own 10th anniversary next year [2].

The pair represented the group in the Tokyo venue, emphasizing the theme of partnership, and friendship mirrored in the Zootopia franchise [1, 2].

“All ten members of =LOVE will become “buddies.””

By linking their image to the 10th anniversary of a major franchise like Zootopia, =LOVE is building momentum for its own decade-long milestone in 2027. The use of 'buddies'—a central theme of the film—serves as a public commitment to group unity and cohesion heading into their anniversary year.