It has been announced that official LINE characters, known as the “LINE FRIENDS,” will team up with the internationally loved Hello Kitty to release a line of new collaborative merchandise. To celebrate, ‘Greeting Events’ will be held at stores and events around Japan.
This newly announced series is officially titled LINE FRIENDS & HELLO KITTY and was revealed on August 3rd, and features a cute line-up of merchandise and items that you can use in your everyday routine – t-shirts, phone cases, towels and much more.
The greeting events are a special, one-time only opportunity to give people the chance to meet Brown of LINE FRIENDS and Hello Kitty to have their photo taken with them. There will also be limited edition merchandise available at the selected stores where the event will be held.
This is a must-see for fans of LINE FRIENDS and Hello Kitty who will now be able to meet the kigurumi (costume character) versions of Brown and everyone’s favourite kawaii kitty. There are two Hello Kitty designs to see – the above classic design, and her “Hello Kitty Town” look which is made to look like Hello Kitty art from the 70s.
Fans out there, be sure to check out this dream collaboration.
■Information
LINE FRIENDS & HELLO KITTY – Character Greeting Events
1. Takashimaya Yokohama Store 6F (at Kids Patio)
Date: Sunday August 6th – 10:30 / 13:00 / 14:30 / 16:00 (max. 30 people per slot)
Address: 1 Chome-6-31 Minamisaiwai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
※Tickets for each slot will be handed out at the 1F Sagami Railway (or Sotetsu) Entrance from 9:30am-9:55am on the day of event. From 10:00am onwards they will be available at the 6F Sanrio counter. (https://www.sanrio.co.jp/shop/sh013111m/)
※Tickets are numbered and given on a first-come, first-served basis. 1 ticket per person.
※Photos with the characters are taken with your own personal camera.
2. LINE FRIENDS STORE Harajuku
https://www.linefriends.jp/offline
Date: Tuesday August 8th – 13:30 / 16:30 (max. 20 people per slot)
Address: JPR Jingumae 432 Bldg, 4-32-13 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
3. sanrio vivitix HARAJUKU
https://www.sanrio.co.jp/shop/sh6669100/
Date: Tuesday August 8th – 12:00 / 15:00 (max. 20 people per slot)
Address: CUTE CUBE HARAJUKU 1F, 1-7-1 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
※Those who spend more than ¥1,080 (including tax) on Sanrio merchandise on the day of the event are eligible to receive a ticket for a photo with Hello Kitty and Brown upon payment. Only the people with a slot ticket are eligible.
※Please prepare your own camera for taking the photo.
※Those who do not hold a photo ticket are still free to watch.
4. LaLaport TOKYO-BAY (central stage in 1F North Building)
Date: Thursday August 10 – 11:00 / 13:30 / 15:00 (max. 30 people per slot)
Address: 1F LaLaport TOKYO-BAY North Building, 2-1-1 Hamacho, Funabashi, Chiba
※Those who spend more than ¥1,080 (including tax) on Sanrio merchandise at Sanrio Gift Gate in LaLaport TOKYO-BAY (https://www.sanrio.co.jp/shop/sh3641100) on the day of the event are eligible to receive a ticket for a photo with Hello Kitty and Brown upon payment. Only the people with a slot ticket are eligible.
※Please prepare your own camera for taking the photo.
※A stage event will be held called “Hello Kitty to Brown to Tanoshiku Odorou!” (Dance With Hello Kitty and Brown!)
※Those who do not hold a photo ticket are still free to watch.
5. LINE FRIENDS CAFE & STORE Fukuoka
https://www.linefriends.jp/offline
Date: Saturday August 26th – 14:00 / 16:00 (max. 20 people)
Address: 2-4-18 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka
Shop Campaign – Limited Edition Ticket Holder
You can receive a “LINE FRIENDS & HELLO KITTY” design ticket holder if you have your receipts from purchasing at both LINE FRIENDS STORE and sanrio vivitix. There are two designs to choose from. You may pick your favourite one.
※Please note that the ticket holders are limited in quantity so will not be available after all have been bought.
※Your receipts will be stamped when receiving the item.
