The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Kumamon is a limited special edition of the Instax Mini 12 instant camera. It was introduced in March 2025. The list price at launch in Japan was 16,280 yen (around 100 euros).
This edition is a standard white Instax Mini 12 camera. It comes with a yellow silicone case featuring a Kumamon design. A matching camera strap and Kumamon stickers are also included.
Background to the Kumamon Character
Kumamon is much more than just a cute little bear. He is the official mascot of Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan and was created in 2010 to boost tourism following the opening of the Kyushu Shinkansen high-speed train line. With his distinctive appearance – black fur, rosy cheeks, and an often surprised expression – Kumamon quickly captured hearts in Japan and around the world.
This limited edition was introduced to mark the 15th anniversary.
Features of the Instax Mini 12 Kumamon
The Instax Mini 12 Kumamon features a built-in lens with a practical focal length of 60 mm and a maximum aperture of f/12.7. The focus is fixed, simplifying operation – manual focusing is not necessary. Subjects are captured sharply from a distance of just 30 cm, and a special close-up mode is available. A small selfie mirror is also integrated directly next to the lens for successful self-portraits.
The Instax Mini 12 Kumamon automatically adjusts exposure to the lighting conditions. Shutter speeds range from 1/250 of a second to half a second. In low ambient light, the built-in flash activates automatically. With a film speed of ISO 800, this has a range of up to 2.2 meters. Important: The flash fires with every shot and cannot be turned off manually.
Even though it lacks extras such as a self-timer or a tripod thread, the Instax Mini 12 Kumamon is characterized by its uncomplicated handling. It is perfect for capturing spontaneous moments quickly and easily, all in its charming Kumamon design.
With its compact dimensions of 10.4 x 12.2 x 6.66 cm and a light weight of just 306 grams (without batteries and film), the Instax Mini 12 Kumamon is extremely handy and easy to transport. It is powered by two standard AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*), which are sufficient for approximately 100 shots – equivalent to the contents of ten packs of film.
Suitable Films for the Instax Mini 12 Kumamon
To take photos with the Instax Mini 12 Kumamon, you need special instant films. Films from the Instax Mini series are ideal. The photos created with these have the practical size of a credit card. You can choose between classic color shots (Instax Mini Film*) and atmospheric black-and-white images (Instax Mini Monochrome*).
As soon as you press the shutter, the camera automatically ejects the film. This begins the development process, and in just a few minutes, you'll have your finished instant photo in your hands. Each film cassette contains ten images, ready to capture your most beautiful memories in Kumamon style.
