13 New Sanrio Character Collabs That’ll Melt Your Heart in an Instant
Nobody does collaborations like Sanrio.
With Hello Kitty and a seemingly endless legion of other iconic mascots waiting in the wings, it’s little wonder that they’re able to churn out fresh, exciting, and most of all kawaii collabs with tons of brands all year, every year.
If you’re struggling to keep track of all the mashup mayhem, never fear! We’ve compiled this list of the most epic Sanrio character collabs from 2020–2021 to get you up to speed.
Read on to find out the who, what, when, where, and why of all the latest collaborations that Hello Kitty and the rest of her Sanrio friends have to offer!
#1: Sanrio Characters + Dr. Martens (2021)
What are they?
Supercharged follow-up to Kitty’s solo effort in 2020
Where can I get them?
TBA (check the official Dr. Martens x Hello Kitty and Friends site for updates)
Release Date
March 2021
Closer Look
It’s been a year since the previous Hello Kitty collab, and this time she’s brought some of her best friends with her: Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, Badtz-Maru, My Melody, Keroppi, and Little Twin Stars!
The 2020 Hello Kitty Doc Martens had just the right amount of cutesy flair to counterbalance the shoes’ iconic black-and-yellow theme. It looks like Sanrio and the Doc are going all out in the kawaii department this time around, though, as they’ve thrown bold laces, Kitty’s signature bow, and multi-colored character outlines into the mix! It’s a fresh take on some seriously classic footwear that’s sure to spark conversation!
The 2021 offering includes the following models:
- Original 1460 boot
- Jadon platform boot
- 1460 low cut
#2: Pompompurin + Isul Doll (2021)
What is it?
Fashion doll crossover to commemorate 25 years of Pompompurin
Where can I get it?
Release Date
March 2021
Closer Look
Beloved fashion doll Isul gives us all an idea of what good boy Pompompurin would look like as a human. He even comes with the flan-loving Golden Retriever’s trademark beret (with doggy ears to boot)!
It’s a fitting choice in our eyes, as the two characters mirror each other quite well:
- Isul is from San Francisco — as in California, the Sunshine State; Pompompurin was himself born on a sunny spring day.
- Isul is described as calm and gentle; Pompompurin is a laid-back pup who loves to sleep.
Though fashion dolls are known for their customizability, we think this Isul is perfect just the way he is!
#3: Hello Kitty + Gundam (2021)
What is it?
Apparel that is equal parts cosmic and kawaii
Where can I get it?
Limited extra stock available at ZenPlus
Release Date
February 8, 2021 (pre-orders close March 8, 2021)
Closer Look
Hello Kitty and Gundam spent the better half of 2019 duking it out as part of their respective 45th and 40th anniversaries. Now that the dust has settled, the two have joined forces to spread love and peace around the world, courtesy of anime apparel brand R4G!
The original RX-78-2 Gundam gets a kawaii Kitty overhaul in one of the collab’s myriad visuals: sky blue overalls, yellow sweatshirt, and of course a red bow! With new pal Kitty herself resting on its shoulder, it’s clearly having a blast (and not the intergalactic warfare kind).
There’s also a rugged field coat option. The graphic here loses the playful wardrobe but ramps up the colorful stardust-like paint spatter — an interesting blend of cosmic and creative.
Things get equally kawaii and crazy when Hello Kitty takes center stage. First, Kitty’s red bow find its way onto the heads of Amuro Ray and other iconic Gundam characters:
Then, she takes a step back and is content with simply watching memorable moments from the Gundam anime play out in front of her. She’s clearly as glued to her screen as the rest of us are whenever Gundam is on!
There’s plenty of other goodies in the collection too, but showcasing all of them would be beyond the scope of this blog.
To see what else the Hello Kitty x Gundam collab has to offer, pop on over to ZenPlus!
#4: Sanrio Characters + Häagen-Dazs (2020)
What are they?
Reusable ice cream cup cases
Where can I get them?
Release date
December 2020
Closer Look
With spring warmth and summer heat on the horizon, the desire for some quick Häagen-Dazs on the go draws ever closer. But do you ever find yourself chowing down an entire tub in one sitting, simply because you don’t want to carry it around half-finished?
If so, never fear: My Melody and friends are here!
As if the Häagen-Dazs & Sanrio fondue kit collab in 2020 wasn’t enough to satiate your sweet tooth, the pair are at it again — this time with reusable ice cream cases styled after My Melody, Pompompurin, and Hello Kitty. Store your favorite flavors inside and enjoy them throughout the day! Everything in moderation, after all!