【Campaign Shhops】
〈Tokyo〉
LINE FRIENDS STORE Harajuku (JPR Jingumae 432 Bldg, 4-32-13 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo / Tel: 03-3434-0597)
sanrio vivitix HARAJUKU (CUTE CUBE HARAJUKU 1F, 1-7-1 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo / Tel: 03-5786-1500)
〈Fukuoka〉
LINE FRIENDS CAFE & STORE Fukuoka (2-4-18 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka / Tel: 092-406-3674)
sanrio vivitix Tenjin Chikagai (2 Chome Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka / Tel: 092-726-3091)
Sanrio Official Homepage: https://www.sanrio.com
Related Article:The “Pen Pineapple Apple Pen” guy gets his very own smartphone game!
Related Article:“Summer Festival in Sanrio Puroland”will be held soon! Don’t miss this “summer illumination”
RELATED ENTRIES
-
Hello Kitty Autumn Event ‘Apple Halloween 2022’ Running Until October 31
HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX, a theater and restaurant offering Hello Kitty-themed shows and meals on Awaji Island, and HELLO KITTY APPLE HOUSE, an apple-shaped observation theater based on the popular character’s home, are both currently holding the Apple Halloween 2022 event until October 31!
Guests can enjoy a mystery-solving event and some adorable photo spots inspired by apples and the Halloween season. By solving certain riddles, visitors will be rewarded with candy!
Come have fun this Halloween with Hello Kitty, friends, and family!
Started in October, the New Show ‘HELLO KITTY THE PARTIES’ Gets Rave Reviews
HELLO KITTY THE PARTIES, a new show at the theater and restaurant HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX, will run until December 30, 2022. The show features a new theme each month and currently features a jazz band.
October’s theme is Happy Halloween Party, and visitors can listen to a number of famous songs while enjoying tasty and healthy dishes packed with autumn flavors. At the end of the performance, a meet and greet with Hello Kitty will be held. November’s theme will be Hello Kitty’s Birthday Party, while December will focus on a Christmas Party!
Information
Apple Halloween 2022
Running until October 31, 2022
Hours: 11:00-17:00
Venue: Awaji Hello Kitty Apple Land ( 177-5 Nojimahirabayashi, Awaji, Hyogo)
Official Website: https://awaji-resort.com/hellokittyshowbox/
-
Mecha-Ude Animation Project Gets Full Anime and Manga Series
18.September.2022 | ANIME&GAME
Sae Okamoto’s Mecha-Ude project has attracted worldwide attention, and now, a full anime and manga series have been announced! Okamoto’s up-and-coming anime production company TriF Studio, located in Fukuoka, will work on the series, which follows Hikaru, a normal student, and Alma, a Mecha-Ude wielder who can be activated when he bonds with a human.
Yoshino Koyoka has also started publishing a manga adaptation of the series on LINE Manga and other ebookjapan services. Three free chapters were published on September 15, and the series will run bi-weekly. TriF Studio will supervise and provide the story.
A documentary video teasing the anime series and giving more information about TriF Studio has also been uploaded to YouTube. The video shows that the pilot’s theme song was written by Eve with a music video produced by Masayoshi Oishi. Hiroshi Matsuyama, the CEO of CyberConnect2, serves as the general supervisor of the series. Terumi Nishii, the chief animation director for the popular series Jujutsu Kaisen, worked on character designs for Mecha-Ude.
The average staff age at TriF is 25, which is incredibly young for an animation studio. What can we expect from such a unique collection of creators?
Be sure to keep an eye on this new anime and manga project!
(C)TriF/「メカウデ」製作委員会
Information
MECHA-UDE -Mechanical Arms- Official Site: https://mecha-ude.com/
-
Pancake Shop Butter Collaborates with LINE’s ‘Honesty Series’ Sticker Set
The pancake specialty cafe Butter is collaborating with illustrator Yuu Itsuki from August 19 until September 4, 2022. Fans of Itsuki’s adorable LINE Sticker series will recognize a few characters appearing in the many dishes popping up during the event. Along with a lineup of sweets, main dishes, and beverages available to enjoy at the store, some special collaboration macarons will be sold as a takeout-only item.
Friendly Fruit Buttermilk Pancakes
Kuma-chan’s Shortcake Pancakes with Handmade Donuts
Kuma-chan’s Sleepy Omu Curry
Lemonade
Blue Lagoon Lemonade
Exclusive Macaron Box (Take-out Only)
Order Bonus for Sweet and Main Dishes: Original Postcard and Pin
Drink Order Bonus: Pin
Come enjoy this sweet collaboration menu featuring Kuma-chan and his two best friends!
