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6 clusters · 16 sources · 33 days · First seen · Last updated

Character collaborations and merchandise launches in Japan

Overview

In August and September 2026, several character-themed collaborations and merchandise launches are occurring across Japan.

Capcom Cafe has announced a collaboration with the Korean-origin character Esther Bunny, created by designer Esther Kim. Running from August 28 to October 8, 2026, at the Ikebukuro and Umeda locations, the event will feature an American diner theme. Merchandise includes clear files, acrylic charms, bag charms, and tote bags.

FamilyMart is conducting a nationwide campaign from August 4 to August 31, 2026, pairing 26 Sanrio characters with various food mascots, such as Hello Kitty and Koala March. Customers can receive acrylic charms or pouches upon purchasing two qualifying snack or instant-noodle products.

Sanrio is involved in multiple releases. On August 13, ‘Sanrio Characters Tassel-style Tortoiseshell Keychains’ featuring Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Cinnamoroll were launched via Aeon Fantasy’s ‘Capu-evo’ capsule machines. In September, the fashion retailer Honeys launched the second installment of its ‘Select MY COLOR’ collaboration series via its online shop on September 4. This collection features ribbon charms, socks, and carry-on totes with characters like Hello Kitty, My Melody, Cinnamoroll, and Kuromi.

Additionally, Bandai is releasing new capsule toys. Following the ‘Precure All Stars Pitatto Nakayoshi Charms’ in late August, Bandai will release ‘Sanrio Characters Mejirushi Accessory Halloween!’ Gashapon toys in the second week of September. These 300-yen accessories feature Hello Kitty, My Melody, Kuromi, Pompompurin, Pochacco, and Hangyodon in Halloween costumes.

Further collaborations scheduled for September include a hair care collection from unu and Esther Bunny at Loft stores starting September 1, and a triple collaboration featuring Danganronpa, Sanrio, and Kei Mochizuki at ten Loft locations starting September 11.

Entities

Sanrio · Esther Kim · Bandai · Esther Bunny · Shiga Lakes

Timeline

  1. 6 days ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Sanrio characters launch new merchandise collaborations in Japan

    Sanrio characters are expanding their merchandise presence in Japan through a new Honeys fashion collaboration and Bandai Halloween-themed Gashapon accessories.

  2. 23 days ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Japanese retailers announce new character collaborations

    New character collaborations are arriving in Japan, including unu hair care x Esther Bunny and a Danganronpa x Sanrio x Kei Mochizuki pop-up event at Loft stores.

  3. 24 days ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Capcom Cafe announces Esther Bunny collaboration

    Capcom Cafe is launching an Esther Bunny collaboration featuring American diner-themed merchandise at its Ikebukuro and Umeda locations starting August 28, 2026.

  4. about 1 month ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Character merchandise updates: Bandai and Sanrio announce new capsule toys

    New character merchandise is arriving in Japan, including Bandai’s Precure fairy charms in late August and Sanrio’s elegant tassel-style keychains available via Aeon Fantasy machines from August 13.

  5. about 1 month ago

    [CULTURE] 7 sources
    Character collaborations and merchandise launches across Japan

    Multiple character-themed collaborations are launching in Japan, featuring Sanrio characters, Toy Story 5 prize goods from Sega Prize, and sports mascot collaborations.

  6. about 1 month ago

    [CULTURE] 5 sources
    Capcom Cafe and FamilyMart launch new character collaborations in Japan

    Capcom Cafe partners with Esther Bunny for a 2026 menu and merch run, while FamilyMart rolls out a Sanrio‑snack mascot campaign offering acrylic charms and pouches across Japan.

Sources

animeanime.jp · animebox.jp · beautypost.jp · cho-animedia.jp · dlove.jp · dreamnews.jp · dtimes.jp · inside-games.jp · news.cube-soft.jp · news.denfaminicogamer.jp · release.traicy.com · s.animeanime.jp · shokuhin.net · sportsmania.jp · vcd.org · weekly.ascii.jp

This summary has been updated 4 times: see revision history