#5: Hello Kitty + Yoshiki (2020)
What is it?
Inspiring mashup merch featuring a visual kei Kitty
Where can I get it?
Asunarosya (Japanese)
Release date
September 2020
Closer Look
Modeled after the visual kei days of legendary drummer, pianist, and X JAPAN frontman Yoshiki, yoshikitty truly takes Kitty’s cuteness levels to the X-treme.
The new collection comes at a trying time for people from all walks of life, as health, safety, and spiritual wellbeing become more important than ever in the face of a global crisis.
Sanrio and Yoshiki endeavor to soothe the soul here, using gentle colors that speak to the heart (pink, purple, red) and a wing motif (“tsubasa” means “wing”) that symbolizes hope and courage. There’s even a quote from the Bible to help us soldier on: “God (…) will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able.”
It’s nice to see yoshikitty using her immense popularity in such positive ways!
#6: Kuromi + Tower Records (2020)
What are they?
Edgy limited edition goodies to coincide with Kuromi’s 15th anniversary
Where can I get them?
Tower Records Online (Japanese)
Release date
October 2020
Closer Look
Music giant Tower Records throws the self-proclaimed rival of My Melody an epic birthday bash with this collaboration.
Here’s just a sample of what you’ll find:
- Keyrings
- Cushion
- Apple AirPods case
- Towel
- Badges
Part of Kuromi’s appeal is the fact that, despite appearances, she’s not all wicked and wily. Sure, she wears a jester hood and has her own tricycle gang (“Kuromi’s 5”), but at her core she’s just like you or me: a foodie, a avid diary writer, a romance novel enthusiast.
This collaboration helps us identify with that “human” side of her even more, by presenting her in everything from PJs to peacoats, and even a Tower Records store clerk apron. Head into town on any given weekend and you’re bound to run into someone dressed the same!
#7: Sanrio Characters + Girl Skateboards (2020)
What are they?
Skateboard decks and streetwear celebrating 60 years of Sanrio
Where can I get them?
Sanrio or other online platforms
Release date
September 2020
Closer Look
Add a (very large) splash of kawaii to your day!
This lineup combines vibrant pastels and adorable Sanrio illustrations to create a bold, playful look simply bursting with life. A fitting theme, considering it coincides with Sanrio’s 60th anniversary!
Don’t be fooled by the brand name — Girl Skateboards is by no means intended for females only! The company has been around since 1993 and is a major player in the skate world.
Don’t worry if you’re not big on skating, either. You don’t need to be Tony Hawk or Nyjah Huston to get a kick(flip) out of this collab, as there’s plenty of funky hoodies and tees as well to ensure it’s accessible for everyone.
The decks themselves are so cute and colorful they’d make great interior decorations in their own right. So yes, even when you’re not zipping around town, you can still be turning heads!
#8. Sanrio Characters + My Hero Academia (2020)
What are they?
Collectible enamel pins (FiGPiNs) of the heroic kind
Where can I get them?
FiGPiN online store
Release Date
August 2020
Closer Look
At just 1,000 pins each, these limited edition offerings really are a collector’s dream.
The roster includes Hello Kitty (All Might), Pochacco (Deku), My Melody (Ochaco), Keroppi (Tsuyu), Tuxedosam (Todoroki), and Badtz-Maru (our personal favorite, as that leer makes him a dead ringer for Bakugo).
Given the sheer amount of joy and happiness that Sanrio characters spread throughout the world, we feel they can be classified as superheroes by default. Since My Hero Academia is a story in which 80% of the global population already has a superpower of some kind, the message here might be deeper: that we can all be heroes in our own right.
#9: Little Twin Stars + Maison de FLEUR (2020)
What are they?
Elegant bags blending the earth and the heavens
Where can I get them?
Stripe Club (Japanese)
Release Date
June 2020
Closer Look
Guided by the heartwarming ethos “With Happy Days,” ladies lifestyle brand Maison de FLEUR products are the picture of European-style class and refinement — even with the cherubic Little Twin Stars (blue-haired brother Kiki and pink-haired sister Lala) adorning them!
The lineup features a handy ribbon bag, mini makeup pouch, and frilled tote, meaning you’re not bound to one specific type of use. As we explained in point #7 of our style advice blog back in January, a versatile wardrobe is a happy one, after all!
Designwise, there’s a nice mix of heaven and earth at work. Pearls are used to convey the idea of a starry night sky, while the navy blue variations are themselves an allusion to the Milky Way. At the same time, flowery lace and character embroidery add an earthly, natural touch.
It all makes for the perfect harmony of kawaii, wonder, and grace.
