This month marks the 25th anniversary of fan-favourite Sanrio character Pompompurin, and to celebrate, Sanrio is holding a special 1-year commemoration to the adorable gold retriever which will run throughout 2021 with a host of events and exclusive merchandise at Sanrio Puroland and Sanrio Harmonyland, and more.

Pompompurin 25th Anniversary Key Visual

Sanrio Puroland Pompompurin 25th Anniversary “Niko Niko” Purin Party With Team Purin Key Visual

Niko Niko Purin Room

Pompompurin 25th Anniversary Special Merchandise

Pompompurin 25th Anniversary Food & Desserts

Pompompurin 25th Anniversary Event in Harmonyland New Costume Design

There’s lots to look forward to this year for Pompompurin fans, such as the Pompompurin 25th Anniversary Niko Niko Purin Party With Team Purin event taking place at Sanrio Puroland from March 12 to December 31 where fans can snap a photo in the Niko Niko Purin Room, get their hands on exclusive anniversary merch, tuck into a themed menu, enjoy online content if they can’t get to Puroland, and more. Pompompurin is also debuting a cute new costume and fans will get to meet the cute character too.

Sanrio has begun celebrations for My Melody’s birthday, which falls on January 18, which includes the announcement of the rental My Melody House, exclusive merchandise, the fan-favourite character appearing on a popular Japanese radio show, and more.

House Mate Rental Building – “My Melody House” (Temporary Name)

My Melody Flower Service Original Design

Novelty Calendar – March 2021

Goncharoff Collab Valentine’s Chocolate

MINISTOP Limited-Edition Snowman Cup Dessert | ¥489 (Tax Included)

TOKYO FM Radio Show – “Sky Rocket Company”

My Melody “Itsudemo Issho ni My Melody” app gets memo pad update

My Melody Lottery | ¥700 Per Go (Tax Included)

My Melody Acrylic Clock added to Sanrio’s Point Service “Sanrio+”

This autumn, House Mate is opening My Melody-themed buildings that people can rent. As of now it’s temporarily called the My Melody House. It will first open in Tokyo before rolling out across Japan, featuring wallpaper, kitchens, baths, toilets, doorknobs, all adorned with My Melody decorations.

Sanrio is also launching a flower delivery service this February which will see flowers delivered to homes in Japan twice a month. The first delivery of the month contain not only the flowers wrapped in My Melody paper but a free My Melody mask too. The second delivery of a month will be coupled with a calendar for the following month.

The character creation company is also collaborating with Goncharoff for Valentine’s with cute ribbon-wrapped chocolates. MINISTOP convenience stores in Japan will also begin selling a special cup dessert featuring My Melody as a snowman from January 22.

Sanrio shops and convenience stores in Japan will also roll out a lottery at the end of this month where fans can win a variety of items like cushions, a chocolate fondue maker, coconut plate, and more.

©ʻ76,ʼ21 SANRIO 著作(株)サンリオ

Sanrio Puroland is teaming up with Gekidan No Meets to host a 5-day Valentine’s day themed event titled ‘VIVA LA VALENTINE’ on February 6, 7, 11, 13, and 14. The event comes in response to COVID-19 so people can enjoy the park from the comfort of their own homes.

Join fan favourites Hello Kitty, Dear Daniel, Pompompurin, Cinnamoroll, and Kuromi who will live stream from Puroland after the park closes for a special song and dance show. Music will be performed by a multi-genre line-up consisting of Sayonara Ponytail, Zo Zhit (Dos Monos), Kroi, and Tomggg.

VIVA LA VALENTINE

The event will have its own story that follows Hello Kitty pouring her heart and soul into a new show ‘VIVA LA VALENTINE’ with Dear Daniel as the first on the list. Everyone is in high spirits as they prepare for the big day. However, the show’s sponsor Bias Seika, makes an abrupt and ruthless change to the show just three days before it’s scheduled to be performed. What will they do, and what will become of Valentine’s Day?

See the Sanrio characters preparing the show

Sanrio Puroland’s official Twitter account has been posting live streams of the Sanrio characters working hard in preparation for the show since December 22 with the hashtag #ビバラバ. The first clip was viewed over 50,000 times with supportive comments flying in from fans.

More clips and photos will continue to roll out starting on January 14, 2021 too, so be sure to give them a follow.
Sanrio Puroland Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/purolandjp

Puroland set to come to life on February 6, 2021 after turning the lights out on December 22

Dear Daniel and the gang in a merry circle at Furry Tale Theater on December 28

Dear Daniel exchanging business cards on January 6

Hello Kitty putting up posters on January 12

Catch all the fun at Sanrio Puroland live with a special 50-minute show online.

