The new limited-time character cafe POWDER ART CAFE HARAJUKU is set to open in Harajuku, Tokyo from July 15, 2020 to mid-January 2021.

From July 15 to mid-October, the cafe will be centred on the Top 10 characters of this year’s Sanrio Character Ranking, an annual event where fans around the world can vote for their favourite Sanrio characters. The cafe will subsequently celebrate the 45th anniversaries of both My Melody and Little Twin Stars until mid-January next year.

At POWDER ART CAFE HARAJUKU, where the customers can draw their own designs on their orders, like latte art, Sanrio fans can look forward to a super cute menu line-up inspired by the adorable character roster.

My Melody Sweet & Sour Strawberry Shaved Ice

Tuxedo Sam Seafood Coquille Plate

If you’re visiting Harajuku any time up to January next year, be sure to stop by POWDER ART CAFE HARAJUKU to make your own kawaii Sanrio character dishes.

Japanese watchmakers MARUZEKI released a new collection of Hello Kitty wristwatches as part of their KAORU model series on June 27, 2020.

KAORU x Hello Kitty Sweets Collaboration: ¥4,180 (Tax Included)

MARUZEKI’s “KAORU” watches are inspired by aromatherapy, implementing a world-first concept that lets the wearer enjoy their favourite fragrances on the go. Designed and created with Japan’s state-of-the-art materials and technology, the Hello Kitty collection of 3 watches come with vanilla, strawberry, and coconut scents.

The ‘Vanilla White’ fragrance is like a waft of sweet candy. It’s a popular scent seen in products, and uses a mix of aroma oils and perfumes to create the uplifting fragrance. The watch face has an illustration of Hello Kitty enjoying a cup of tea.

‘Strawberry Pink’ is inspired by strawberry milk and strawberry shakes. They recommend this one if you’re wanting a change of pace. This clock face has Hello Kitty enjoying some apple pie and talking on the phone.

‘Coconut Mint Green’ is a relaxing blend of coconut and passion fruit. Hello Kitty is dressed adorably as a mother making an apple pie for this design.

The watches are packaged in special boxes with a cute pop-up Hello Kitty inside like that of a picture book. This itself serves as kawaii decoration, and makes for a great gift to someone (or yourself!)

To celebrate the 45th anniversary of Sanrio’s popular characters Kiki & Lala, also known as the Little Twin Stars, Tokyo Tower is now hosting an event called “Twinkle color miracle☆” which began on July 1.

A special projection mapping display called “TOKYO TOWER CITY LIGHT FANTASIA ～Twinkle color miracle☆～” by NAKED, INC. is being shown on the second floor main deck of Tokyo Tower. This three-minute video covers the entire 30-meter long north window of the tower, showing a cluster of fireworks, the ocean, Tanabata, and other designs featuring Kiki & Lala’s iconic pastel colouring. The video can be enjoyed with the gorgeous Tokyo nightscape in the background from the window.

TOKYO TOWER CITY LIGHT FANTASIA ～Twinkle color miracle☆～

Schedule
Dates: July 1, 2020 – July 31, 2020 / Time: 19:30-22:50
Dates: August 1, 2020 – August 26, 2020 / Time: 19:30-22:50
Dates: August 27, 2020 – September 22, 2020 / Time: 18:30-22:50
Location: Tokyo Tower Main Deck (150cm) Floor 2F, North Side
Price: Adults ¥1,200 / High School Students ¥1,000 / Children (Elementary & Junior High School Students) ¥700 / Aged 4+ Years ¥500

Tokyo Tower’s first floor cafe “Cafe La Tour” is also serving some exclusive Little Twin Stars menu items, like ice cream and drinks. If you order one of the Kiki & Lala drinks, you’ll get one of the above-pictured coasters which feature the various Little Twin Stars designs from over the years.

Cafe La Tour x Kiki & Lala Collaboration
Running: July 1, 2020 – September 30, 2020
Time: 10:00-22:00 (Last Orders 21:30)
Location: Tokyo Tower Main Deck (150cm) Floor 1F

KADOKAWA is set to open a Hello Kitty themed cafe on the Narita Anime Deck—which is located on the Main Building second floor of Narita International Airport Terminal 2—for a limited time from July 3, 2020 to October 2, 2020.

The Narita Anime Deck

The Narita Anime Deck opened inside Narita International Airport Terminal 2 in November 2019. It’s an entertainment facility where travellers from around the world can experience and enjoy Japanese anime culture in various forms such as with character merchandise, food, events, and a variety of photo spots.

