Japan Shopping Festival: Hello Kitty Supports Huge Shopping Event Aimed at Foreigners
26.November.2019 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
一The Japan Shopping Tourism Organization (JSTO) has announced that it will hold an event titled “Japan Shopping Festival” aimed at foreign tourists in Japan from December 1, 2019 to February 29, 2020.
①Questionnaire Campaign
A questionnaire will be carried out for non-Japanese travellers to win round-trip tickets to Japan. Travellers will be selected randomly from a lucky draw.
②Instagram Photo Contest
Follow Japan Shopping Festival on Instagram and post photos related to the designated themes with the hashtag #jsfphoto. The themes are: ①Memories of what you bought and experienced in Japan, ②Your favourite fruits in Japan, and ③Good things about Japan you want to boast.
③Coupons, Goods & Experiences
Japan Shopping Now is one of Japan’s biggest online shopping portal sites, and they are now promoting information on Japanese shopping overseas in English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean. This includes coupons, sales, and more at almost 1,000 participating stores.
④Special Events
・Japan Shopping Festival Tohoku (December 1, 2019 – February 29, 2020)
This shopping festival will take place at 6 prefectures across Tohoku. Discover Japanese confectioneries, fashion, sake, fruit and more, including a tie-up with JR EAST PASS.
Official Website: http://tohoku.japanshopping.org/
・Matsuyama Shopping Festival (December 1, 2019 – March 31, 2020)
From Okaido Shopping Street to Matsuyama Gintengai Shopping Arcade, Matsuchika Town, and more, look forward to end-of-year lucky draws, food events, shopping, and so on.
Official Website: http://matsuyama.japanshopping.org/
Discover the wonders of shopping in Japan and learn more about the country with the Japan Shopping Festival.
Information
Japan Shopping Festival 2019-2020
Running: December 1, 2019 – February 29, 2020
Official Website: http://jsf.japanshopping.org/
RECOMMENDED ENTRIES
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These Hello Kitty Kintsuba Japanese Confections are the Perfect Souvenir From Japan
05.November.2019 | FOOD
Confectionery company Nakataya has teamed up with Sanrio to release the Hello Kitty Kintsuba.
Kintsuba is a type of traditional Japanese confection of sweet beans wrapped in wheat-flour dough. Nakataya is famous for their kintsuba, which are made with large-grained beans and red bean paste. They have maintained the flavour and quality of these confections, each of which is made with the utmost precision, and all individually.
This year marks the 85th anniversary since Nakataya opened. The long-standing store hopes to bring in more foreign and younger customers by collaborating with Hello Kitty.
They have crafted several flavours. Pictured above is the apple pie flavour, Hello Kitty’s favourite. It’s made with fuji apples from Aomori Prefecture which is known for its incredible apples. It’s mixed with white bean paste and is lightly flavoured with cinnamon.
The mixed berry flavour is a fruity sweet and sour mix of strawberries, raspberries and blueberries which have been mashed together with white bean paste.
The confection comes in two kinds of packaging: one designed by Nakataya’s founder Nakata (中田憲龍), and a Hello Kitty version where she is dressed as a dragonーa symbol of the shop. This is a completely original Hello Kitty design made specially for the collaboration.
The outer packaging is made with a wrapping cloth to both pass down an aspect of traditional Japanese culture while also catering to the eco-friendly lifestyle of the modern age. It’s made from amuzen fabric and can be reused. The inner packaging is a simple paper tray so can be recycled. And if you take the wrapping cloth back to the store, they can refill it with the three Hello Kitty kintsuba confections at a discounted price.
Information
Hello Kitty Kintsuba
Released: November 1, 2019
Contains: One box of 6 (x3 mixed berry/x3 apple pie)
Price: Hello Kitty Kintsuba – ¥2,500 (Before Tax) *Comes with wrapping cloth
Hello Kitty Kintsuba Refill – ¥1,800 (Before Tax)
*The refill is only available to those with a wrapping cloth
Available: At participating Nakataya branches and the online shop
Official Website: www.kintuba.co.jp
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Keio Plaza Hotel Tama’s Hello Kitty & Sanrio Rooms Celebrate 5th Anniversary
04.November.2019 | SPOT
To celebrate 5 years since the grand opening of the Hello Kitty Room at Keio Plaza Hotel Tama, guests are being treated to a very special present.
