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 

From September 21 to October 11, three KIDDYLAND stores will be holding a fair dedicated to the anime That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, which has become a big hit overseas. 

 

The series, which was created by Fuse, aired two seasons from October 2018 to March 2019. It has been confirmed that a sequel will be made in the year 2020. Following the anime’s successful reception, a novel version of the anime series which goes by the same name was produced by GOT A CHANCE novel. More than 14 million copies have been sold so far.

 

The story follows an extraordinary event which happened to a normal man. The main character Satoru Mikami died to random knife attack and was reincarnated as a monster called a slime. The series became massively popular once the adorable figure of the main character as a slime was revealed.

 

 

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Sanrio Slime: Slime Keyring (5 designs): ￥1,200 each (before tax)

All your favourite characters have been reincarnated in a cute Sanrio-style! Head to the KIDDYLAND fair to get your hands on a KIDDYLAND-limited Slime Keyring. A large variety of new goods are being sold here ahead of any other shop and online service.

 

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Sanrio Slime: Cuddly Characters Badge (5 designs): ￥680 each (before tax)

 

Come explore all your favourite characters in their adorable Sanrio form!

 

©川上泰樹・伏瀬・講談社/転スラ製作委員会

Sanrio character theme park Harmonyland in Oita has announced this year’s Halloween event, Kuromi’s Happy Halloween, which will begin on September 13. The devilish and mischievous Kuromi, whose birthday is on October 31－Halloween day－is taking over the park this year to deliver a very cute and just a tiny bit spooky Halloween to kids and adults this year.

 

Harmonyland’s Halloween Night Party, a huge hit every year, will also return on October 26. In addition to Kuromi’s birthday event, Wish me mell, another one of Sanrio’s cute characters, will also celebrate her birthday on September 20.

The event also has its own story. While Hello Kitty was having fun preparing for Halloween with everyone, Kuromi looked at the calendar and noticed that the park was scheduled to be closed on October 31, her birthday. Angry by this decision, the scheming Kuromi began Halloween preparations of her own.

 

Pashakawa SWEET HALLOWEEN

This event is a chance to meet your favourite characters, who will be dressed up in their Halloween costumes, and take a photo with them. Be sure to say the secret password to them, “trick or treat,” to get some free candy! The fun doesn’t stop there though, as there’ll be a chance to dance with the characters too.

 

Omotenashi Hello Kitty Cafe

Hello Kitty will serve as owner of the Hello Kitty Cafe, while Kuromi will be your maid along with the cafe staff, and Meister Cinnamon will learn your name and teach teach it to the rest of the character staff. At the end of the show, the cafe staff will change into their Halloween costumes.

 

Halloween Photo Spots

Special Halloween photos spots will be dotted around for Halloween where you can snap some cute pictures. From pumpkin heads of Hello Kitty, My Melody and  Kuromi to flower beds decorated with Kuromi, there will be no shortage of Instagrammable spots for photos. And when you get close to the two flower beds, you might just run into a trick set up by Kuromi herself… Also, the background music playing at the park was all chosen by Kuromi.

 

Halloween Merch & Menu

Of course, there will be lots of exclusive character merchandise to grab, as well as a cute themed menu designed just for Halloween.

 

Halloween Night Party ~Pink or Black~

The popular Halloween Night Party returns again this year, a one-night-only spectacle of lights, music and dance. The theme this year is “pink or black.” Clad yourself in one or both of these colours and have a fun Halloween night!

 

・Date: October 26, 2019 (18:00-21:00)

・Price: ¥1,000 (Everyone aged 4+) *Price is reduced to ¥500 to those who hold an annual ticke

・A shuttle bus will be operating for free (limited spaces)

 

Celebrate Halloween this year together with Kuromi.

 

ⓒ ’76, ’91, ’96, ’99, ’01, ’05, ’09, ’17, ’19 SANRIO

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.

Sanrio is set to hold the Pompompurin Party at four branches of the Pompompurin Cafe from September 28. The party is exclusive to girls who have signed up to become Pombassadors (Pompompurin ambassadors).