Hello Kitty Cafe

The facility has collaborated with numerous anime series to open up limited-time cafes since it opened. This time around it is joining paws with Hello Kitty, a face known to all across the globe. As well as themed food, drinks and merchandise, customers can take a Hello Kitty quiz, learn the history behind Hello Kitty, and more.

An Original Food Menu

Hello Kitty’s Lovely♡ Pink Curry: ¥1,500

Hello Kitty’s Gurakoro Burger: ¥1,500

Hello Kitty’s Strawberry Pancake: ¥1,400

Hello Kitty’s Strawberry Parfait: ¥1,200

An Original Drinks Menu

The incredible drinks menu is diverse, including lattes where you can get 46 different latte art designs of Hello Kitty from 1974-2019. It could be fun to pick your birth year, or a year where you have fond memories.

Hello Kitty’s Colourful Tapioca Drinks (Matcha Milk/Strawberry Milk/Milk Tea): ¥720 Each

 
Hello Kitty’s Marshmallow Coffee: ¥800

Hello Kitty’s Latte (46 Designs): ¥720 Each

Novelties

For every item you order from the collaboration menu, you can also receive one of 46 possible original coasters once again featuring a different design of Hello Kitty between the years 1974-2019.

1st Line-Up: July 3, 2020 – August 2, 2020

2nd Line-Up: August 3, 2020 – September 2, 2020

3rd Line-Up: September 3, 2020 – October 2, 2020

If you’re travelling through Narita Airport anytime this year up to October, then be sure to head on up to the Narita Anime Deck to dine at the Hello Kitty Cafe.

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A new collection of merchandise is being released for Sanrio’s popular character Hello Kitty this August which sees her becoming Amabie, a legendary Japanese mermaid which emerges from the sea and prophesies an epidemic.

The first alleged appearance of Amabie was in Higo Province (now Kumamoto Prefecture) during the closing years of the Edo period. Legend has it that if a disease spreads, you must draw a picture of Amabie and show it to those who fall ill to cure them.

Antibacterial Face Mask Pouch: ¥1,300 (Before Tax) *Design subject to change

Antibacterial Eco Bag: ¥1,100 (Before Tax) *Design subject to change

The item collection includes an antibacterial mask pouch, eco bag, and more—all items that are best used during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lemon Drops: ¥400 (Before Tax) *Available Late June 2020

Cream Sandwich: ¥600 (Before Tax) *Available Late June 2020

Delicious sweets will also be available from late June.

This line-up is a great way to bring some smiles about during these current turbulent times, whether as a gift to yourself or someone special to you.

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LEGS COMPANY has revealed that it is opening a Yuri!!! on ICE and Sanrio fusion themed cafe called “Yuri on Ice x Sanrio Characters Cafe 2020” in Shibuya, Tokyo for a limited time from August 6, 2020.

Yuri!!! on ICE is a sports anime series centred on figure skating. It was produced by MAPPA and directed and written by Sayo Yamamoto together with Mitsurō Kubo. The series received rave reviews from anime watchers and the figure skating community.

LEGS COMPANY brought this collaborative cafe to Tokyo and Osaka once before back in September and October of 2017. The collaboration is set to return this summer, with this year’s theme centred on an ice cream stand. The menu is made up of themed dishes, drinks, and desserts. Let’s take a look at just some of the items on offer.

A Select Look at the Menu

Food

Utopia Akatsuki Simmered Cutlet Plate: ¥1,599

A Yuri!!! on ICE classic, this katsudon dish is served in a separated style.

Borscht Plate: ¥1,599

Borscht is a Russian dish that appears in the show, and in this plate it’s served as a main. Enjoy together with the sour cream.

Paella Plate: ¥1,599

A Spanish dish that appears at the end of the show, served with fish, sauce, and a side of gazpacho cold soup.

Desserts

Pancake & Ice Cream Plate: ¥1,399

Enjoy a mix of sweet and sour flavours with a fruit and whipped cream-topped pancake and ice cream. You get to pick your favourite character for your ice cream.

Tiramisu & Ice Cream Plate: ¥1,399

You can choose your favourite character with the bittersweet tiramisu too.

Drinks

Soda Float: ¥989 (Bottom Left: Strawberry / Middle: Melon / Right: Blue / Top Left: Cola / Top Right: Coffee)

Stickers (14 Designs): ¥400

Mini Towels (3 Designs): ¥850 Each

Fans can get their hands on exclusive merchandise too which is also available online in Japan.

Fans (4 Designs) *For those who book a table in advance only

Coasters (7 Designs) *For those who order a drink only

The cafe will also offer free merchandise too, including fans for those who book a table in advance, coasters for those who order a drink, and more.

