The upcoming 2021 Sanrio Character Ranking is welcoming a new face to the Collaboration Category of the competition: the Japanese music artist Ini, who has over 800,000 subscribers on YouTube and is also part of the music unit Sky Peace who has over 3 million subscribers.

This year’s Sanrio Character Ranking will open initial votes from 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.

© 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. S612432

Sky Peace ☆Ini☆

Ini was born and raised in Tokyo. In 2008, he uploaded his first rap arrangement to the video streaming site Nico Nico Douga. His activity grew, and in 2011 his rap tracks began to grow in popularity, leading him to earn the online title of am internet creator. He formed Sky Peace in 2016 with his friend. Their YouTube channel has over 3 million subscribers and a big youth following. His solo channel, where he is known as Iri, has over 800,00 subscribers.

© 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. S612432

To celebrate Pompompurin’s 25th anniversary, Sanrio have announced a special event which is now taking place at Sanrio Harmonyland until December 31.

Pompompurin greets guests in a new costume

Pompompurin birthday card

25th anniversary photo spot

Find all 25 hidden Pompompurins!

Pompompurin novelty items

Make your own Pompompurin mosaic art using photos taken of him at Harmonyland

Pompompurin 25th anniversary merchandise

Pompompurin 25th anniversary menu

Fans of Pompompurin can meet the lovable golden retriever at the park as he attends in an all-new costume. There are also various themed events going on, like finding all 25 Pompompurins, as well as exclusive anniversary merchandise sold and a themed menu served.

ⓒ 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD.   著作　サンリオ

Japanese luxury bag brand Samantha Thavasa has opened pre-orders for its upcoming Cinnamoroll collection in collaboration with Sanrio which is set to be released on April 1. The adorable Cinnamoroll is a fan-favourite of Sanrio’s character roster alongside the likes of Hello Kitty, Pompompurin, My Melody, and others, and even won the Sanrio Character Ranking last year for the third year in a row.

Cinnamoroll design details

The stylish merch collection is includes everything from a purse to a card case, lipstick case, shoulder bag, and more, all coloured in Cinnamoroll blue and white. The line-up captures the cute aesthetic of the character who was born atop a cloud in a distant sky.

The Collection (Excerpt)

Round Zip Long Purse | ¥23,100 (Tax Included)

 The purse is split into two sections with plenty of space for cards, coins, and notes.

Card Case | ¥13,200 (Tax Included)

The card case comes with an emblem on the front bearing the brand’s name. A handy and fancy little case, equipped with a chain, for storing all your important cards during the cashless age.

Rosette Mini Shoulder Bag | ¥11,000 (Tax Included)

Shaped like a rosette, this mini shoulder bag comes with a detachable shoulder chain to turn it into a pouch. The two-way bag can be used to create some gorgeous looks with your outfit.

Left: Fastener Charm & Bag Charm ¥3,850 (Tax Included) / Right: Bag Charm ¥5,500 (Tax Included)

A collection of charms for kawaii-fying your bags.

©’21 SANRIO APPR. NO. L619473

The real time 3D MMORPG Elemental Nights R has announced a collaboration with Sanrio’s character cast which will launch on March 30 after maintenance. Players will be able to meet and talk with Hello Kitty, My Melody, Pompompurin, Cinnamoroll, and Kuromi in-game as well as help them out. Players will also be able to get their hands on some exclusive outfits as well as get involved in a campaign to win prizes.

Ⓒ 2021 SANRIO CO.,LTD. TOKYO, JAPAN Ⓛ 2021 WINLIGHT.Co.,Ltd

Total beauty brand LUX is set to collaborate with Sanrio on its non-silicone hair care series LUX LUMINIQUE which will launch on March 29.

LUX LUMINIQUE Damage Repair Pompompurin

LUX LUMINIQUE Happiness Blue My Melody

LUX LUMINIQUE Botanical Pure Cinnamoroll

This marks the second collaboration between LUX and Sanrio, following the success of the first back in June 2020. The collection includes the LUX LUMINIQUE Damage Repair with Pompompurin who is celebrating his 25th anniversary this year. For the LUX LUMINIQUE Happiness Blue we get My Melody wearing her super cute trademark, and for the LUX LUMINIQUE Botanical Pure, Cinnamoroll makes an appearance, the fan-favourite who won the Sanrio Character Ranking last year for the third year in a row.

The products are packaged in cute designs featuring the trio enjoying a well-deserved bath, inviting you to do the same as you enjoy the collection when it launches on March 29.

Sanrio Harmonyland, the popular Sanrio character themed theme park in Oita, has announced the commemoration of its 30th anniversary with a special event titled ‘HARMONYLAND 30th ANNIVERSARY’ which will begin on April 26. Visitors can look forward to parades, a special night show with fireworks, celebratory merchandise, a special food menu, and more.