Friday November 1 marked the 45th anniversary of Hello Kitty. Together with the 5th anniversary of the hotel room, all guests who stay in any of the Sanrio character-themed hotels at Keio Plaza Hotel from now until February 29 next year will receive an application paper. Once they fill it out and then post it in the box in the lobby on the second floor they will be entered for a chance to win a one-night ticket to one of the three Sanrio character rooms. Exclusive merchandise will also be sold to commemorate the 5-year milestone.
The hotel poster promotional videos for the three rooms over on their homepage. This includes the revamped Hello Kitty Room, the My Melody Room which opened back in June, and the Little Twin Stars Room.
Information
Sanrio Character Room Ticket Campaign
Running: November 1, 2019 – February 29, 2020
Keio Plaza Hotel Tama
Address: 1-43 Ochiai, Tama, Tokyo
Official Website: https://www.keioplaza.com/tama/index.html
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HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX Theatre-Restaurant Announces New Show Based On the Seven Lucky Gods
27.October.2019 | SPOT
The official Hello Kitty theatre and restaurant HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX, which opened back in August on Awaji Island, updated its show program on October 10 and is now hosting a new show themed on the Seven Lucky Gods titled “A Record of the Seven Lucky Gods of Awaji Island.”
A Record of the Seven Lucky Gods of Awaji Island
The HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX is home to a gallery that makes use of media art like 3D holograms. The theatre’s shows incorporate song, dance and musical performance, while the restaurant serves healthy, vegetable-packed meals including vegan-friendly options.
The building itself is situated within farmlands and is crowned with the adorable hidden face of Hello Kitty which can’t be seen from the ground.
The all-new show will feature an original story based around the Seven Lucky Gods of Awaji Island, a mystical island that is even mentioned in the Kojikiーa sacred text and first written recording of Japan.
©1976, 2019 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. G602779
Information
HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX – “A Record of the Seven Lucky Gods of Awaji Island” (淡路島七福神録)
Running: October 10, 2019 – November 12, 2019
Performances: 3 per day during lunch (from 11:00), cafe time (from 15:00), and dinner (from 18:00)
Script/Lyrics/Performance/Choreography: Tamae Sha (謝珠栄)
Cast: Tatsuya Tomoishi as Ebisu, God of Business Prosperity and Wealth / Miki Maishiro as Bishamonten, God of War and Battle Fortune / …and more
*Please note that Sanrio characters will not appear in this performance
HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX
Address: 177-5 Nojimahirabayashi, Awaji, Hyogo Prefecture
Business Hours: 11:00-20:00
Closed: Wednesdays
Weekday Hours: Lunch 11:00 / Cafe 15:00 / Dinner 18:00
Weekend Hours: Lunch 11:00 / Cafe 14:15 & 16:15 / Dinner 18:15Reservations
①Reservations can be made via the homepage here (*Discount applied to all reservations)
②Reservations can also be made at the restaurant on the day depending on the number of available tables
Allotted Time: 2 hours max.Official Website: https://awajiresort.com/hellokittyshowbox/
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Couture Brooch Collaborates With Hello Kitty To Release Adorable Bags, Pouches and More
14.December.2020 | FASHION
Ladies fashion brand Couture Brooch collaborated with Sanrio’s most popular character Hello Kitty to release a new line of adorable fashion items which were released on December 11, 2010.
The new line includes a total of six different items with original designs by Couture Brooch including bags, pouches and smartphone cases. All items in the series feature Hello Kitty’s signature ribbon motif. This is the perfect port of call when looking for a Christmas present for someone who loves cute designs. The ribbon afro Hello Kitty image is an original collaboration design and cannot be purchased anywhere else.
The collaboration items were released on Couture Brooch’s official website on December 11. From December 16, the items will be available in shops across Japan and at selected Sanrio shops.
Make the most of a kawaii ribbon look with these adorable Hello Kitty collaboration items.
Information
Couture Brooch × Hello Kitty
Available online from December 11, 2020
Available in shops across Japan from December 16, 2020
Couture Brooch Official Website: https://store.world.co.jp/s/brand/couturebrooch/ -
Sanrio’s My Melody, Pompompurin, and Little Twin Stars Keep Your Face Masks Safe
10.December.2020 | FASHION
Sanrio released pre-sales of its new Sanrio Characters Mask Bags for face masks via the online shop Asunarosha on Wednesday (December 9).
Following the success of the Hello Kitty and Cinnamoroll face mask bags released in September, all of which sold out, Sanrio is adding new designs into the mix. The bags are washable and allow you to carry your mask around conveniently and hygienically.
My Melody, Pompompurin, Little Twin Stars (Kiki & Lala) | ¥700 Each (Before Tax)
The new designs include the popular characters My Melody, Pompompurin, and Little Twin Stars (Kiki & Lala).
Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll | ¥700 Each (Before Tax)
Hello Kitty and Cinnamoroll are also making a return so fans can pick from 5 different designs.
Sanrio Puroland is also releasing a cute collection of face mask and mask cases on December 18.
©1976, 1996, 2001, 2020 SANRIO CO., LTD.
Information
Sanrio Characters Mask Bags
Pre-Sales: December 9, 2020General Release: Early January 2021
Pre-Sale Purchase: https://asunaro.shop-pro.jp/?mode=cate&cbid=2500723&csid=17
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Hello Kitty and Dear Daniel Winter Doughnuts to be Served at Floresta
06.December.2020 | FOOD
Floresta Nature Doughnuts, a doughnut cafe that hand-makes doughnuts using organic ingredients, is baking up Hello Kitty and Dear Daniel doughnuts this Christmas from December 11 to 25. They will be served in-store at be available to order online in Japan.
Floresta Hello Kitty & Dear Daniel Christmas Doughnuts | ¥450 Each (Before Tax)
Both ring-shaped doughnuts are covered in a chocolate coating with Dear Daniel’s made with organic matcha and Hello Kitty’s with strawberry powder made from strawberries grown in Japan. The doughnuts are dusted with organic coconut flakes to look like snow and are decorated with the Star of Bethlehem.
These two doughnuts are naturally sweet and are the perfect kawaii treat to indulge in for this year’s Christmas in Japan.
©’76,’99,’20 SANRIO APPR.NO.L610318
Information
Floresta Hello Kitty Christmas Doughnuts
Serving: December 11, 2020 – December 25, 2020
Shop List: https://www.nature-doughnuts.jp/shop/
Floresta Organic Store: https://floresta-ec.jp/ -
Hello Kitty Turns Into Pixelated Figurine in Collaboration With Adam Lister
13.November.2020 | FASHION
Isetan has teamed up with New York-based artist Adam Lister to release an official Hello Kitty figurine which hit the company’s online store on Wednesday (November 11). It is also available to buy internationally via Adam Lister’s online shop.
SPECIAL PRODUCT DESIGN & MEDICOM TOY
Adam Lister x HELLO KITTY (18cm Tall) | ¥18,700 (Tax Included)
The toy was made in collaboration with creative design company SPECIAL PRODUCT TOYS and MEDICOM TOY.
Adam Lister brings his signature pixelated style
Adam Lister is a New York-based visual artist whose work consists of geometric interpretations of iconic imagery and pop culture references. He breaks down classic images to their most elemental forms by combining the deconstructed and minimal aesthetic of pixelated graphics with the transparency of watercolour paint and the flatness of acrylic paint.
Lister’s artwork has been exhibited in numerous galleries throughout the world and he has also collaborated with streetwear brands, athletic companies, and other artists.
©1976, 2020 SANRIO CO, LTD. APPROVAL No. L614063
Information
Adam Lister x HELLO KITTY
Release: November 11, 2020Available internationally via Adam Lister’s online shop: https://adam-lister-gallery.myshopify.com/collections/new
Isetan Official Website: https://www.mistore.jp/shopping/product/900000000000000001535865.html -
Canon to Release Special Hello Kitty iNSPiC Mobile Printer
01.November.2020 | FASHION
Canon Marketing Japan has announced the release of a special Hello Kitty model of its iNSPiC PV-123 pocket-sized mini printer.
The iNSPiC PV-123 is a mini printer designed for the smartphone generation that lets users print photos instantly. Canon’s new model is made in collaboration with Sanrio’s popular character Hello Kitty.
Not only does the printer itself feature a cute Hello Kitty design, it also lets users print special Hello Kitty themed frames and stamps using the Canon Mini Print app. These are available until October 31, 2021 for the Hello Kitty model only.
The iNSPiC PV-123 HELLO KITTY is the perfect companion for mobile printing, making it super easy to print your memories wherever you are.
Information
iNSPiC PV-123 HELLO KITTY
Release Date: Mid-November 2020
iNSPiC PV-123 HELLO KITTY Special Site: https://cweb.canon.jp/inspic/special/pv-123/hello-kitty/index.html
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Hello Kitty Double Wall Glasses by GOODGLAS Are Perfect For Dessert Servings
25.October.2020 | FASHION
Japanese glass company GOODGLAS re-released the red versions of its Hello Kitty double wall glasses on Friday after they sold out in just two months when they first went on sale on July 20.
Handmade Hello Kitty Double Wall Glass
Hello Kitty Double Wall Glass (Red) | ¥3,600 (Before Tax)
Glass products at GOODGLAS are all handmade and use the traditional glass blowing method.
