As part of this year’s celebrations to commemorate Hello Kitty’s 45th anniversary, Sanrio are teaming up with German-based plush toy company Steiff to release an original Hello Kitty teddy and key ring. Orders will open on October 5 and they will be released on November 1 at Sanrio stores and select department stores stocking Sanrio goods.

The plush toys and key rings are all individually handmade in Germany and each comes with a unique serial number and packaged in a special gift box.

The left ears are tagged with Steiff’s company logo. These tags feature the serial number and the time the item was manufactured.

Embroidered on the foot of the Hello Kitty teddy is her name in gold together with a red and gold ribbon. Her arm, legs and neck are adjustable so you can pose her how you like. Both of these products are limited in stock and will discontinue once all have been sold, so if you’re looking to add to your collection you’ll want to get in there quick.

 

©️1976,2019 SANRIO CO., LTD. ©️Margarete Steiff GmbH 2019 

As part of the ongoing celebrations for Hello Kitty’s 45th anniversary, Sanrio just launched the all-new Hello Kitty FIGURINE KT-01BT in Japan on September 2.

 

This Hello Kitty Smart Mate features the same design of the popular original Hello Kitty FIGURINE KT-01 released back in 2016. Featuring as both a flip dumb phone and figurine, the device is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.

Everything from its design and shape to the packaging it comes in is inspired by 1970’s Hello Kitty―the year she first showed her cute face to the world―clad in an pink adorable dress and ribbon.

 

The device connects to both smartphones and Bluetooth, meaning it can serve as an extension to your smartphone, allowing you to take calls from it when your smartphone is in the bottom of your bag. It can also copy over your contacts and phone history from your smartphone, making it a very handy addition indeed. It features all the basic functions too including a calculator, clock and more.

Check out how cute that design is!

 

Pre-orders first opened on Amazon Japan on August 1, but the device is still available to purchase right now. It also arrived at Sanrioworld GINZA in Tokyo on September 2. Announcements for future stock will be made available on OLA and Yoozi will be made available in the near future.

 

©1976, 2019 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO.S 601882 ©2019 OLA Inc. ©2019 Yoozi Inc.

One of Japan’s most favourite celebrations of the year is Halloween. As autumn is setting in, you will notice halloween decorations gradually drift into shop windows and more importantly, Halloween-themed desserts and meals taking over restaurant menus. To prepare for this delicious apocalypse, we are now unveiling this year’s top Halloween meals and desserts you really need to look out for. 

 

 

Krispy Kreme Halloween Doughnuts

Krispy Kreme branches across Japan will be releasing their pumpkin, chestnut and apple flavoured selection called MONSTER HARVEST in Monster DINER from September 11 to October 31.

*Some branches may not sell the Halloween collection. 

Halloween Dozen (Box of 12) Available: September 11 ー October 31, 2019 Price: ￥2,000 (before tax)

If you’re having a Halloween party with friends and family then this box of a dozen doughnuts is the perfect treat. It contains autumn-limited flavours such as pumpkin, apple chestnut as well as some of KKDJ’s classic doughnuts. Here’s a nice trick to save money on your treats: You save ¥440 if you purchase this box over individually purchasing the same doughnuts. Add a splash of autumn colour to your Halloween with this beautiful box of delicious doughnuts. 

 

▼Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Japan Website: https://krispykreme.jp/

 

 

Halloween Menu at The Pokémon Cafe, Nihonbashi 

The Pokémon Cafe in Nihonbashi, Tokyo has revealed its Halloween food and drink line-up for the spooky season which will arrive early on September 7 be served until October 31.

 

Pikachu’s Greedy Halloween Plate 2019 – ¥1,706 (w/ Plate ¥2,894)

This year’s Halloween plate features Pikachu wearing a witch’s hat. This filling plate features a pumpkin salad, spaghetti and more. Plenty to keep you going until the late-night candy snacking!

When ordering a drink at the cafe you’ll receive one of six possible original design coasters. New designs will replace these from September 7. One of the six designs is being kept a secret!

 For the duration of the Halloween event, there’s also a limited-edition lunch mat and clear coaster to get your hands on. These are limited in stock so you’ll want to catch ’em all quickly! And don’t forget, you have to book a table in advance to dine at the Pokémon Cafe.

 

© 2019 Pokémon.©1995-2019 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.

 Pokémon, ポケットモンスター and ポケモン are registered trademarks of Nintendo, Creatures Inc. and GAME FREAK inc.