#10: Cinnamoroll + THE KISS (2020)
What is it?
Sterling silver and cubic zirconia necklace
Where can I get it?
THE KISS online store (Japanese)
Release Date
June 2020
Closer Look
Everybody’s favorite flying pup makes a triumphant return to the world of jewelry — and for the first time he’s actually, well, flying! Unlike previous entries in the series, Cinnamoroll’s trademark flappy ears are fully outstretched and ready to take him to new heights.
The accompanying heart-shaped pendant comes inlaid with blue cubic zirconia, a gemstone said to “improve focus, increase clarity, and release the ego.” A great choice for anyone eager to throw caution to the wind and embark on a new adventure, just like fluffy Cinnamoroll himself.
THE KISS is one of Japan’s go-to brands when it comes to cute couple rings and accessories, so we say this collection is in very capable hands!
#11: Sanrio Characters + Fate/Grand Order (2020)
What is it?
FGO Command Card merch with a very kawaii twist
Where can I get it?
TORANOANA online store (Japanese)
Release date
June 2020
Closer Look
Fate/Grand Order is all about teaming with historical and fictional icons (like King Arthur and Oda Nobunaga) to save the world from disaster, so it was only a matter of time before the legendary Hello Kitty and friends made their way into its universe!
There’s a cool assortment of stuff in this crossover, including magnets, Band-Aids, keyrings, cushions, and even hand cream. Designs are based on FGO’s “Command Cards,” which you use in-game to control your characters.
Our favorite design is Hello Kitty’s “Apple of Promised Victory.” It’s a play on Kitty’s height (she’s five apples tall) and “Sword of Promised Victory,” a reference to King Arthur’s fabled sword Excalibur.
#12: Sanrio Characters + GRL (2020)
What is it?
Loungewear (and cosplay gear?)
Where can I get it?
GRL online store (Japanese)
Release date
June 2020
Closer Look
Are you running out of things to do at home during the pandemic, but still not exactly jumping for joy at the idea of going outside?
Have fun simply lounging around with this adorable clothing range from online fashion mall GRL (Grail). With designs based on My Melody, Kuromi, Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, and Pocaccho, there’s enough variety here to really let your Sanrio spirit animal shrine through!
If you’re not ready for the full character experience, there’s still a generous collection of regular sweats and hoodies to let you express your love for all things Sanrio!
#13: Sanrio Characters + Tomica (2020)
What are they?
Die-cast toy cars celebrating Tomica’s 50th anniversary
Where can I get them?
Release date
January 2020
Closer Look
Four returning Sanrio mascots (Hello Kitty, My Melody, Gudetama, and Cinnamoroll) and six making their Tomica debut (Pochacco, Kuromi, Pompompurin, Tuxedosam, Keroppi, and Hangyodon) round out this collection.
Tomica hopes the crossover with Sanrio will help bring smiles to even more faces around the world, regardless of age, gender, location, and race. With Sanrio having just passed its own 60-year milestone, their audience definitely checks out in that regard.
Now that they’ve got miniature models down pat, we can’t wait for life-size cars to start making the rounds! (Gudetama might give passing motorists a shock, though.)
Recap: 13 New Sanrio Character Collabs (2020–2021)
Here’s the full list of collaborations we explored in this post.
- Sanrio Characters + Dr. Martens (2021)
- Pompompurin + Isul Doll (2021)
- Hello Kitty + Gundam (2021)
- Sanrio Characters + Häagen-Dazs (2020)
- Hello Kitty + Yoshiki (2020)
- Kuromi + Tower Records (2020)
- Sanrio Characters + Girl Skateboard (2020)
- Sanrio Characters + My Hero Academia (2020)
- Little Twin Stars + Maison de FLEUR (2020)
- Cinnamoroll + THE KISS (2020)
- Sanrio Characters + Fate/Grand Order (2020)
- Sanrio Characters + GRL (2020)
- Sanrio Characters + Tomica (2020)
Sanrio Characters: Kings and Queens of the Collab
Hello Kitty is known to never be picky with the career opportunities she’s afforded (the tagline shigoto wo erabanai, or “does not choose jobs,” is often applied to her).
Still, considering the wide variety of collabs showcased here, we feel the same could be said about all Sanrio characters.
After all, no matter how unexpected or outrageous a given mashup may seem, you can bet it’ll still deliver that unique Sanrio charm that has dazzled and won over people around the world for generations!
Over to You!
Which collab in this post caught your attention the most?
Who is your favorite Sanrio character?
Let us know in the comments or drop us a line on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook)! We’d love to hear from you!
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