Live-Action Romance Sim Sweet Hamster Days to Launch on Steam in July 2026; A Unique Collaboration Featuring Popular Japanese Idols

The game will also take part in the Steam Next Fest starting from June 15h! Its star-studded cast has Sayaka Tomaru as the eldest sister, Momoha Takatsuru as the second sister, and Shiori Ikemoto as the youngest. In this brand-new type of experience, you'll get to be a pet hamster pampered by three beautiful sisters. But which one will become your favorite?

Kodansha Ltd. is proud to announce that in collaboration with Kodansha Game Lab and the weekly photo magazine FRIDAY, the live-action romance simulation game Sweet Hamster Days will be released on Steam in July 2026.

Ahead of the full release, the title will also participate in the Steam Next Fest starting June 16th, 2026.

https://youtu.be/wo4qlL-LvNs

■ A Live-Action Game Where You Are Being Pampered as a Pet Hamster！

In this live-action romance sim, the protagonist is reincarnated as a hamster and gets cared for by three beautiful sisters who happen to be his childhood friends. The game offers the innovative experience of being pampered as a pet with the immersive realism that only live-action video can provide.

The heroines are played by Sayaka Tomaru, Momoha Takatsuru, and Shiori Ikemoto, three popular idols who have been at the forefront of Japan's "kawaii" culture. Players will experience an exciting hamster life under the same roof as those three, interacting with the sisters from inside a cage or right from the palms of their hands.

■ Overcoming Adversities and Finally Launching with the Whole World's Eyes on the Game!

When first announced last year, the game's eccentric concept immediately captured international attention. It was featured in media outlets across more than 10 countries, including Dexerto, one of the world's largest gaming and esports platforms. It quickly started being described as a "crazy Japanese live-action game."

https://x.com/Dexerto/status/1953090413654360542

https://x.com/Pirat_Nation/status/1952829464318034185

This title represents the latest evolution in the live-action romance genre, blending traditional Japanese dating sims with modern "kawaii" culture. Despite a brief hiccup where the store page was temporarily removed, development is back on track for a successful launch.

■ Steam Next Fest Participation Confirmed for June 2026

Leading up to the July release, Sweet Hamster Days will participate in Steam Next Fest, a limited-time event held on the Steam store from June 15th to June 22nd (PT). During this period, a playable demo will be available for fans to get an early taste of the game. Detailed schedules and stream content will be announced sequentially via our official accounts (X, etc.)

THE TEAM BEHIND THE GAME
This project is brought to you by a one-of-a-kind collaboration: the "FRIDAY" magazine by Kodansha's, Japan's most famous publisher, and Kodansha Game Creators Lab.
The beautiful (and titillating) word of FRIDAY leaps off the printed page and into stunning 4K live-action video.
The lead writer is Ken Shimomura, the pen behind hits like Chain Chronicle and Onmyoji.
Enjoy this sweet story with a surprising touch of mystery!

THE CAST
Sayaka Tomaru: Born 1996, Gunma Prefecture. She's one of Japan's top gravure idols, and she celebrated 10 years in this industry in 2024. She's active in TV dramas, movies, and variety shows as well. Her hobby is going to the sauna.

X:https://x.com/tmr_syk_
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmrsyk
TikTok: https://www.TikTok.com/@tmrsyk

Momoha Takatsuru: Born 2003, Hokkaido. She started ballet at age 2 and eventually studied abroad in Switzerland and Belgium. She debuted in entertainment after appearing on a reality dating show in 2022. Her hobby is playing the violin.

X:https://x.com/sweets_suki3
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momoha2003523
TikTok: https://www.TikTok.com/@sweets_suki3

Shiori Ikemoto: Born 2002, Hyogo. She was a finalist in the 2020 edition of Seikore, a gateway contest for actresses and talents. She's currently a member of the idol group "Teratera." Her hobby is playing the saxophone.

X: https://x.com/teratera_shiori
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiori_ikemoto/
TikTok:https://www.TikTok.com/@teratera_shiori

[Product Information]
Title: Sweet Hamster Days
Platforms: Steam, Epic Games Store, DLsite
Steam Store Page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/4390720/
Supported Languages: Japanese, English, Chinese (Simplified & Traditional)
Genre: Live-Action Dating Simulation Game
Release Date: July 2026
Price: TBA
Players: 1 Player
Developer: Kodansha Ltd.
Publisher: Kodansha Ltd.
Production Cooperation: Tales & Co., Ltd. / Qualia Writers Inc. / Production Exabilities, Inc.
Copyright: ©Kodansha Ltd.