©1976, 1996, 1999, 2001, 2005, 2020 SANRIO CO., LTD.

PARCO has teamed up with Kaji Kaji H, Koichi Igarashi—who is known for his work with BEAMS JAPAN’s brand projects—and a certain chief editor at a popular Kansai fashion magazine to open Zi-tempo, a limited-time food spot aimed at foodies that will run for 20-days at PARCO Shinaibashi in Osaka.

Zi-tempo brings together designers from popular fashion brands working in Kansai, editors from fashion magazines, stylists, writers, more to serve up a creative menu by a line-up of individuals not involved in anyway in the food industry. As well as food, visitors can get their hands of a selection of related merchandise, clothing, and more.

The First Serving

Running: January 13, 2021 – January 19, 2021
Curry Mala: Enjoy the unique spices of both curry and mala

Spicy curry has recently become something of a soul food in Osaka. For the first serving, foodies can enjoy discovering a wonderful combination of spices in a selection of curries, as well as a numbing line-up of mala made with mapo tofu. This menu is the creation of ‘R,’ a designer at a fashion brand, and ‘T,’ a former chief editor of a Japanese fashion magazine. R is actually the owner of a popular curry house called COBACHI CURRY in Nakazakicho, while T has tasted countless mapo tofu dishes. This makes them the perfect curry-mala combo for this experiment.

Menu

・Curry Mala Shokuhako – ¥1,200 (Before Tax)
・Curry Mala 1 (Spice Chai) – ¥500 (Before Tax)
・Curry Mala 2 (Spice Highball) – ¥500 (Before Tax)
・Curry Mala Hoodie – ¥7,800 (Before Tax)
・Curry Mala Long T-Shirt – ¥5,800 (Before Tax)

The Second Serving

Running: January 20, 2021 – January 26, 2021
Tacos Variar x Berbers Ya!: Traditional Mexian and Moroccan dishes

The second serving sees a coming-together of tacos and couscous by two creators working in Kansai: nahonic who works at Tacos Variar at an underground spot in Kansai selling tacos, and stylist Sunny, both of whom enjoy homecooked couscous from their Moroccan mothers growing up. Foodies will get to enjoy both Mexican and Moroccan food at the same time, a perfect opportunity during the current climate when travelling is difficult. There will also be a variety of apparel and goods from creators like the mystery creative group “the golden dawn.”

Menu
・1P ¥350 (Before Tax)
・2P ¥700(Before Tax)
・3P~ ¥300 / 1P(Before Tax)

The Third Serving

Running: January 27, 2021 – February 1, 2021
Natouya: Taste and compare an array of natto rice bowls

Eateries serving gyudon, or beef rice bowls, never fail to bring in repeat customers for their cheap prices, quick service, and delicious taste. But our heal is the most important thing, so why not change it up once in a while with a natto rice bowl? At the event, foodies get to tuck into a selection of dishes using 5 different kinds of natto beans that vary in size and colour, served sticky, yummy, and in generous portions. These natto rice bowls were conceived by Murakami, a researcher of natto and editor of a certain fashion magazine. There will also be goods from natto apparel brand NNBean, natto crockery, and plenty of other things for lovers of natto to enjoy.
 

Menu

・Five Bean Natto Rice Bowl – ¥900 (Before Tax)
・NNBean Sweater – ¥7,100 (Before Tax)
・NNBean Long T-Shirt – ¥5,800 (Before Tax)
・Natto Plate – ¥4,200 (Before Tax)

If you’re in Osaka throughout January, and love food, don’t miss out on a unique eating experience over at Zi-tempo.

The PEANUTS Cafe at SNOOPY MUSEUM TOKYO rolled out new menu items on Saturday (January 16) as part of a new exhibition called “Snoopy to Kyoudai” (Snoopy and Siblings) featuring a sandwich and desserts inspired by scenes from the beloved Peanuts comics.

The New Menu Line-Up

Snoopy Flower Basket Sandwich | ¥1,400 (Before Tax)

This flower basket is based on a scene when Snoopy meets with his siblings who pay him a visit after he recovers from being unwell and they eat sandwiches together. The tasty sandwiches are stuffed with pastrami beef and veg so you too can get your fill like Snoopy. The basket also comes with mini corn dogs and crispy fries. This is one to share (or hog all to yourself!)