Not just cute but practical too
Limited Edition Blue Colour
The glasses can be used for beverages too. Winter is on the horizon, so this is the perfect vessel to sip a cosy hot drink from.
Enjoy a tea break at home with Hello Kitty
限定カラーゴールド
When you pour either your hot or cold drink into the glass, Hello Kitty’s face stands out even more—and depending on the beverage you pour inside, you can create different looks.
©︎1976, 2020 SANRIO CO., LTD.TOKYO,JAPANⓁ
Information
Hello Kitty Double Wall Glass Red
Re-released: October 23, 2020
GOODGLAS Japan Official Website: https://www.r-kj.com/ -
Sanrio Themed Cafe Celebrates Characters’ Monthly Magazine ‘Ichigo Shimbun’
23.October.2020 | FOOD
Sanrio is once again collaborating with the EGG & SPUMA cafe located on the 8th floor of Shinjuku Lumine EST to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Ichigo Shimbun, a monthly magazine published by Sanrio which includes information about the latest character merchandise, the Sanrio Character Awards, and more. The limited-time cafe will run from November 1, 2020 to late January 2021.
Sanrio fans can expect a very special menu line-up of food, drinks, and desserts based on their favourite characters from the Sanrio roster.
There will in fact be two different menus served on separate occasions. The first menu will welcome a soufflé omelette topped with a potato salad Pochacco while the second will see an adorably pink My Melody cream stew.
There will also be an incredibly cute two-tiered afternoon tea set with desserts and savoury items.
For drinks, there is a Hello Kitty strawberry milk, Cinnamoroll milk, and milk caramel pudding Pompompurin.
© 2020 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. L613344
And everyone who orders from the collaborative menu will receive one of eight possible coasters as thanks for visiting.
Information
Ichigo Shimbun 45th Anniversary CAFE
Location: EGG & SPUMA, Shinjuku Lumine EST Floor 8F, 3-38-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo
Running: November 1, 2020 – Late January 2021Opening Hours: 11:00-21:00 (Last Orders)
TEL: 03-6273-0255
Official Website: http://salt-group.jp/shop/egg-spuma/ -
Lipton Tea Announces Hello Kitty Collaboration With Cute Yellow Label Designs
20.October.2020 | FOOD
Tea brand Lipton has announced its first-ever collaboration with popular Sanrio character Hello Kitty to release limited-edition designs of its Yellow Label tea in Japan. The tea will hit shelves in Japan this December.
Teabag design
Join Hello Kitty for a cup of tea with her first ever tie-up with Lipton, a company that has been sipped for 130 years. Hello Kitty is donning a cute teacup hat, a design made exclusively for this collaboration, which features on the packaging as well as the teabag packs.
The packs will be sold at major supermarkets and elsewhere in Japan this winter from December. And to celebrate Tea Day in Japan, as well as Hello Kitty’s Birthday—both of which fall on November 1—select items in this new tea range will be released early at the end of this month at Sanrio.
Lipton Japan will also post the first chapter of an original 4-panel Hello Kitty comic on its Twitter page in early November. The cute comic will be centred on Hello Kitty enjoying her cup of tea.
Information
Lipton Yellow Label Hello Kitty Design (25 Bags)
Price: ¥300
Lipton Yellow Label Hello Kitty Design (50 Bags)
Price: ¥500
Lipton Japan Official Website: http://www.lipton.jp/
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Hello Kitty Collaborates With Japanese Ramen Restaurant Kourakuen
29.September.2020 | FOOD
Kourakuen Holdings Corporation launched a collaboration campaign together with Sanrio’s popular character Hello Kitty on September 26 which is set to run to October 25.
Hello Kitty takes over Kourakuen
For the duration of the collaboration, the Roppongi and Dogenzaka branches of Kourakuen will be decorated in all things Hello Kitty
Free folder with child meal sets
A free and exclusive A4 size folder will be given to all who order the children’s meal set. This is available at select branches only and the folders are limited in stock.
Kourakuen original merchandise
Kourakuen x Hello Kitty Soy Sauce Plate | ¥200 (Tax Included)
Kourakuen x Hello Kitty Folder | ¥100 (Tax Included)
A special line-up of original and exclusive merchandise will also be sold at all Kourakuen branches including soy sauce plates, folders, and more.