The event is taking place as a way for Pompompurin to get to know his Pombassadors better. The role of a Pombassador is to show their love of Sanrio’s adorable golden retriever by promoting him to the world on their blogs, social media and elsewhere. In return, they receive invites to events, exclusive items and more.

Tickets for the event went on sale on the Pompompurin Party Special Site on August 28.

 

Everyone Will Transform Into Pompompurin

Pompompurin Plush Hat

At the party, everybody will be given their own Pompompurin outfit set which comes with a fluffy hat and tunic. Pombassadors can take these home after the party’s over.

Fluffy Tunic (Free Size: Length 82cm/Bust 79cm-94cm)

Original Photo Props (6 Designs – Choose Two Randomly)

They will also receive two props chosen randomly. All of these are exclusive items you can’t get anywhere else.

 

Pompompurin Party Original Menu

Purin’s Colourful Heart-Filled Stew (Available at all Pompompurin Cafe branches)

Strawberry Rare Cheese Cream Fondue (Available at Pompompurin Cafe Harajuku & Yokohama only)

Enjoy an original Pompompurin Party menu featuring a meal and dessert not listed on the usual Pompompurin Cafe menu. The cookie included with the cheese cream fondue pictured above is different at both the Harajuku and Yokohama branches.

 

Meet the Real Pompompurin

Pompompurin will of course attend the party to meet all of his Pombassadors, who will be able to get a photo with him while dressed up. Photos taken at the event will be posted both on the event’s website as well as the Pombassadors’ Twitter and Instagram where they can be found with the hashtag #ポムポムプリンパーティー (“Pompompurin Party”).

If you’re looking to become a Pombassador, more details can be found on the official website below.

 

©’96, ’19 SANRIO

Sanrio Puroland is readying its tricks and treats for its Halloween festival this year. Titled “PURO HALLOWEEN PARTY ~KAWAII MASQUERADE~” the festival will run from September 13 to October 31.

 

This will be the park’s first mask-themed festival and each day will be split into two slots: Day and Night. During the daytime, guests are invited to the park’s “Cute Masked Party” string of events. But when night falls, the monsters will come out for the “Beautifully Scary Masquerade Party.”

 

IT Chapter Two Collaboration

With IT Chapter Two right around the corner―the sequel to one of the biggest horror hits in years―Sanrio Puroland is collaborating with the film. This includes Hello Kitty taking Pennywise’s place in the movie poster.

Hello Kitty’s Red Balloon Mousse Cake – ¥650

In the Character Food Court on the first floor, you’ll be able to order this mousse cake inspired by Pennywise’s red balloons which is cutely topped with Hello Kitty ears. There will also be IT Chapter Two themed photo spots, and when evening sets in, red balloons will decorate the Lady Kitty House. IT might even appear somewhere in places you wouldn’t expect…

 

Horror Content Made Even Scarier For 2019

Prepare to have your pants scared off with the scream-inducing Ghost Pierrot Masquerade Theater. The hugely popular mission-clear style haunted house returns and is open to everyone ages 10+ years. Can you survive the attack from the ghostly clown? If he sees you, it’s over…

 

Location: Discovery Theater (Floor 1F)

Time: Approx. 15-minutes

Age Limit: 10-years-old and above

 

Lady Kitty House Transforms Into Doll House

The Lady Kitty House always has something special planned each year, and this year it’s bringing something new. During the day the house will take on the form of a cute Halloween doll house.

But at night, it will become a horror doll house as the dolls are turned into butterflies as a result of a curse. Look forward to an ambivalent mix of terror and beauty.

The creeps will be made creepier on weekends and holidays one hour before the park closes when the dolls at the Horror Doll House start moving. Dress up in your Halloween attire and enjoy the hair-raising world of Lady Kitty House this year.

 

Join The Halloween Party Ball Mask Parade

The ball mask parade will take place on the first floor Puro Bridge. The Sanrio cast will be dressed up in ballroom attire with masks and dance elegant dances, pull onlookers into a frightening yet beautiful world.

