Nippon Animation has announced the Maruko & Coji-Coji Fest, two pop-up shops that will open at Kita-Senju Marui in Tokyo and Kobe Harborland umie in Hyogo on April 20 and 29 respectively.

Inside the Kita-Senju Marui store

New merchandise

Acrylic Key Rings | ¥880 Each (Tax Included)

Sticker | ¥385 (Tax Included)

Postcard | ¥275 (Tax Included)

Mugs | ¥2,200 Each (Tax Included)

Bonus Item: Wrapping paper bag

The Maruko & Coji-Coji Happy Fest welcomes an all new series of original artwork themed around snacks and sweets. Fans will be able to enjoy pre-sales of new merchandise, and all who spend over ¥2,000 (tax included) will be given a free wrapping paper bag.

In promotion of the forthcoming live-action films Rurouni Kenshin: The Final and Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning, both of which will be released on April 23 and June 4 respectively this year, the series is rolling out a collaboration with Sanrio’s globally-beloved character Hello Kitty on April 14.

Original Merchandise

Rurouni Kenshin x Hello Kitty Plush Toys (2 Designs) | ¥3,850 Each (Tax Included)

Rurouni Kenshin x Hello Kitty Plush Toys (4 Designs) | ¥2,750 Each (Tax Included)

Rurouni Kenshin x Hello Kitty A4 Folder Set | ¥495 (Tax Included)

Rurouni Kenshin x Hello Kitty Bottle | ¥1,540 (Tax Included)

Rurouni Kenshin x Hello Kitty Tote Bag | ¥2,200 (Tax Included)

Rurouni Kenshin x Hello Kitty Ballpoint Pens & Mechanical Pencils (2 Designs) | ¥770 Each (Tax Included)

Rurouni Kenshin x Hello Kitty Hand Towels | ¥1,430 (Tax Included)

Rurouni Kenshin x Hello Kitty Pins (6 Designs) | ¥330 Each (Tax Included)

Rurouni Kenshin x Hello Kitty Acrylic Stands (8 Designs) | ¥715 Each (Tax Included)

Rurouni Kenshin x Hello Kitty Sweets Paradise Collaboration Cafe

Menu Excerpt

Kenshin Hello Kitty Beef Bowl / Battousai Hello Kitty Omurice

Enishi Hello Kitty Orange Crepe / Tomoe Hello Kitty Anmisu / Kaoru Hello Kitty Strawberry Pancake

Acrylic Mascot Key Rings

10 Designs

Plush Toys

This marks the second collaboration between Rurouni Kenshin and Hello Kitty, the first taking place back in 2014 in promotion of Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends. Fans can get their hands on a collection of cute merchandise with Hello Kitty dressed as various characters from the series, as well as tuck into a themed menu which will first be served at Sweets Paradise Ueno ABAB from April 22 before rolling out to six more Sweets Paradise branches in Japan.

©和月伸宏／集英社 ©2020 映画「るろうに剣心 最終章 The Final/The Beginning 」製作委員会

The Hello Kitty-themed media art venue and restaurant HELLO KITTY SMILE is celebrating 3 years since its opening on Awaji Island back in April 2018 with a special anniversary event that’s running from March 20 to May 31.

Challenge yourself to puzzles in the Princess’s Palace of the Dragon King

Enjoy a musical performance with the Smile Parade

Win Hello Kitty freebies

Tuck into the anniversary menu

Hello Kitty Afternoon Tea | ¥3,500 (Tax Included)

Acrylic photo frame with every menu order

Acrylic photo frame with every menu order

HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX

There are many exciting things happening to celebrate the 3rd anniversary of HELLO KITTY SMILE, from performances and events to exclusive merchandise, a themed menu, and more. But that’s not all, as visitors have the chance to win tickets to the HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX theatre restaurant. Only ten groups can win per day for the duration of the celebrations.