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The Osaka branch of @home cafe—a chain of maid cafes that originated in Akihabara—is collaborating with Sanrio to serve up a Hello Kitty experience from July 1 for a limited time, with special decorations, food, and exclusive merchandise.

@home cafe Akihaabra collaborates with Sanrio characters every year. In 2018, it joined hands with My Melody and Cinnamoroll, and in 2019 with Pompompurin. In January this year, it teamed up with Hello Kitty, who is now heading to the Osaka cafe.

The cafe will be decorated with cute pictures of Hello Kitty and her twin sister Mimmy, as well as pink and yellow gingham designs for each character.

The maids at @home cafe Osaka will also wear special Hello Kitty and Mimmy maid outfits for the duration of the collaboration.

Food Menu

Hello Kitty’s KAWAII♡ Pink Curry: ¥1,400 (Before Tax) *Comes with a free certificate-style card

Hello Kitty & Mimmy’s Moe Moe Ribbon Pasta Plate: ¥1,300 (Before Tax)

Hello Kitty’s Lovely Sweet Sandwich: ¥1,300 (Before Tax)

Dessert Menu

Hello Kitty’s Moe Moe Parfait / Mimmy’s Kyun Myun Parfait: ¥1,000 Each (Before Tax)

Okyumuka Cake Topped With a Bright-Red Apple: ¥1,000 (Before Tax)

All customers who dine at the cafe will receive one of two possible lunch mats for free. You get one of three free coasters too when you order a drink.

Hello Kitty x @home cafe Merchandise

Acrylic Key Rings (3 Designs): ¥600 Each (Before Tax)

Mirror: ¥800 (Before Tax)

See Hello Kitty and Mimmy transform into maids at @home cafe Osaka.

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The Folk Kitchen on the 2nd floor of Hilton Osaka is set to serve up the “Summer Sweets Buffet Festival ~Hello Kitty & My Melody Collaboration Tea Party~” from June 19, 2020 to September 13, 2020. The menu is made up of 25 colourful and summery desserts, as well as 7 vegan desserts made without any eggs, milk or animal products.

The buffet is a step up from last year’s “Fashionable Hello Kitty Dessert Buffet” which we covered.

This year’s summer buffet tea party combo is a sweet amalgamation of finger licking and lip smacking flavours. In the middle of the “Ice Cream Cup Cheesecake” is a moist baked cheesecake topped with cream cheese—and all of this hugged by a crunchy cone.

Then there’s the “Lollipop Mousse Green Apple,” a vivid green iced candy with a fresh apple mousse filled with apple jam for a mix of sweet and sour flavours. The “Vegan Melon Cream Soda Jelly” is a melon flavoured jelly topped with a cream made from fizzy lime foam. If you’re wanting cake, then there’s the fluffy “Pineapple Chiffon Cake” topped with lots of cream.

The “Pudding à la Mode” is topped with a chocolate My Melody picture, of which there are several designs.

The vegans too have their fair share of refreshing summertime bites to enjoy too, like the “Vegan Peach Bellini” which uses agar-agar instead of gelatin. It’s a delightful combination of muscat grape jelly and peach jam. The “Vegan Chocolate Chip Cupcakes” have a fresh kick to them thanks to the fruity pineapple and soy milk combo. Other delights include the “Soy Milk Cream Fruit Bun,” “Vegan Piña Colada Panna Cotta,” and more.

The buffet also includes 5 savoury food dishes too like cold corn soup, curry, salad, and more.

On the 1st floor cafe and bar MYPLACE of Hilton Osaka, customers can order the above-pictured Hello Kitty & My Melody afternoon tea which is served in a jewellery box-like set.

A new Super Mario Bros. merch line-up is up for grabs in the form of a lottery set to take place at 7-Eleven and Ito-Yokado stores, as well as Nintendo TOKYO, in Japan from June 27, 2020.

There are 7 different items in the collection and 19 designs in total that they come in, from a talking Mario plush to a giant Bowser bath towel, Boo hand soap dispenser set, and more.

A-Tier Prize: It’s a-me, Mario! Talking Plush (30cm)

This cute talking Mario plush speaks five of the princess-saving plumber’s classic lines when you press his belly.

B-Tier Prize: Fanfare Melody Alarm Clock (20cm)

The alarm clock face features a historical look at the many designs of the Super Mario Bros. games. The alarm sounds that play are those of when you clear a level in each of the games, so you can try and guess which game each sound is from when you hear it.

C-Tier Prize: Big Bowser Towel (200cm)

This 2-meter long towel features Mario’s eternal enemy, Bowser—known simply as Koopa in Japan. Its convenient size means it can function as a bath towel or a blanket.