Kawaii Masquerade Masks: Plastic – ¥800 Each / Paper – ¥400 Each

Join the fun by getting your hands on one of six character masks. Donning one of these may just be the thing you need to protect yourself from any ghosts in the area!

 

Location: Puro Bridge (Floor 1F)

Participating Cast: Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, My Melody, Kuromi, Wish me mell, Pompompurin

*More details can be found on the official homepage

 

Halloween Photo Spots

Have your photo taken together with the dressed-up Sanrio cast at the photo spot located in the Rainbow Hall on the third floor. Take your photo as you are or put on a mask and become one with the paintings.

 

Halloween Food

 

From Top Left: My Melody & Kuromi’s Masquerade Party Curry ¥1,400 / Cinnamon’s Black Halloween Ramen ¥1,100 / Masked Ball Black Omurice ¥1,300 / Dancing My Melody Corn Soup Pasta ¥1,300 / Hello Kitty’s Masquerade Dress Parfait ¥850 / Cinnamon’s Halloween Rare Cheese Tart ¥600 / Purin’s Masquerade Doughnuts ¥600

“Black & Purple” is the theme for this year’s Halloween menu which is packed with cute character dishes and desserts. 11 items adorn the menu including Kuromi’s Black Night Cocoa which is served in the evening only.

 

Exclusive Halloween Merchandise

Mascots – ¥1,944 Each

Lots of character merchandise will be sold featuring the cast in their new Halloween costumes this year, from key rings to bags and more.

 

Dress Up & Get Discount

As part of the Halloween celebrations, if you arrive at the park in full Halloween dress you can get a discount on Passport Tickets. Be sure to go clad in your best outfit to have the most fun!

 

 

*All listed prices include tax

©1976,2009 SANRIO CO., LTD. ©1976,1990,1996,2001,2005,2010,2019  SANRIO CO., LTD.

©2019 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Popular Japanese model Saki Shibata―known to her fans by the nickname Shibasaki―has teamed up with Sanrio’s adorable golden retriever Pompompurin to release a collection of collaborative items on the character merchandise online store hopely.

“Pompompurin x Saki Shibata” Handbag – ¥2,500 (Before Tax)

“Pompompurin x Saki Shibata” Compact Mirror – ¥1,000 (Before Tax)

“Pompompurin x Saki Shibata” Pocketable Tote Bag – ¥3,000 (Before Tax)

Shibasaki is a huge fan of Pompompurin, and her cute collection includes a handbag, compact mirror and tote bag.

All of these items can be enjoyed by girls and women alike. Which do you have your eyes set on?♡

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

Multimedia project Love Live!―which has spawned an anime series, manga, game, movie and more―is teaming up with Sanrio to open themed cafes in Tokyo and Osaka on August 16 and September 27 respectively.

The cafe will see 20 characters from the Love Live! series music groups μ’s, Aqours and Saint Snow and 20 characters from the Sanrio cast come together at the cafe, with decorations, themed food, and merchandise.

 

The menu features a bounty of flavourful food and drink which incorporates popular flavours, luscious taste, and hearty servings. Menu item names below are translated from Japanese.

An Unlucky Combination Food Plate – ¥1,390 (Before Tax)

An interesting assortment of a mini omurice, soy sauce ramen, and a fresh tomato caprese salad. It also comes with the pictured postcard which features a blackboard design.

Deliciousness Ensemble! Invigorating Dessert Plate – ¥1,390 (Before Tax)

This dessert set is one fit for the gods, adorned with an apple topped castella, mini pancake laced with salted caramel ice cream, an tea-flavoured jelly. This also comes with the pictured postcard featuring different characters.

If you decide to buy a drink at the cafe you’ll be treated to one of the three coasters chosen randomly. They are topped with fine fruits. There are many more menu items in addition to these, so be sure to check the official website to see the full listing.

Fans of both franchises can pick up plenty of exclusive merchandise too, featuring the characters from Love Live! dressed like the Sanrio cast. There are bonus items for customers who book a table in advance too. Don’t miss this first ever collaboration between Love Live! and Sanrio♡

Sanrio has announced that it will release 24 pieces of merchandise on August 15 in support of the sports season from summer to autumn. The items feature the Sanrio characters donning their sports gear and include megaphones, charms, bags, and more.