Information
Kourakuen Official Website: https://www.rakuten.co.jp/kourakuen-hd/
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Sanrio’s Cute Face Mask Bags Keep Your Mask Safe With Hello Kitty and Cinnamoroll
11.September.2020 | FASHION
Pre-sales for Sanrio’s new face mask bags opened on Wednesday (September 9) on Asunarosha’s online shop. There are two bag designs, one with Hello Kitty and another with Cinnamoroll.
Hello Kitty Face Mask Bag ¥700 (Before Tax) / Cinnamoroll Face Mask Bag ¥700 (Before Tax)
Now you can store your masks safely and hygienically wherever you go and make it look cute.
The bags are made from TPU plastic and combines the strength of plastic with the lightweightness of silicone, so your mask won’t get dusty and even if the bag gets wet or dirty, the face mask stays safe and in tact.
The bags also take on an adorable rainbow colour when the light hits them, adding a bit of fun to the face mask routine.
©1976, 2001, 2020 SANRIO CO., LTD.
Information
Hello Kitty Face Mask Bag / Cinnamoroll Face Mask Bag
Pre-Sales: September 9, 2020Shipping: From September 14, 2020
Buy Here: https://asunaro.shop-pro.jp/?mode=cate&cbid=2500723&csid=17
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Sanrio Puroland Announces New Mewkledreamy Live Show
08.September.2020 | SPOT
Sanrio Puroland is giving Mewkledreamy (Mew) her very first show this autumn titled “Mewkledreamy March ~Atsumare☆Dreamy Mate” which will begin showing from October 16, 2020.
Mew made her debut at Sanrio Puroland in January 2018. This will be the first show she has ever participated in. Like the anime series named after her, the performance will feature an original story that will pull the audience into a mysterious and wonderful world. She will be joined by her friends Peko and Suu who have never made an appearance at Sanrio Puroland before.
Dreamy☆Set | ¥1,500
Miracle♡ Heart Light | ¥1,500
The show will include a dance scene that encourages audience participation. Park guests can get their hands on the Dreamy☆Set which includes a headband and cute colour as well as the Miracle♡ Heart Light to make their time watching the show even more fun. These will be released at Sanrio Puroland and their online shop on September 11.
Rope Purse | ¥1,320
Mewkledreamy Mewchan’s Twinkling Chesse & Korokke Curry | ¥1,400
As well as the show, Mewkledreamy will have her own exclusive merchandise, food dishes, and more for fans of the cute and fluffy pink kitten.
Mew, Peko, and Suu were born on top of the clouds of the Miracle Dreamy Kingdom, and each holds a mysterious power. See them come together for the first time at Sanrio Puroland this autumn. Oh, and Hello Kitty will be in the show too!
©1976, 2009 SANRIO CO., LTD. ©1976, 1989, 1993, 1999, 1996, 2001, 2020 SANRIO CO., LTD.
Information
Mewkledreamy March ~Atsumare☆Dreamy Mate
(Japanese Title: ミュークルドリーミーマーチ~集まれ☆ドリーミーメイト~ )
Running: October 16, 2020 until an indefinite date
Location: Sanrio Puroland Floor 1F entertainment hall
Participating Characters: Mew, Peko, Suu, Hello KittyOfficial Website: https://www.puroland.jp/liveshow/mewkledreamy_march/
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Kaori’s Easy Recipe: Learn to Make Hello Kitty Strawberry Ice Cream
With just a small bit of ingenuity, turn everyday food into something cute using Kaori’s Easy Recipe! With a few simple ideas, an ordinary recipe magically transforms into a cute dish.
Today’s recipe will show you how to make a simple ice cream made with frozen strawberries and a blender.
Ingredients
500g frozen strawberries (either store bought or self-frozen)120ml condensed milk
Sliced white chocolate to make Hello Kitty
1.
Defrost around 3/10 of the frozen strawberries until they are more soft than frozen, allowing them to be blended more easily.2.
Throw the defrosted strawberries into a blender along with the condensed milk and blend.3.
Place the blended mix into a ziplock bag and place into the freezer. After about an hour, massage the mix while it’s still inside the bag. Repeat this whole process 2-3 times. Doing this will make the ice cream tastier.Once fully set, place into a serving cup of your choice, use sliced white chocolate to make your chocolate Hello Kitty, and serve!
Kaori invites you into her world of character-themed food dishes in her recipe series. Be sure to check out her Instagram where she has uploaded many pictures of her character dishes!
Kaori Kubota (@kaopan27)
I live in Hokkaido and I love to make character themed foods, desserts and pastries♡
I want to see my family smile, so I enjoy putting in a bit of effort to make character foods and changing food into something cute♡
You can see more of my character foods and character bento boxes on my Instagram page → @kaopan72