Ⓒ2021 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. L617982

Japanese women’s brand Couture Brooch has launched its second collaboration with Sanrio’s beloved character Hello Kitty to release a new collection of merchandise featuring the cute cat with afro-like hair made from ribbons.

The Collection

Plush Toy | ¥4,400 (Tax Included)

Ribbon T-Shirt | ¥4,400 (Tax Included)

Eco Bag | ¥4,950 (Tax Included)

Ribbon Tote Bag | ¥5,500 (Tax Included)

PVC Pouch Bag | ¥6,000 (Tax Included)

Zip Hoodie | ¥6,600 (Tax Included)

Ribbon-haired Hello Kitty returns once more from the end of last year for the brand’s second collaboration with the Sanrio character. If you love ribbons, and adore Hello Kitty, this is one collection not to miss out on.

ⓒ’21 SANRIO APPR.NO.L619313

Sanrio and Warner Bros. Japan have announced the release of the first-ever Hollywood adaptation Hello Kitty movie which will be directed by animation veterans Jennifer Coyle and Leo Matsuda. New Line Cinema and Flynn Picture Company are on board for the film which will be a hybrid fusion of live-action and animation. The film’s title and release date have yet to be announced but it has been confirmed that it will be released worldwide.

Ⓒ 2021 SANRIO CO.,LTD.

Jennifer Coyle and Leo Matsuda are top-class artists and directors who bring their incredible history in and experience working with animation to the project. This marks their first collaboration, both of them beating many other directors to the job.

Jennifer Coyle

Coyle’s early days are rooted in series such as King of the Hill where she was a storyboard artist. She worked as a producer for the HBO Max animated series Harley Quinn and has also directed episodes in the hit animated series Bob’s Burgers, lent her penned her art for The Spectacular Spider-Man, and more.

Jennifer Coyle Photo by Andrew Marlin

Jennifer Coyle | Comment

“This is not only a rare chance to bring a beloved character to life, but also to spread the message of love, friendship and inclusivity that Hello Kitty stands for. The world so needs her brand of joy and happiness.”

Leo Matsuda

Matsuda is a Brazilian director whose career began at Walt Disney Animation. He has worked on films such as Big Hero 6, Zootopia, Ralph Breaks the Internet and most recently Abominable for DreamWorks Animation. 

Leo Matsuda Photo by Peter Lefevre Photography

Leo Matsuda | Comment

“Growing up in Brazil with a Japanese family, I was surrounded by the whimsy of Hello Kitty and it served as a reminder that it’s okay to be different. Along with Jen, FlynnPictureCo. and New Line, I am delighted by this incredible opportunity to work with one of the most universally beloved characters and expand their relatable Sanrio stories even further.”

Sanrio has finally announced news about the 36th annual Sanrio Character Ranking. This year’s award event, the 2021 Sanrio Character Ranking, will open initial votes on April 9 to May 24 when fans can vote for their favourite character from Sanrio’s roster. As with previous years, the 2021 run will also welcome the “Collaboration Category” of the awards which will feature 27 character entries from those who have collaborated with other companies and businesses over the past year.

Ichigo Shimbun is a monthly magazine published by Sanrio. It not only includes information about the latest character merchandise, but is also the place where the Sanrio Character Ranking first began in 1986. From Sanrio’s long list of over 450 characters, just 80 are entered into the awards each year. Cinnamoroll took first place for the 3rd year in a row at the 2020 Sanrio Character Ranking which we covered in detail, including the initial first round up of winners and second round up.

Normally, the results are announced in-person at a big event. This year’s announcement gathering was originally scheduled for June 8, but was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It will now be hosted online instead, and fans will also be able to vote using the new Sanrio members service Sanrio+.

This year’s 80 entrants are now being rolled out over on the official Sanrio Character Awards Twitter page.

This Year’s Award Theme: “The Witness of a New World – Your Support Will Change the Future”

Every Sanrio Character Awards has a theme, and this year’s is, “The Witness of a New World – Your Support Will Change the Future.” The “new world” refers to the future of Sanrio—which celebrated its 60th anniversary last year—that fans will bear witness to. The key visuals for the 2021 Sanrio Character Awards have the characters holding a magnifying glass with which they are peeking into that new world.