There are many sports events happening right now, and the Sanrio cast are here to help you cheer on your favourite teams: Hello Kitty, My Melody, Pocchaco, Pompompurin, Cinnamoroll, and Kuromi.

The megaphones are a must-have, featuring cute plush toy attachments of the characters which can be used at events like a vuvuzela.

Keep your things safe with one of six “Mascot Holder” bags with each character donning different sportswear: table tennis for Hello Kitty, Tennis for My Melody, Rugby for Pompompurin, baseball for Cinnamoroll, soccer for Kuromi, and basketball for Pochacco.

And for good luck, grab one of the lucky charms which have a gold medal and message inside them. Attach them to your phone or keep them in  your pocket!

 

©’13, ‘19 SANRIO S/D・G

Character cafés are an exciting experience in Japan which sees a café collaborate with well-known anime series, game series or other franchise by decorating the café interior with designs and illustrations based on them and meals and drinks inspired by them.

 

Before continuing this article be sure to check out our June 2019 list of character cafés as some of them are still running!

 

 

Sanrio x Ichigo Shimbun Collaboration – Ichigo Shimbun Dinder (July 11-September 30)

Ichigo Shimbun is a monthly magazine published by Sanrio which includes information about the latest character merchandise and much more. Sanrio has opened a café themed on their magazine at EGG & SPUMA which located on the 8th floor of Shinjuku Lumine EST. “Vacation” is the theme of the café where Sanrio fans can enjoy a summery food menu. Enjoy a fun summer together with the Sanrio characters♡

 

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/230790

 

▼Ichigo Shimbun Diner
Location: EGG & SPUMA, Shinjuku Lumine EST Floor 8F, 3-38-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo
Running: July 11, 2019 – September 30, 2019
Business Hours: Weekdays 11:00-23:00 (Last Orders 22:00) / Weekends & Holidays 11:00-22:30 (Last Orders 21:30)
TEL: 03-6273-0255
Website: http://salt-group.jp/shop/egg-spuma/

 

AAA CITY SUMMER PARTY – AAA Cafés in Tokyo & Osaka (July 19-September 1)

AAA’s collaborative café is themed on midsummer city pop. Their seasonal menu features drinks, desserts and more inspired by each respective colour of the group members. If you dine at the café you’ll get yourself a special lunch mat, and if you order a drink, you’ll get an original drink coaster. There’s plenty of other exclusive AAA café merchandise too, so if you’re a fan of the pop group then this is one you won’t want to miss out on this summer!

 

▼AAA CITY SUMMER PARTY

Running

Omotesando (Tokyo): July 19, 2019 – September 1, 2019

Shinsaibashi (Osaka): July 19, 2019 – September 1, 2019

 

Location

Tokyo: OMOTESANDO BOX CAFE&SPACE (Pine Under Flat B1F, 5-13-2 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo)

Osaka: Shinsaibashi contact (1-6-24 Kita-Horie, Nishi Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture)

 

Reservations

・Table reservations for August 1 to September 1 opened on July 12 at 18:00 (JST)

・Reservation Price: ¥650 (Before Tax) *Comes with bonus merchandise

AAA CITY SUMMER PARTY Official Website: https://aaa-cafe-2019.jp

AAA Official Website: https://avex.jp/aaa/

 

Bonobono & Pompompurin’s First Ever Café Collaboration (July 11-September 1)

The Harajuku, Umeda and Yokohama branches of the Pompompurin Café have teamed up with the beloved anime character Bonobono to release four menu items themed on playing together at the beach.

 

Both Bonobono and Pompompurin fans alike won’t be able to resist the cute and delicious dishes being served at the cafes this summer.

