Sanrio unveiled its design for the 50th anniversary of Hello Kitty and hinted at coming merchandise. The theme is “The Future In Our Eyes,” which focuses on Hello Kitty being excited about the prospect of all the friends she’ll meet in the future.
The 50th anniversary design for Hello Kitty features a golden tint in her eyes that look like a sparkle. Even the smaller goods for her retain the unique eye design. Currently there are eighteen items available in the online Sanrio shop that use the anniversary design. You can get items like picture frames, key holders, and a purses.
Here is a full list of new Hello Kitty merchandise, as well as the prices in JPY:
- Acrylic keyholder (1100 JPY)
- Bangs clip (990 JPY
- Birthday Doll (16,500 JPY)
- Clear folder (594 JPY)
- Coin purse (3630 JPY)
- Doll (5500 JPY)
- Flat pouch (1980 JPY)
- Hello Kitty keyholder (2750 JPY)
- Hello Mimmy keyholder (2750 JPY)
- Picture frame (3960 JPY)
- Pouch (2530 JPY)
- Secret mascot blind box (990 JPY)
- Shoulder bag (5280 JPY)
- Shoulder strap (1760 JPY)
- Snow globe (2970 JPY)
- Sticker set (660 JPY)
- Tote bag (6380 JPY)
- Watch (5500 JPY)
Sanrio first started selling merchandise of Hello Kitty in 1975, though her creation was in 1974. Though she was originally a mascot for items that Sanrio sold for preteen girls, there was enough demand from older consumers that Sanrio started to sell more goods. She is arguably one of the most recognizable mascots both in and out of Japan. However, within Sanrio, in terms of popularity, newer mascots such as Cinnamoroll have started to upstage her.
The Hello Kitty 50th anniversary items are available for purchase.