Memorial visual created by Japanese manga author and character designer Eisaku Kubonouchi

Harmonyland Parade Parallel 30th Memories

Daniel and Kuromi to make an appearance before the start of the parade

Throughout its 30-year history, Harmonyland has hosted many shows and parades for guests. For their 30th anniversary celebration, a special parade titled Parade Parallel 30th Memories will have three runs throughout 2021 and into 2022 which will feature a set list of nostalgic, old-time show and parade music. Guests will be able to experience what it felt like to be at Harmonyland back when each song was first performed. Check out the song list for the first run below.

Parade Song List

Parallel World 1st (April 23, 2021 – Late August 2021)

1. Hajimaru yo Party from Parade Shiroi Tori Kara no Okurimono (First performed in 1991)
2. Celebration from The Celebration Parade (First performed in 1996)
3. Happiness from Parade Shiroi Tori Kara no Okurimono (First performed in 1991)
4. Hajimaru yo Party from Parade Shiroi Tori Kara no Okurimono (First performed in 1991)）

Parallel World 2nd (Starting Early August 2021)

Parallel World 3rdnd (Starting Early January 2022)

30th Anniversary Night Party

A very special night show will take place which will see appearances from fan-favourites Hello Kitty, Dear Daniel, Cinnamoroll, and Kuromi who will be joined by a cast of dancers. Expect new music written just for this show as well as fireworks.

30th Anniversary Merchandise

An exclusive line-up of merchandise will be sold featuring a memorial visual created by Japanese manga author and character designer Eisaku Kubonouchi.

30th Anniversary Menu

Of course, it wouldn’t be a celebration without a themed menu either, which will include meals, desserts like an ice cream float and soft serve ice cream, and more.

ⓒ 2021 EISAKU KUBONOUCHI / METEOR STREAMS

ⓒ 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD. TOKYO, JAPAN 著作 株式会社サンリオ

AEON released a special collection of 18 items in collaboration with popular Sanrio character Cinnamoroll on March 19 at 420 of their AEON and AEON Style branches in Japan.

Cinnamoroll x AEON Line-Up

Cinnamoroll is Sanrio’s lovable white pup who took 1st place in the annual Sanrio Character Ranking last year for the third year in a row.

About the Cinnamoroll products

The line-up of products features everyday items from body and skincare items for miscellaneous goods, all featuring AEON-exclusive Cinnamoroll designs. The items are imbued with a message from Cinnamoroll, that we must “Cherish every act of kindness and consideration!” Cinnamoroll wishes to help those people who are working hard everyday by giving them a bit of love through the collection.

A little look at the collection

Steam Cream Omoiyari Heart | ¥1,680 (Before Tax)

A moisturising cream made with organic ingredients, perfect for general skincare, as hand cream, and can even be used on hair.

Pink Hand Gel With Rubber Strap | ¥680 (Before Tax)

Something everyone has with them these days – convenient for when you’re out and can’t wash your hands. Now you can look cute doing it.

Acne & White Clear Mist Skin Spray | ¥1,500 (Before Tax)

This mist can be sprayed onto acne and can be used for skin whitening. It has a faint citrus smell to it and is gentle on the skin.

Mini Vanity Pouch | ¥2,500 (Before Tax)

An adorable vanity pouch for storing your makeup, skincare items, and other bits and bobs.

Hairband | ¥980 (Before Tax)

A fluffy hairband for when you get out the tub or are enjoying some relaxation time at home.

This is just a small look at a bigger collection – check the link below for the full list.

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

The limited-time Pompompurin Cafe, which is running at Fruits Parlour + Bakery Season&Co. at Links Umeda in Osaka, has revealed its second menu line-up which will be served from March 15 to April 12.

Pompompurin Cafe

2nd Menu

Pompompurin Tart | ¥1,540 (Tax Included)

Pompompurin Milkshake | ¥990 (Tax Included)

NMB48 x Pompompurin Vanilla & Strawberry Cake | ¥770 (Tax Included)

The second menu captures the adorable world of Sanrio’s popular character Pompompurin. There’s also a special dessert made in collaboration with Osaka-based idol group NMB48, as well as exclusive merchandise.

Japanese maid cafe chain “@home cafe” has announced that it is launching a permanent maid cafe themed on Sanrio’s popular character Pompompurin. The cafe will open on the famous Takeshita Street in Harajuku on April 14, 2021.

@home cafe has collaborated with many of Sanrio’s popular characters in the past at its Akihabara-based cafe branches such as Hello Kitty, My Melody, Cinnamoroll, and of course Pompompurin, but this time the collaboration is flying out of Akiba and straight into the heart of Japanese pop culture: Harajuku. The cafe will feature a menu conceived by Pompompurin, and fans of the cute golden retriever will also get to take their pictures with him. The cafe maids will also wear @home-original outfits inspired by Purin.

If you’re planning a visit to Harajuku, don’t miss out on the chance to dine at the new Pompompurin Cafe, opening April 14.

© 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD.  APPROVAL NO. S612265