Information
Running: August 19 – September 4, 2022
Location: Butter Melsa JiyugaokaOfficial Site: http://www.butter-pancake.com/
-
Hello Kitty and Wish Me Mell Inspire Dinner and Dessert Buffet at Keio Plaza Hotel
Starting September 3, Keio Plaza Hotel Tama will offer a special dinner and dessert buffet inspired by the Sanrio characters Hello Kitty and Wish Me Mell. The adorable event will take place at the Jurin restaurant on the 4th floor, and guests will be able to enjoy some cute dishes and desserts inspired by the character’s gratitude. The event will run until October 30 and will only be held on weekends and holidays.
The restaurant’s patissier has designed a collection of sweet dishes based on the two characters, from strawberry shortcakes inspired by Wish Me Mell’s outfit to pastel-colored cakes and rainbow jello. Cream-filled fruit sandwiches cut to look like Hello Kitty’s face are sure to offer guests the perfect photo op! For those wanting something savory, over 15 dishes will be available, including roast beef, pasta and cheese, curry, and more.
Special seats including large stuffed animal versions of Hello Kitty and Wish Me Mell will be available, limited to two tables per day.
Come enjoy a relaxing meal with these two adorable characters!
Information
Dinner & Dessert Buffet – From Hello Kitty and Wish Me Mell with Thanks
Running: September 3 – October 30, 2022 (Available only on weekends & holidays)
Venue: 4F Restaurant ‘Jurin’
Details: https://www.keioplaza.co.jp/tama/event/autumn-sweets/ -
Popular LINE Sticker Character Opanchuusagi Inspires Cafes in Tokyo and Osaka
The popular character Opanchuusagi, created by illustrator Kawaisoni, has inspired two collaboration cafes! Fans of the adorable rabbit will be able to grab themed dishes and goods in both Tokyo and Osaka from July 7 until August 21. Does the character look familiar? You’ve probably seen her on social media or on LINE!
Opanchuusagi does her best for everyone but tends to fail in hilarious ways. The melancholy character has been getting increasingly popular lately, leaving comments like “poor thing,” or “so cute!”
Cafe Visitor Bonus / Menu Order Bonus
Menu
Opanchu Curry
Opanchu Omurice
Opanchu Burger
Opanchu Shaved Ice
Opanchu Pancake
Opanchu Parfait
Opanchu Missing-Underpants Soda
Opanchu Pink Soda
Opanchu Strawberry Milk
Opanchu Latte
Goods
The Opanchuusagi Cafe will offer a lineup of cute menu items perfect for posting on social media, from the curry and burger to the shaved ice and latte. The cafe will also sell original merchandise, so don’t miss your chance to snag some!
Why not come relax at this unique cafe on a hot summer day?
©KAWAISOUNI!
Information
Opanchuusagi Cafe
Venues/Dates:
Ikebukuro, Tokyo
BOX cafe&space Matsumoto Kiyoshi Ikebukuro Part 2
July 7 – August 21, 2022Matsumoto Kiyoshi Ikebukuro Part 2, 4F (1-22-8 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo)
Umeda, Osaka
BOX cafe&space Umeda LOFTJuly 7 – August 21, 2022
Umeda LOFT, 1F (16-7 Chayamachi, Kita-ku, Osaka)
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/opanchu_cafe
Reservations / Official Site: https://opanchuusagi-cafe.jp/
-
Soft and Adorable yoshikitty Pastel Moon Plushies Available for Preorder
13.May.2022 | FASHION
Yoshikitty, a character formed in collaboration between Hello Kitty and rock legend YOSHIKI, is being featured in an adorable new collection! Items in the Moon Pastel collection are now available to preorder at the Asunaro Online Store and the yoshikitty Online Shop.
Yoshikitty first debuted in 2009 as a collaboration between YOSHIKI of X JAPAN and Sanrio’s popular character Hello Kitty. These new plushies were inspired by YOSHIKI’s hairstyle when he first debuted and his classic purple eyeshadow.
Since the character’s creation, over 10 different designs have been released. The Pastel Moon Series is a first, showing a different side to the usual grungy rock ‘n roll vibe. No one expected a fluffy unicorn yoshikitty with such soft colors!
Medium Plush : ¥5,800 (Tax Included) / Large Plushie: ¥8,800 (Tax Included)
Colorful Charm (Chain not included) : ¥1,100 (Tax Included)
The collection includes two plush toys, a mascot keychain, a colorful charm, and two reusable bags. Will you be snagging anything?