New Entrants Announce Everyday On the Official Twitter Page

The Sanrio Character Rankings’ official Twitter page will post the key visuals and personal messages from all 80 entrants on its official Twitter page between February 26 to March 31. Leading this year’s awards ceremony are the popular characters Kuromi, Badtz-Maru, and Hangyodon. Voting opened on February 25.

How to Cast Your Vote

Votes for the 2021 Sanrio Character Ranking can be cast online, at Sanrio shops, and for the first time, on the new Sanrio members service Sanrio+. Votes for the Collaboration Category however can only be placed online. Last year’s vote was open to all fans worldwide. It is unconfirmed whether this year will be the same, but stay tuned as we follow the event.

1. Online Votes (Smartphone Only) *Cannot be cast on computers or tablets
2. Sanrio Shops
3. Sanrio Online Shop
4. Ichigo Shimbun (May 2021 Issue, on sale April 10 / June 2021 Issue, on sale May 10).

*Ichigo Shimbun voting open from April 10

5. Sanrio+ Members Smile Vote (Sanrio Shops/Online Votes)
6. Sanrio+ Members Ticket Vote (Online Votes) *More info TBA
7. Other Voting Methods (TBA)

Vote With Sanrio+

Sanrio+ allows members to exchange 100 Smiles (the currency on the Sanrio Shop) for two voting chips. Members can exchange a maximum of 1,000 smiles for 20 chips in one go. The chips are spent at the voting box on the Sanrio Shop. One chip counts for a total of three votes.

Additionally, when members first log in to Sanrio+ on the voting website, they can used 50 Smiles to cast one vote. Members can vote with a maximum of 500 smiles in one day. One Smile vote counts for a total of two votes.

Stay tuned for the latest news and updates on the 2021 Sanrio Character Ranking.

World tea brand LUPICIA launched its 7th collaboration with Sanrio on Thursday (February 25) featuring a range of tea gift sets. Every year, LUPICIA releases a wide variety of rea-related gift sets for White Day, the spring season, Mother’s Day, and more.

Four Fruit Fruity Tea With Lidded Mug

Hello Kitty LUPICIA Mug & Flavoured Tea | ¥3,300 (Tax Included)

My Melody LUPICIA Mug & Flavoured Tea | ¥3,300 (Tax Included)

Cinnamoroll LUPICIA Mug & Flavoured Tea | ¥3,300 (Tax Included)

Kuromi LUPICIA Mug & Flavoured Tea | ¥3,300 (Tax Included)

This year adds the dearly beloved Kuromi to the new collaboration which features a variety of fresh and fruity teas together with a mug that comes with a lid to keep your tea hot.

Will you be having tea with Hello Kitty, My Melody, Cinnamoroll, or Kuromi?

（c）’21 SANRIO 著作（株）サンリオ

Kobe-Sanda Premium Outlets, an outdoor shopping centre in Hyogo, is having a strawberry-loaded time with a selection of desserts made with strawberries harvested in Sanda as well as a market themed on strawberries. The event is taking place from February 12 to March 21.

The line-up doesn’t shy away from strawberries in anyway, with the sweet and succulent red gems being used for crepes, pancakes, pizzas, drinks, and more.

The Sandai Ichigo Marche arrives for the first time at Kobe-Sanda Premium Outlets where visitors can buy whole bunches of strawberries of different types directly from the harvesters. It is being held on February 13 and 14 and March 13 and 14. And you can’t have a strawberry festival in Japan without enjoying a strawberry daifuku either, kindly provided by the old-time Sanda-based confectionery store Matsuedo.

Sanda Strawberry Menu (Prices Include Tax)

The menu features a line-up of desserts made with numerous strawberry varieties gathered in Sanda, such as the akihime and benihoppe. Each is made by different participating shops.