 

▼ Pokémon Cafe
Address: 2-1-2 Nihombashi | Nihombashi Takashimaya SC East Bldg. 5F, Chuo 103-0027, Tokyo Prefecture
Business Hours: 10:30-22:00

Closed during Nihombashi Takashimaya SC East Bldg’s closed hours.

Reservations: https://reserve.pokemon-cafe.jp/

Official Website: https://www.pokemoncenter-online.com/cafe/

 

 

Cute Halloween Desserts at The Capitol Hotel Tokyu in Tokyo

The Capitol Hotel Tokyu in Tokyo has revealed that  that it will serve up its Halloween Sweets Selection again this year at the hotel’s pastry boutique ORIGAMI located on floor B2F. The confectionery chefs have spun some spooky fun into this collection of 10 cute treats.

 Frankenstein – ¥1,760 / Phantom – ¥1,760 / Cyclops – ¥1,760

The Phantom is a popular confection every year at the hotel, but this year he’s had two new freaky friends carved out for him: Frankenstein’s monster and a Cyclops. These white chocolate monsters are filled with chocolate-covered almonds, macadamia nuts and other hidden delights.

 

▼Halloween Sweets Selection

Running: October 1, 2019 – October 31, 2019

Location: ORIGAMI, The Capitol Hotel Tokyu Floor B2F

Full Sweets Line-Up: https://www.tokyuhotels.co.jp/capitol-h/restaurant/boutique/plan/50306/index.html

 

The Capitol Hotel Tokyu

Address: 2-10-3 Nagatacho, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo

Official Website: https://www.tokyuhotelsjapan.com/global/capitol-h/

 

 

Cool, Cute and Cutting Edge Halloween Treats: Alice Halloween Party Buffet 2019 

Fantasy-themed restaurant Alice in an Old Castle has unveiled a new Halloween edition of their grand all-you-can-eat buffet. The Alice Halloween Party Buffet 2019 will take place from September 7 to October 31, 2019, serving up 30 varieties of desserts and light bites for their Halloween-limited event. 

 

This season, they are serving a mummy-themed croque madame and carrot cake with a vibrant orange Halloween colour. They will also be bringing out their Alice in Wonderland Pink Spicy Curry which is a filling curry which has become the popular number one. The Pumpkin Potage Soup and many other autumn-themed dishes will also become part of the lineup. There is surely no better way to enjoy your time than to indulge in these splendid desserts and delicious snacks. 

 

▼ Alice in an Old Castle

Address: Floor B1 Suzuwa Building, 2-16-8, Minami Ikebukuro Toshima, Tokyo

Regular Opening Hours: Mon-Fri, 17:00-23:30（L.O.22:30）

Weekends/national holidays　 16:00-23:30（L.O.22:30）

No regular holidays (dependent on Suzuwa Building closing times)

Website: https://www.hotpepper.jp/strJ000999805/

 

 

Omotesando Q-pot CAFE. Cute Halloween Menu 

Q-pot. is known for its accessory brand, which features jewellery made to look like sweets and desserts. It is also known for the Q-pot CAFE. which flips that concept, instead making sweets and desserts that look just like real accessories. For Halloween this year, the Q-pot CAFE. has whipped up a spooky menu with the theme “DEVIL NIGHT” featuring appearances of all things Halloween from pumpkins to ghosts.

Vampire Afternoon Tea Set – ¥2,400 each (price after tax, a minimum of two people required)

*Contains milk, eggs and wheat

Take a look at this spooky afternoon tea set perfect for adults! From devils to monsters, Q-pot CAFE. has recruited a number of freaky friends for their themed dishes to terrorize your tastebuds.

The top plate comes with sponge and cream cheesecake pops coated in chocolate and salty breadsticks. The set also comes with homemade scones made from butter cream and sweet and tangy berry sauce, devil heart macaron-topped cupcakes, and pumpkin macarons which are bound to set your Halloween levels to max!

The bottom plate features savoury foods. The croissants are filled with egg, aromatic basil and dried tomatoes which provide an interesting texture.  The set also includes skewers of olives, mini tomatoes and pickles, and a Halloween Pumpkin soup.

 

If you are experiencing Halloween in Japan, you just have to try the themed desserts and meals!

