Since 2021, the idols of STARTO ENTERTAINMENT have brought me nothing but joy and inspiration. From the sparkling sugar-pop of Naniwa Danshi, to the hard-hitting playfulness of SixTONES (and who could forget the comedic stylings of WEST.), their music has become one of my greatest creative fuels — the soundtrack that powers so much of the world-building and writing that has gone into My Dead Boyfriend and My Super Fiancé.

So naturally, anytime I’m in Japan, I have to make a pilgrimage to the FAMILY CLUB.STORE in Shibuya. It’s tradition.

Just a few blocks away from the chaos of the Scramble, it’s a two-floor temple of STARTO glory — not only celebrating the debuted groups, but also giving love to the juniors. In other words, there’s something for everyone and It’s pure STARTO-wota heaven!

This trip was all about Travis Japan.

In celebration of their third anniversary / studio album ’s travelers, and their 4th national tour as a debut unit, STARTO rolled out some dangerously collectible merch — and the first floor was absolutely teeming with it! Standees. Hangers. Photocards (so. many. photocards). And then… the there were the plushies.

Seven adorable mini members – one for each unique tiger.

Originally, the plan was just to purchase Umi, Machu, and Chaka — because I adore Triple Kaito. But the moment I saw them all together, something in my brain went full Pokémon logic.

I had to catch ’em all. So, I did.

Now, the standees were also dangerously cute, but I know myself. If I start collecting those, I won’t stop — and then I’d feel obligated to track down every version of every member from the moment the group was formed – which was almost 15 years ago now…. My wallet simply could not survive that. So I stayed strong (almost, but you’ll have to wait until the TJ concert review for that one).

However, I did allow myself one (1) purchase of the Mitchy acrylic accessory box, because Mitchy is the one who introduced me to STARTO in the first place through My Love Mix-Up. It’s not a purchase, it’s a thank you. 

I also grabbed some Naniwa Danshi Family Store Cards, since they’re the story ambassadors this year (I did the same with WEST. in 2025).

And since 2026 is a milestone year for SixTONES, I picked up some of their 6th anniversary goods as well — along with their MileSixTONES album, which I pre-ordered through Tower Records (because it’s also my happy place, and I love the external extras that come along with the record.

The second floor of the FAMILY CLUB.STORE is 100% photocards, which, at this point,  are basically fandom currency. Of course I picked up all seven of TJ’s Season’s Greetings series, plus a handful of off-shots from the ’s travelers tour book. I also found a gorgeous shot of Kenty behind a microphone, and some adorable images of Shintaro Morimoto (my overall oshi) and Genta that I simply could not leave behind.

Now… I’ve been pretty frugal this year at a few of the other stores I visited, including (shockingly) the Sailor Moon Store. But I wasn’t about to be frugal at the Family Club.

I’ve gotta support my boys — and honestly, the products are exquisitely made, ridiculously cute, and also, as a collector, I know that if I don’t get them now, I’ll just end up paying more for them later on… so, why not? Pulse, even though the store does offer online orders now, there is something incredibly fun about being there, mixed in with the other fans, and seeing which one of the groups (or boys) they support. 

It’s all part of the fun – which is exactly what STARTO ENTERTAINMENT is all about. Right?

There will be more from my 2026 journey in Japan soon, so…

Stay Tuned!