 

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/231395

 

▼Pompompurin Café Harajuku

Address: CUTE CUBE HARAJUKU 3F, 1-7-1 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

Opening Hours: 11:00-21:00 (Food Last Orders 20:00 / Drinks Last Orders 20:30)

Pompompurin Café Umeda
Address: Hankyu Sanbangai South Wing B2F, 1-1-3 Shibata, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi
Opening Hours: Weekdays 11:00-22:00 (Last Orders 21:30) / Weekends & Holidays 10:00-22:00 (Last Orders 21:30)

Pompompurin Café Yokohama

Address: Yokohama Sotetsu Square, 2-1-5 Minamisaiwai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama-shi

Opening Hours: 10:00-21:00 (Last Orders 20:30)

 

Bonobono Official Website: http://www.bonoanime.jp/

Pompompurin Café Official Website: http://pompom.createrestaurants.com

©Mikio Igarashi /Takeshobo, Fuji TV, Eiken © 1996, 2019 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO.S601363

 

Astronaut Snoopy Soars Up Tokyo Skytree (July 18-October 14)

Tokyo Skytree is now holding the FIRST BEAGLE IN SKYTREE® event in collaboration with the astronaut version of Snoopy which appeared in the original comic 50 years ago.

 

Every astronaut needs a good meal to keep them going. Head to the SKYTREE CAFE on the Tembo Deck on floor 340F and enjoy a selection of themed desserts, drinks and more. Astronaut Snoopy decorations line the cafe where you can get limited-edition novelties too. Soar into and learn all about space this summer with your pal Snoopy♡

 

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/232293

 

▼FIRST BEAGLE IN SKYTREE®

Running: July 18, 2019 – October 14, 2019

Location: Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria

*A separate fee must be paid to to enter the Tokyo Skytree Tembo Galleria

Tokyo Skytree Official Website: http://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/

Snoopy Japan Website: http://www.snoopy.co.jp/

©2019 Peanuts Worldwide LLC

©TOKYO-SKYTREE

 

Gaspard & Lisa x Afternoon Tea TEAROOM (July 25-August 28)

The Koshigaya Laketown kaze, LaLaport Yokohama, Terrace Mall Shonan, and Nagoya LACHIC branches of the Afternoon Tea TEAROOM have joined hands with the French picture book series Gaspard and Lisa to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

 

The tea shops have been decorated with a special Gaspard and Lisa theme. There are photo spots at each cafe, and in the Nagoya LACHIC branch there is even a book corner with 20 books from the series. This is the perfect place to enjoy a special summer meal with your family, so don’t miss out!

 

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/233786

 

▼Lisa and Gaspard Collaboration

Running: July 25, 2019 – August 28, 2019

Afternoon Tea Official Website: https://www.afternoon-tea.net/

Lisa and Gaspard Official Website: http://www.lisagas.jp/

©2019 Anne Gutman & Georg Hallensleben / Hachette Livre

 

Koupen-chan Café in Shinjuku & Shinsaibashi (August 8-September 23)

The baby emperor penguin Koupen-chan, who is often the go-to sticker for many Twitter and LINE users in Japan, is illustrated by the well-known RURUTEA. Many of these social media users turn to the relaxing, soft and cuddly penguin to send soothing words of encouragement and a fuzzy hug to their loved ones. No wonder our adorable penguin has over 300,000 followers on Twitter.

 

The café returns from 2017 with a refreshed image which plunges deeper into the depths of Koupen chan’s affectionate world. There are even more features packed into this year’s collaboration menu. No matter what you order, your table will be overflowing with adorable penguin love.

 

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/241560

 

▼Koupen-chan Café 2019 Summer

Tokyo Cafe

Location: SHIBUYA BOX CAFE＆SPACE (Shibuya LOFT Floor 2F, 21-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo)

Running: August 8, 2019 – September 23, 2019

 

Osaka Café

Location: Shinsaibashi contact (1-6-24 Kita-Horie, Nishi Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture)

Running: September 5, 2019 – October 6, 2019

 

Reservation Price: ¥500 (includes a complementary souvenir for making the reservation)

*A limit of 4 seats can be reserved through 1 reservation.

Official Website: https://koupenchan-cafe2019.jp/

©RURUTEA

 

Did you enjoy this list? Be sure to visit a character café while in Japan this summer.