# Character collaborations and merchandise launches in Japan > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/character-collaborations-and-merchandise-launches-in-japan > Updated: 2026-09-05T23:10:03.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 6. 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. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-05: 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 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sanrio-characters-launch-new-merchandise-collaborations-in-japan ### 2026-08-20: 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japanese-retailers-announce-new-character-collaborations ### 2026-08-18: 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/capcom-cafe-announces-esther-bunny-collaboration ### 2026-08-10: 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/character-merchandise-updates-bandai-and-sanrio-announce-new-capsule-toys ### 2026-08-07: 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. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mleague-teams-with-sanrio-shiga-lakes-teams-with-gotouchi-bear-in-new-merchandise ### 2026-08-04: 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. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/capcom-cafe-and-familymart-launch-new-character-collaborations-in-japan --- Cite as: Character collaborations and merchandise launches in Japan. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/character-collaborations-and-merchandise-launches-in-japan