BANDAI SPIRITS is teaming up with Hello Kitty and the 1974’s brand Chogokin, which started as the name of a fictitious material in Go Nagai’s mecha manga series Mazinger Z meaning “superalloy” and ended up becoming a new line of die-cast metal toys. They will release the new Superalloy Hello Kitty toy in Japan in December 2019 and it will subsequently roll out in 22 countries around the world.

The toy celebrates the 45th anniversaries of both Chogokin and Hello Kitty. It takes on the 1970’s Hello Kitty design and comes with a range of items including a pedestal, milk bottle, goldfish bowl, and a sign.

Her head is also rotatable. The toy itself is heavy as you would imagine something claiming to be “superalloy” would be! Make sure you don’t miss out on this special collaboration.

 

©️1976, 2019 SANRIO CO., LTD.

MERCER BRUNCH TERRACE HOUSE KYOTO is a restaurant located by the Kamo River in Kyoto which serves brunch-style lunches with French toast during the day while in the evening it offers the chance to casually enjoy a gourmet dining experience. The restaurant has whipped up all-new dinner menu dishes that focuses on “steak, Kyoto-produced vegetables, and Italian.”

MERCER BRUNCH TERRACE HOUSE KYOTO can be found on the 3^rd and 4^th floors of PONTONITE which has become a new landmark of Pontocho, a district in Kyoto right next to the Kamo River. From the restaurant one can enjoy a picturesque view of the river, streets and more. The restaurant’s terrace seats are popular with couples, girl get-togethers, and overseas visitors as they offer the closest view of the Kamo River.

Lobster Grill & Bisque Omelette – ¥2,400 (Before Tax)

Fresh Fish Bottarga & Sautéed Manganji Togarashi Pepper – ¥1,800 (Before Tax)

The restaurant’s new menu line-up will be served in the evening from 5pm. This includes the Lobster Grill & Bisque Omelette which is made with luxurious ingredients including Kobe beef fillet and lobster as well as nutrient-packed vegetables grown in Kyoto, the Fresh Fish Bottarga & Sautéed Manganji Togarashi Pepper, and many more. The restaurant is also now starting a “Prefix Dinner Course” which lets you picks your favorite main course amongst other things.

For drinks you can order one of MERCER BRUNCH’s many whiskies or wines as well as fresh a mojito, fruity cocktails and more. There’s even desserts prepared that go perfectly with the Kyoto vegetable and Italian cuisine combination.

Hello Kitty is teaming up with Takara’s dress-up doll series Licca-chan to release the “Hello Kitty 45th Anniversary Style” doll outfit as part of the LiccA Stylish Doll Collections. Pre-orders will open on September 2 and go on sale on Hello Kitty’s birthday, November 1.

 

This is Hello Kitty’s second collaboration with the doll franchise following the success of the “Hello Kitty Celebration Style” which dropped back in January this year. The first outfit sold out in just a few days, receiving adoration from fans of both Hello Kitty and Licca-chan alike.

The first style was uniformly red, from the Hello Kitty ribbon to the dress and bag. This time the outfit takes on a pure white colour inspired by Hello Kitty. Licca-chan is serving a white knitted one piece with Hello Kitty ribbons. The inner part of the coat is also decorated with ribbons. Everything from the earrings to the accessories and even the gold-leaf packaging breathes the world of Sanrio’s most recognisable character.

The outfit also comes with a red apple-shaped bag and message card which is packaged in its own gift box―a congratulations to Hello Kitty on her 45th anniversary.

 

©TOMY ©1976,1985, 2019 SANRIO CO., LTD.TOKYO,JAPAN

Hello Kitty will be collaborating with Where’s Wally? to release a lineup of general goods from November 2019.

Where’s Wally? is a picture book we are all familiar with. Wally first made his debut 32 years ago and soon became a famous picture book character known all over the world. Where’s Wally original illustration exhibitions in Japan have been met with a hugely positive response, being visited by people of all generations and nationalities.

The company Plazastyle holds a license to use the character Where’s Wally in Japan.  With this license, they have created the WHERE’S WALLY? HELLO KITTY collaboration, which is based on Where’s Wally encountering Hello Kitty while on his travels around the world. 

 

Just some of the collaboration goods include T-shirts, socks, pouches, compact mirrors, mobile phone accessories such as smartphone cases and chargers, and much more.

 

All we can do is wait in excitement for the goods to be released!

 

 

ⓒ DreamWorks Distribution Limited. All rights reserved.ⓒ 1976, 2019 SANRIO CO., LTD.