Tana Forno

Sanda Benihoppe Chocolate S’mores Pizza – ¥748 / Strawberry Squash – Single ¥550, Set ¥495

The dessert pizza is a perfect combination of benihoppe strawberry and chocolate.

Delifrance

Kobe-Sanda Strawberry Anpan – ¥300

Moist sweet bread with low-sugar coarse sweet bean paste, whipped cream, and strawberries.

Canvas

Sanda Strawberry Mixed Berry Crepe – ¥649

A triple whammy of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries decorate this crepe.

Kua’aina

Strawberry Pancake Brûlée – ¥930

A pancake brûlée loaded with strawberries.

Crazy Crepes

Sanda Strawberry Crazy Ichigo – ¥750

Enjoy the natural flavours of the strawberries as they are without any additions like chocolate.

Sandai Ichigo Marche

At the Sandai Ichigo Marche, visitors can buy strawberries, vegetables, strawberry daifuku, and more. It’s a celebration of all things Sanda.

Running: February 13, 2021 / February 14, 2021 / March 13, 2021 / March 14, 2021
Time: 11:00-15:00 (While supplies last)
Location: Garden Court (Will move under the galleria in front of the food gallery if it rains)

Enjoy the delicious taste of seasonal strawberries grown in the lush environment of the Rokkō Mountains.

Online Japanese proxy shopping service ZenPlus is now stocking items of the ongoing Gundam x Hello Kitty collaboration by the anime apparel brand R4G. This means if you’re outside Japan, you can now finally get in on this unique and exciting collaboration.

Gundam x Hello Kitty

Gundam x Hello Kitty T-Shirt / Field Coat

Gundam x Hello Kitty Anime Scene T-Shirts

The Gundam x Hello Kitty collaboration began in 2019 to tie in the 40th anniversary of the popular Mobile Suit Gundam franchise and the 45th anniversary of Sanrio’s most popular character Hello Kitty. Now the project is heading overseas for fans worldwide to enjoy the collaboration.

Japanese sneakers select shop atmos pink teamed up with Sanrio to release a cute collection of face masks on Thursday (January 28).

KIKI&LALA★atmos MASK Colours: White/Blue – ¥1,400 (Before Tax)

HELLO KITTY♡atmos MASK Colours: White/Pink – ¥1,400 (Before Tax)

The masks can be washed and are durable, fast-drying, block pollen, and cut UV. Face masks are part of everyday life now, so why not add a little fun to routine?

Hairbrush brand WetBrush® joined hands with Sanrio to release a new collection of Hello Kitty design brushes at drug stores and variety stores across Japan on Friday (January 15).

Under My Umbrella | ¥1,540 (Before Tax)

Bubble Gum | ¥1,540 (Before Tax)

Original | ¥1,540 (Before Tax)

WetBrush® is a hairbrush brand sold in over 70 countries worldwide that can be used on damaged hair, wavy hair, thin hair, wigs, and more without causing damage to lovely locks, leaving hair detangled and silky smooth.

The Hello Kitty collection features three brushes with different designs – a must have for any fan of Sanrio’s most recognisable face.

If you’re looking to look as cute as Hello Kitty, then you’ll want to pick up the new D-UP Eyelash Fixer EX, a product by D-UP released in collaboration with Sanrio on Friday (January 22) at Don Quijote stores in Japan. The product will also begin rolling out at variety shops and drug stores from March 5.

D-UP Eyelash Fixer EX is a super strong glue for false eyelashes. First released in 2000, it has gone to enjoy huge popularity in Japan where it has sold over 27 million units. It is also popular outside of Japan too.

With face masks now a norm for everyone worldwide, makeup trends are now tending towards the eyes, and so D-UP is launching its 5th collaboration with Hello Kitty, a partnership which first began in 2021.

D-UP Eyelash Fixer EX552 Hello Kitty S | ¥5,990 (Tax Included)

The packaging and product design features a retro style coloured in pastel colours and Hello Kitty.