ⓒ 2022 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. L630897
ⓒ 2022 Japan Music Agency Co., Ltd.
Information
yoshikitty Pastel Moon Series
Preorders Open Now
Where to Buy:
Asunaro Online Shop https://asunaro.shop-pro.jp/
yoshikitty Online Shop: https://www.yoshikitty.shop/
-
YOSHIKI x Hello Kitty Goods Now Available at the Yoshikitty Online Shop
22.April.2022 | FASHION
Yoshikitty, a character formed in collaboration between Hello Kitty and rock legend YOSHIKI, now has an online shop!
Yoshikitty first debuted in 2009 as a collaboration between YOSHIKI of X JAPAN and Sanrio’s popular character Hello Kitty. The character’s first goods collection sold out immediately, with additional items also selling out online the same day. Yoshikitty’s popularity isn’t limited only to Japan, with global fans also anxious to snag some of this sought-after merchandise.
Since 2015, Yoshikitty has been nominated for the Sanrio Character Awards, rising in popularity year after year and keeping up with other beloved Sanrio personalities.To commemorate the eighth consecutive year of her appearance in the Sanrio Character Awards, the Yoshikitty Online Shop has opened its doors. Fans can now purchase a number of exclusive items whenever they please!
Opening Announcement Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFDArLVYAuw
Pouch (3 colors: Purple, Red, Blue): ¥2,600 each (Tax Included)
Cushion (3 colors: Purple, Red, Gray): ¥4,400 each (Tax Included)
To celebrate the shop’s opening, a new collection of lace goods is on sale now, featuring the character alongside roses and musical notes in elegant black lace. Items available include pouches, tote bags, and plenty of other goods perfect for both everyday use and formal occasions.
©️ 2022 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO.L630057
©️ 2022 Japan Music Agency Co., Ltd.
-
Hello Kitty and the United Nations Reveal New Collaborative Products
07.April.2022 | FASHION
Sanrio has announced the Hello Kitty SDG series of products, scheduled to release on March 25, 2022. The designs for the series were developed in collaboration with the United Nations with the aim of spreading knowledge about Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) throughout the world. These items will be available at Sanrio stores, in department stores, and online.
The Hello Kitty SDGs series features a lineup of goods made from environmentally friendly materials. These items are perfect for daily use, and all were designed to raise awareness of SDGs and the global environment with Hello Kitty in the office, at school, and at home.
Merchandise at a Glance
Tote Bag: ¥2,750
Each Tote Bag is made of 100% organic cotton canvas.
Clear Folder: ¥594
Made of recycled polypropylene.
Mug: ¥1,980
Each mug is made of recyclable materials.
Neck Strap: ¥1,980
Recycled PET bottles were used to create this product.
In September 2018, Hello Kitty launched her own YouTube channel to promote peace and harmony around the world.
As of March 16, Hello Kitty has uploaded 27 videos, so be sure to watch them all!
©‘21、’22 SANRIO 著作(株)サンリオ
Information
Hello Kitty SDGs
Release Date: March 25, 2022
Where to Buy: Sanrio Shops Nationwide, Department Store Sanrio Corners, Sanrio Online ShopHello Kitty Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyof-1Ko_jy2sOtivyTpc4Q
-
New Merchandise Now Available from the Hello Kitty Museum Art Collection
01.April.2022 | FASHION
New items from the Hello Kitty Museum Art Collection, a series in which Sanrio’s popular character Hello Kitty collaborates with a number of classic masterpieces, are now available at the Asunarosha Online Shop!
Hello Kitty Reimagined in 7 Iconic Paintings
・The Scream – Edvard Munch
・Mona Lisa – Leonardo da Vinci
・The Milkmaid – Johannes Vermeer
・The Fifer – Edouard Manet
・Woman with a Parasol – Claude Monet
・Portrait of Mademoiselle Irene Cahen d’Anvers – Pierre-Auguste Renoir
・The Green Dancer – Edgar DegasMerchandise
Sliding Puzzle (3 varieties)
Cube Puzzle
Picture Frame Magnets (5 varieties)
Stickers (7 varieties)
Mini Mascot Stickers
Scratch Art (Pack of 10)
The Hello Kitty Museum Art Collection transforms Hello Kitty into famous masterpieces that everyone has seen before. The first collaboration in 2013 saw the popular character in Edvard Munch’s The Scream and was a massive hit! Which piece of art is your favorite?