D-Tier Prize: Glow-in-the-Dark Boo Soap Dispenser Set (15cm)

Boo loves to hide in the dark and surprise the player then they least expect it. These handy soap dispensers glow in the dark, and are perfect for storing your shampoo, conditioner, or soap. You get both in the set!

E-Tier Prize: Clear Pouches (3 Designs) (12cm-18cm)

These three cute pouches vary in size and can be used for storing all your little things.

F-Prize: Brick Block Mamezara Plates (4 Designs) (8.5cm)

When you stack all four of these plates on top of each other the outer part makes it look like the iconic Brick Blocks from the video games. They are a great addition to any tabletop meal.

G-Prize: Packaged Towel Collection (8 Designs) (25cm)

The packaging designs of these mini towels are based on their respective video game cases. The packaging itself zips up so you can store whichever of the 8 towels you choose from away safely.

Last One Prize: Invincible Super Star Handy Fan (20cm)

This Super Star fan is holdable and can also be placed down thanks to the Question Block. This special “Last One” prize will be given out as the very last prize to people who draw the final lot.

Which of these items do you want the most?

©Nintendo

The final results for the 2020 Sanrio Character Ranking were announced on Tuesday, with Cinnamoroll placing number one overall. Yoshiki’s collaboration character yoshiki ranked 1st place in France, Germany, and Brasil, as well as 2nd place in China and 6th place overall. This marks the 5th year that yoshikitty has ranked in the Top 10.

yoshikitty is a character based on the X Japan band member Yoshiki. The character has proven popular around the world, with merchandise so popular it never fails to sell out.

A special “Tanita Award” was also given to yoshikitty, and to celebrate, a limited-edition yoshikitty “Digital Health Meter” will be sold on the Tanita website. Costing ¥4,400 (tax included), it is now available to order until July 31, 2020, with a limited number of 100 models available.

Yoshiki thanked yoshikitty fans around the world on his official Twitter and Instagram pages for voting and making the character place so high again this year. He also said: “I wonder if I should composed a yoshikitty theme song too to express my gratitude to everyone (haha). I want to continue delivering wonderful music to you all to repay you, even just a little. Thank you.” (translated from Japanese by MMN)

The final results have been announced for the 2020 Sanrio Character Ranking. This year marks the 35th run of the event.

The theme of this year’s ranking centred on fans cheering for characters who they have always loved and who have always been by their sides through the years. It was a chance to let the character you love know that you are cheering them on.

Voting opened on April 10, which was subsequently followed by a first and second round-up of votes. Though votes were made difficult at Sanrio shops, and events couldn’t be held as a result of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), online voting has amassed the largest number of votes to date: 14,556,939.

In 1st place this year is Cinnamoroll, who was already first place during the second vote round-up, and who placed 2nd in last year’s ranking. Pompompurin takes 2nd place for 2020, up from 3rd place last year, while Pochacco has taken the 3rd place spot—two spots above his last ranking at 5th place.

Speaking about his win, Cinnamoroll commented on the official website, “Thanks so much for cheering me on!” Pompompurin said, “Yay! Thanks for all the love,” and Pochacco said, “Wow! Wow! Wow! I’m so grateful for all the love!”

A special “Tanita Award” was also given to yoshikitty, and to celebrate, a limited-edition yoshikitty “Digital Health Meter” will be sold on the Tanita website. Costing ¥4,400 (tax included), it will be available to buy until July 31, 2020, with a limited number of 100 models available.

26 entrees entered for a chance to win the Collaboration category of the 2020 Sanrio Character Ranking. Taking the 1st place out of 8 is YouTubers Maataso and Hangyodon.

A music video was released to commemorate Cinnamoroll’s third 1st place win. The song is also scheduled to be released digitally at a later date.

Toranoana has released its second batch of merchandise made in collaboration with Fate/Grand Order and Sanrio’s characters on its online store and at Toranoana Akihabara Branch B.

The collection fuses the worlds of the popular mobile RPG Fate/Grand Order—which has over 20 million downloads in Japan, spawned an anime series in 2019, and is getting a movie this year—and Sanrio

Colour Pen Set: ¥1,800 (Before Tax)

Hello Kitty, My Melody, Cinnamoroll, and other popular Sanrio characters have been transformed into Command Card designs exclusively for this collection.

Square Cushions: ¥2,800 Each (Before Tax)

Lip Balm: ¥500 Each (Before Tax)

The line-up includes coloured pens, a pencil case tin, acrylic key rings, lip balm, square cushions, and much more. Don’t miss out on this limited-edition collection.

©TM / FGOP
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