Olaf’s Pancakes | ¥1,200 (Before Tax)

These pancakes are inspired by Olaf, who was first introduced in the ocmics as the winner of the Ugly Dog Contest. They are loaded with ice cream, fruit, a whole Japanese custard pudding, fresh cream, and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Belle’s Raspberry Milkshake | ¥900

A doughnut-topped raspberry milkshake like the one that appears in the comics. It’s a nod to Belle, Snoopy’s only sister.

©2021 Peanuts Worldwide LLC　(短縮形 ©2021 Peanuts)

The Kirby Café in Tokyo, which is based entirely around the popular Kirby video game series, will release a new limited-time menu on January 15 called ‘Chocolate de PUPUPU’ which will be served until February 28. The fruit and chocolate-packed line-up features three items. Item names are translated from Japanese by MMN.

The ‘Chocolate de PUPUPU’ Menu

Kirby Café’s Stovetop Dessert Pizza ~Looking Out the Chocolate Train Window~ | ¥1,380 (Before Tax)

Waddle Dee Also Loves Chef’s Chocolate Pan Stew! | ¥1,480 (Before Tax)

Old Odyssey | ¥780 (Before Tax)

Which of these delightfully cute treats do you want to inhale?

Sanrio Puroland opened a special new event last Friday (January 8) called “Sweets Puro” which is themed on strawberry picking.

Characters greet guests in their strawberry-designed outfits

Guests participate in an augmented reality strawberry stamp rally

New character videos play at the illuminations

A strawberry-packed dessert menu

Limited-edition merch

Tables in the food court receive makeovers

Guests can look forward to seeing sparkly new pink-coloured illuminations, snapping sweet photos at the entrance photo spot, getting involved in the AR strawberry picking stamp rally using their smartphones, and more. They can also pay to spend one minute with the park characters who will be dressed in their strawberry outfits, and if they arrive 30 minutes before the first floor character food court opens, they can get the limited-offer morning breakfast “Strawberry Morning Bread Set.” The park will even be serving up seasonal alcoholic drinks like the Sweets Puro Strawberry Peach Sour.

The first day of the event saw the characters come out to greet guests in their adorable strawberry and dessert themed costumes. This was followed by a new illumination show, Puro Sweets Party, which took place at Puro Village, and My Melody sang and danced to the music against the bright and beautiful lights. Guests enjoyed a selection of limited-time food like the Pompompurin’s Croissant Doughnut Strawberry Sandwich and Hello Kitty’s Sweet Strawberry Milk.

©1976, 2009 SANRIO CO., LTD.　©1975, 1976, 1990, 1996, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2010, 2017, 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD.

Takara Tomy is set to release its second batch of toy cars in collaboration with Sanrio as part of its Tomica mini car series on January 16, 2021. The collection will be released at toy stores, department stores, Tomica branches, Takara Tomy’s online site, select Sanrio stores, Sanrio’s official website, and elsewhere in Japan.

Dream Tomica Sanrio Characters Collection 2 (6 Designs) | ¥770 Each (Before Tax)

Hello Kitty

Cinnamoroll

Pochacco

Pompompurin

Badtz-Maru

Pekkle

The first collection was released last year as a collaboration between Tomica, which has turned 50 years old, and Sanrio Characters, which has been on shelves since the 1980’s. There are six cars in the collection which can be bought individually or as a set for ¥4,200 (before tax).

Get your hands on these cute cars inspired by the Sanrio characters.

© ’76, ’89, ’90, ’93, ’96, ’01, ’21 SANRIO CO., LTD.

© ＴＯＭＹ

Universal Studios Japan is set to spring into Easter starting on March 12 with the announcement of Universal Easter Celebration 2021. This year, which marks the 20th anniversary since USJ opened, will see the park’s cute and iconic characters once again lull guests into an unforgettable Easter dream at Universal Wonderland and Minion Park.

Universal Easter Celebration

USJ will see colourful pastel decorations cover the Universal Wonderland and Minion Park areas, and the characters too will be dressed in their seasonal Easter costumes. A special Easter rendition of the Wonderland Seasons Joy show will also take place to commemorate the park’s 20th anniversary with song and dance.

Wonderland Seasons Joy ~Easter Ver.~

Minion Park Easter

The park will also introduced a special egg hunt after Elmo and the Minions dropped some of their eggs. If you manage to find them all you get a limited-edition gold medal. USJ is also taking the Easter festivities online too with a special celebratory live stream called Let’s Cooking! Kawaii Easter Party

WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s21)
Minions and all related elements and indicia TM & © 2021 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
TM & © 2021 Sesame Workshop
© 2021 Peanuts Worldwide LLC TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
Universal Studios Japan TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

© Nintendo

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) announced last month that its highly-anticipated new Super Nintendo World area will open on February 4, 2021, which also happens to fall on the day of USJ’s 20th anniversary.