 To properly celebrate a Japanese New Year, Osechi cannot be overlooked. Osechi is a Japanese term referring to special food traditionally served during the New Year holidays. The food is filled with the hopes, wishes and happiness of people. This year, Belle Maison has released Minion-themed and Hello Kitty-themed osechi bento boxes.

 

Belle Maison opened their reservation website for these Osechi Bento boxes on August 23rd. 

2-Tier Minion Osechi Bento Box: ￥22,000 (after tax)

Underneath the dazzling smiling face of the minion is a bento box packed with delicious New Year’s goodness. The box contains a mix of traditional flavours as well as small appetizer-style bites. This is something that children as well as adults would love. The box even includes a delicious soup and a cured and steamed white fish kamaboko, which bears the image of a minion.

 

3-Tier Hello Kitty Osechi Bento Box: ￥19,900 (after tax)

The Hello Kitty Osechi comes in a Hello Kitty 45-year anniversary box. From the Hello Kitty ribbon-shaped mochi to the pink lilies made from yokan jellied red bean paste, this bento box is packed with cute and beautiful Hello Kitty goodness. There is also Hello Kitty mousse made from whipped cream and a Hello Kitty steamed bun with a sweet potato and chunky adzuki bean paste filling. This box is packed tightly with so many delicious desserts. 

 

Order online during one of the following advanced sale periods for a discount:

Period 1 (10％ off): August 23 ー September 30, 2019

Period 2 (7％ off): October 1 ー 28, 2019

Period 3 (3％ off): October 29 ー November 25, 2019 

 The earlier you order, the larger the discount so if you are interested, you should order earlier rather than later. 

 

There is no better way to experience a Japanese New Year than with a Minion or Hello Kitty-themed Osechi Bento Box. 

 

 

ⒸUniversal City Studios LLC. All Rights Reserved ©1976,2019 SANRIO CO.,LTD. APPROVAL NO.G600783

Osechi is a Japanese term referring to special food served during the New Year holidays. The food is filled with the hopes, wishes and happiness of people. Kibun Foods began taking reservations for new Hello Kitty and Disney osechi assortments via their online shop on August 1. Reservations will also began rolling out at retail stores throughout the year.

The Hello Kitty box contains a selection of traditional osechi items including red and white kamaboko cured fish paste and datemaki sweet rolled omelette as well as more modern cuisine like smoked duck.

The cute box comes with the original 1970’s Hello Kitty design to celebrate her 45th anniversary. It’s exclusive to Kibun Foods and can be reused as a lunchbox.

The Disney box design features Mickey and Minnie Mouse wearing traditional kimono. This box also contains traditional foods like red and white kamaboko cured fish paste and datemaki sweet rolled omelette as well as chicken in tomato sauce, smoked duck and more.

The plum blossoms and peonies give a traditional and luxurious feel to the box.

 

Enjoy a kawaii-charged New Year’s this year with these beautiful osechi gifts.

 

©1976,2019 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO.G601662

ⒸDisney

*Photos are for illustrative purposes only

Sanrio has announced that it will release six hats with moving ears inspired by six of its characters at Sanrio stores, its online store, and shops stocking Sanrio goods in Japan on August 21.

 

The hats move by using an air pump that you pump with your fingers. Look adorable at events, on your Instagram story posts and pretty much anywhere by choosing from one of the six characters: Hello Kitty, My Melody, Pompompurin, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi and Pochacco.

The hats are fluffy, comfortable to wear, and of course make you look kawaii as you walk along with the ears bouncing up and down. The hats are also one size fits all and so can be worn by both kids and grown-ups!

 

©️1976, 1989, 1996, 2001, 2005, 2019 SANRIO CO., LTD.

As part of the ongoing Gundam vs. Hello Kitty project, Sanrio is releasing a new collection of chess design merchandise and other merchandise themed on both franchises at Sanrio stores across Japan, as well as its online store and in selection shops stocking Sanrio merchandise on August 17 (and August 21 for the online store).

 

Let’s take a look at just some of the items up for grabs.

Gundam vs. Hello Kitty T-Shirts (M/L) – ¥3,456 Each (Tax Included)

Gundam vs. Hello Kitty Face Towels – ¥1,944 Each (Tax Included)

Gundam Mug – ¥1,620 (Tax Included)

Hello Kitty Mug – ¥1,620 (Tax Included)

For the 7th round of the project, fans of Hello Kitty and Gundam are encouraged to take a photo of any of the chess design items they have purchased and post it on Twitter.