Ⓒ 2022 SANRIO CO., LTD. Ⓛ
Information
Hello Kitty Museum Art Collection
Where to Buy: Asunarosha Official Online Shop
https://asunaro.shop-pro.jp/?mode=grp&gid=2701844Official Site: https://gotochikitty.com/
-
Cotomono Marche Collaborates with Sanrio Characters for New Jewelry Collection
12.March.2022 | FASHION
Cotomono Marche’s original brand ‘BUTTON&CUFFLINKS’ has released a selection of earrings and brooches inspired by popular Sanrio characters! These are available online and at select Cotomono Marche stores.
The accessories are inspired by Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, My Melody, Kuromi, and Little Twin Stars, and are perfect for Sanrio fans of any age.
Earrings: ¥2,750 (Tax Included) / Brooch: ¥1,650 (Tax Included)
Hello Kitty debuted in 1974 and continues to captivate fans around the world. The character peeking out from behind an apple is an original design for the collaboration.
Pompompurin and Cinnamoroll have been transformed into adorable accessories, while My Melody and Kuromi are featured in two different color palettes: seasonal pastel or vivid.
The Little Twin Stars accessories are perfect for wearing with a friend, with a different character on each ear!
Information
Buttons & Cufflinks Sanrio Character Mini Accessories
Release Date: February 11, 2022
Where to Buy: 26 Cotomono Marche stores nationwide, Limited-Time Shop, Online StoreOnline Shop: https://cotomono.official.ec
-
Popular Illustrator Kanahei Announces Piske & Usagi Berry Berry Festival, Limited-Edition Merch
04.March.2022 | FASHION
Kanahei is one of the most popular illustrators on the web today, with many of the artist’s adorable characters featured on LINE as stickers. The creator’s characters will be featured on tons of new merch during two new events–the Piske & Usagi Berry Berry Festival from February 19 until March 31, and the Cat Festival with Kanahei’s Small Animals from February 19 until March 27, 2022.
Piske & Usagi Berry Berry Festival – Merchandise at a Glance
Goods featuring newly-created art of Piske and Usagi will be available at participating stores during the event. Those purchasing ¥2,000 or more on select products will receive a bonus sticker. Get one before they’re gone!
Cat Festival with Kanahei’s Small Animals – New Goods
February 22 is Cat Day in Japan, and this is the second time that Kanahei has held a Cat Festival event to celebrate. Those who purchase select Cat Festival products during the event period will be gifted a bonus postcard while supplies last!
※The amount of available postcards is limited.
※Some items may not be available at all stores.
※Stickers are available in limited quantities.
※The following stores will not offer bonuses:
Sapporo LOFT/ Yokohama LOFT / Tenjin LOFT / Nagoya LOFT / Ginza LOFT / Shibuya LOFTInformation
Piske & Usagi Berry Berry Festival
Running: February 19 – March 31, 2022
Participating Stores/Details: https://kanaheis-small-animals.jp/special/berry2festival_2202/Cat Festival with Kanahei’s Small Animals
Running: February 19 – March 27, 2022
Participating StoresKiddy Land Stores: Osaka Umeda ‘Kanahei Store’ / Harajuku / Ikebukuro Sunshine City / Fukuoka PARCO / Kami-Otai / Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi
TV Tokyo Shop at Tokyo Station
Official Site: http://www.txhd.co.jp/
-
Hello Kitty Releases Collaboration Video with YouTube’s Most-Watched Cat Mochimaru
On February 22, Hello Kitty released her first collaboration video with the popular YouTube channel Mochimaru Diary, which currently has over 1.6 million subscribers!
Mochimaru Diary follows the uneventful life of Mochimaru, a Scottish Fold, whose life is documented by his owner. The collaboration was planned as a celebration of Cat Day, which takes place in Japan on February 22.
In the video, Hello Kitty talks passionately about the 10 most adorable things about Mochimaru. Be sure to give it a watch!
Hello Kitty is a Mega-fan?! Video Highlights and Screencaps
Comment from Hello Kitty
I’ve been such a big fan of Mochimaru for so long, I can’t believe we finally get to collab~
We had a super happy day talking about all the things Mochi likes!
I’m a little embarrassed to be THIS excited, but I’m just so happy to bring everyone this video for Cat Day!Give it a watch for me! ♡
©’22 SANRIO S/F・G 著作(株)サンリオ
Information
Hello Kitty’s Official YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/channel/UCyof-1Ko_jy2sOtivyTpc4Q