Super Nintendo World comes as the world’s first theme park area to be based around Nintendo’s characters and games, combining innovative ideas with cutting-edge technology.

With just one month left until the grand opening, USJ has launched a special website for Super Nintendo World which offers a virtual tour through each part of the new theme park area. Mario fanatics are sure to be delighted by the adornments from Bowser’s Castle to Pipes, Mushrooms, Question blocks, and more, as well as familiar faces like Goombas, Thwomps, Yoshi—the list goes on.

Accessing the site will bring you to an overview of the map. As you scroll down the website takes you on a virtual journey to each of its iconic attractions, all of which are designed to make you feel like you’re really in the world of Super Mario.

BOTANIST’s flagship shop BOTANIST Tokyo is set to begin serving up its spring season menu for the new year at its second floor BOTANIST Cafe from January 8 to March 31.

Quinoa Teapot Salad & Potage (Vegan-Friendly) | ¥1,500 (Tax Included)

A sophisticated salad of quinoa, crunchy carrot and red onion, tomato, and more, all served in a cute teapot.

Salmon Salad & Waffles | ¥1,500 (Tax Included)

Naturally sweet vegan waffles with lime-drizzled vegetables and served with slightly salted salmon and cream cheese. Pour over the maple syrup to make the cream cheese even richer and enjoy a completely different flavour.

Cherry Blossom Jelly & Fromage Mousse (Vegan-Friendly) | ¥50 (Tax Included)

Refreshing cherry blossom flavoured jelly made with rich and velvety soy cream. The cherry blossom petal topping and sparkly appearance of the jelly makes this a luxurious looking dessert.

Cherry Blossom Chiffon Cake | ¥800 (Tax Included)

A fluffy cherry blossom chiffon cake dusted with cherry blossom powder. It’s a sweet and subtly salty mix topped with fresh cream.

Left: Three Berry Smoothie, Right: Strawberry & Raspberry Sweet Sake Smoothie (Vegan-Friendly) | ¥850 Each (Before Tax)

The Three Berry Smoothie incorporates the chunky texture of strawberries, sweetness of blueberries, and tangy taste of raspberries, creating a rich but not overly-sweet beverage. The Strawberry & Raspberry Sweet Sake Smoothie is one to go for if you love amazake.

Strawberry Decoration Hot Chocolate (Collaboration Drink) | ¥800 (Tax Included)

This luxurious strawberry hot chocolate is made in collaboration with Dari K, a craft chocolate maker who uses high quality cacao beans from Indonesia.

Select items on the spring menu are available for takeout as well as via Uber Eats in Japan, perfect for enjoy an indoor hanami this year.

BOTANIST Tokyo’s first floor shop will also release its spring series of products, such as the limited edition Botanical Spring Hair Perfume.

Lifestyle brand Maison de FLEUR and Sanrio have announced that preorders for the second collaboration in their “Maison de FLEUR×Sanrio characters” series will launch on Sanrio’s online shop on January 8, 2021.

Ribbon Tote Bags (5 Designs) | ¥6,050 Each (Tax Included)

The cute collection combines fancy frills and ribbons with items inspired by My Melody, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi, as well as two new additions for this second collaboration due to fan demand – Pompompurin and Pochacco.

Items include the Ribbon Tote Bag, Ribbon Backpack, Mobile Shoulder Bag, and Tissue Pouch. Pre-orders run in Japan from January 8 to February 7 with shipping to begin in early March. The collection will subsequently go on general sale at Sanrio stores in late May. Further information will be announced by Sanrio at the end of April.

Ribbon Backpacks (3 Designs) | ¥12,100 Each (Tax Included)

Mobile Shoulder Bags (3 Designs) | ¥5,390 (Tax Included)

The collection is inspired by a tea party which is captured in the fancy designs featured on each item with the five characters enjoying themselves a cup of tea each.

Tissue Pouches (3 Designs) | ¥3,630 (Tax Included)

Mascot Charms | ¥2,970 (Tax Included)

The mascot charms will also make a return this collaboration at select Sanrio shops and the company’s online store in late May 2021.

Alternate Colour Mascot Charms (5 Designs) | ¥2,970 (Tax Included)

Sanrio fans can also get their hands on another set of mascot charms with different colours. These will be sold exclusively at Maison de FLEUR stores in Japan and their online shop STRIPE CLUB.

ⓒ’76, ’89, ’96, ’01, ’05, ’20 SANRIO　著作（株）サンリオ