If you are team Hello Kitty then you must post with the hashtag #キティチェックメイト (“Kitty Checkmate”) and if you are team Gundam then post with #ガンダムチェックメイト (“Gundam Checkmate”). This hashtag campaign will begin on August 17 and end on September 16. The character with the most number of posts will be crowned as the winner of Round 7. Additionally, one random participant from both teams will be selected to win a complete set of the chess design merchandise which includes the t-shirts and both mugs.

 

Pick your team, get the goods and get voting!

 

©Sotsu・Sunrise　©’76, ’19 SANRIO

Azabu-Juban is a district in Tokyo and considered a holy ground amongst Sailor Moon fans as it is where the Sailors reside in the series. That fact is about to be set in stone as the all-new show restaurant SHINING MOON TOKYO is set to open in Azabu-Juban on August 15.

 

The building used for the restaurant was actually built in the same year when the Sailor Moon manga began serialisation. It’s also located in Joule A, the same place where Jewelry OSA-P appears in the series.

Since its release in 1991, the Sailor Moon manga series has been translated into 17 languages, and the anime series has made it to 40 countries worldwide. It has even spawned musicals which have been taken around the world. Now, fans can look forward to enjoying their favourite series in a new form with the opening of SHINING MOON TOKYO.

The restaurant’s stage show is being produced by Nelke Planning who has been involved in many of the franchise’s musicals. It will make use of stunning LED visuals and lightning and will feature music and dancing.

At the entrance to the restaurant is a gorgeous golden moon which you can sit on and pose like one of the Sailors.

A little further in is the stage, whose pink aesthetic and decorations have received the official stamp of approval from Sailor Moon author Naoko Takeuchi. The distance between the stage and audience is short, allowing for an up-close, immersive and thrilling spectator experience.

Concealed behind glass display cases are gorgeous and glittery Sailor Moon outfits.

Our five Sailors all feature in the stage show who we get to see in their everyday lives, during their transformations, and in battle scenes. The manga will be brought to life before the crowd’s eyes.

Most of shows will be non-verbal, meaning that people can enjoy them without understanding Japanese. Many different stories will be told on stage―you can find out which ones they will be showing while at the restaurant.

 

The restaurant will feature a kawaii menu with original drinks and dishes you can’t get anywhere else.

Sailor Planet Sushi Balls – ¥1,800 (Tax Included)

This tropical-looking sushi platter is made up of five different sushi balls including Japanese halfbeak, Okinawan spinach, salted salmon roe, snow crab, and conger eel. The vinegar used in the dish has antioxidants in it which will protect your body like a Guardian Sailor!

Tsukino Family Classic! Rabbit Curry – ¥1,800 (Tax Included)

The rice in this adorable dish is made into the shape of a rabbit, which in Japanese is usagi―and is also the name of our titular heroine! It contains fragrant spices which are sure to warm your body and healthy herbs to soothe fatigue.

SHINING MOON TOKYO Roll Cake – ¥1,500 (Tax Included)

For dessert, look forward to a gorgeous strawberry roll cake topped with fresh cream and cherries. If you like the sound of lots of flavours dancing in your mouth at once, then we recommend this one to you!

SHINING MOON TOKYO Pancakes – ¥1,500 (Tax Included)

The sweet and sour taste of the mango and kiwi elevate the nectarous notes of the maple pancakes. It even comes with an iced Sailor Moon cookie.

Pretty Guardian Lunch Box (Left) / Moon Prism Rice Burger (Right)

Once you’ve eaten everything in your lunch box, which includes rice balls, vegetables and more, you can take it home with you to add to your Sailor Moon collection!

Drinks – ¥800 Each (Tax Included)

There are five drinks inspired by each respective Sailor and each comes with their own original coaster.

Acrylic Silhouette Key Rings – ¥1,300 Each (Tax Included)

Stock up on your Sailor Moon collection too with a whole range of exclusive goodies!

 

Enter a new Sailor Moon world with food and entertainment at SHINING MOON TOKYO when it opens in the Sailors’ hometown on August 1.

 

Model: Ruki

 

ⒸNaoko Takeuchi
ⒸNaoko Takeuchi・PNP / Sailor Moon –SHINING MOON TOKYO–