Taiwan Exclusive Passes

Below are Hello Kitty 45th Anniversary's Easycard passes that are only exclusive to Taiwan. These passes are only used for transportation purposes, but since I live in USA-- I plan to put these cards in my future Sanrio scrapbook. It's visually cute, isn't it?

ARCHIVE: List of Cinnamoroll Birthday Dolls

I wanted to compile a list of Japan's Birthday dolls. Since I have limited information, here is a list that I could find through the help of Collectors and online resources.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe this is the year 2019 that marks the first birthday doll for Cinnamoroll. I will be keeping a list for this character, even though I do not collect this character. I admire this character and feel that he earned it's right as one of the classic Sanrio characters of all time.

Status: REVISED as of 3/2021

2019

Japan

2020

N/A

2021

2022

Robot Kitty Set 2013

Recently, I have added something amazing to my Sanrio collection. This set is from an amazing Robot Kitty exhibition that took place in 2013 at Taiwan.

This set of series has been on my Wishlist for so long that I never thought I would be able to say that I have this set in my collection. Here me now: I am the proud owner of Robot Kitty series set from 2013 and I am in love with Hello Kitty all over again.

Yes, I know. I am in love with Hello Kitty many times already, but I never get tired of saying it -- because it's true.

 The Squad

My Fave

There was another Robot Kitty series set version but with a blue bottom instead of a white circular stand that was released in 2016. It was all identical to the six figurines, but that navy blue was not as great looking as this one above.

This type of robots only focused on Hello Kitty dressed up in different Robotic gear. I would have love to see the same series set, but focusing on Little Twin Stars, Pochacco, Keroppi, Tuxie, and more. There was another Sanrio Robots featuring Hello Kitty, My Melody, Little Twin Stars, Badtz-Maru, and Kuromi that was released as well in 2016, but this set had a different Robotic outfit. I believe it was a shorter version and much of a plainer version. Although, still cute. 

As you can tell-- I love love Sanrio Robots. I have fallen once more onto the Sanrio Robot fever. I need more Robots of my favorite Sanrio characters! 

Check out below and tell me you're with me going obsessed over Sanrio Robots, too! 

Spectaclar Squad 

Special Forces Unit

Did I brainwash you yet? I'm dying for more of these type of Robot figurines from Sanrio, but with different set of Sanrio characters like Little Twin Stars, Pochacco, Keroppi, Tuxie, etc

I am in a cloud of excitement because my Robot collection is growing with this new addition. I hope to add even more robots to my collection in the near future. Again, this Sanrio era is ahhhhh-mazing!

Long live to the designers of Robot Kitty. You guys rock!
My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥ 

American Vintage Collection

Sanrio just announced their release of a new clothing series called American Vintage. This collection can be found at their two flagship stores in Little Tokyo of Los Angeles and Hollywood.

It looks like they are trying to come out with unisex clothes for both men and women as their clothing sizes are oversized. It's one good step in the right direction for fashion. 

I'm definitely liking this collection as seeing that I own the black Graffiti jacket. Although, it still feels like a heavy collared shirt instead of a jacket. The Graffiti jacket is definitely one of those clothing that showcases our love for Hello Kitty in a big way because the outlined image can be seen at a far distance. Good to use at a Sanrio event when you don't want to go all out in a costume or whatnot. 

Sanrio.com

I'll be rocking out in my black jacket-- will you?

Tribute to Pochacco

Have you noticed that this year marks the return of classics like Pochacco? If you have stepped into a Sanrio boutique recently, you'll notice that there are shelves of different Sanrio characters. It's an improvement since back then in 2012.

Pochacco Wall

I have missed Pochacco. It's been so long, fella, since we've last seen you. It felt like you were gone for a decade. Seeing Pochacco return in a big way with a first ever Birthday and Anniversary plush makes me feel happy and relieved. Relieved that one of my all time favorite Sanrio characters won't stay in "retirement" camp. More like jailed at Sanrio Headquarters-- if you know what I mean? ;p

Poor Momoberry.

Good to see you, Pochacco, and may you continue to rise in the ranks.

I'll leave you with some of really cute Pochacco plushes from Japan...

 2018

A Hello Kitty Morning

Spend your early morning with me in Downtown, Los Angeles. It's a mini tour of spotting Hello Kitty in Little Tokyo.

Here's one landmark that is ready to be famous for Sanrio fans out there visiting sunny Cali. This wall mural can be found at the cross street of Hill Street and 24th Street. If you're coming from downtown, then the mural will be on a lot at your left side. Just before 24th Street. If you pass 24th Street, turn around. 

Collector Spotlight: Victor Paredes

I would like to introduce the 5th Collector on this special feature... 
a Hello Kitty Collector

Spotlight: Victor Paredes  
IG: the.pinkvictor
Country: USA

1.  Which character is your ultimate favorite?

I love Hello Kitty. She is my all time fave, but I do have a soft spot for the Little Twin Stars

2.  List your TOP 5 Sanrio Characters in numerical order.

Hello Kitty

Little Twin Stars

Kuromi

Gudetama
Pompompurin

3.  Do you collect other Sanrio characters beside your ultimate Fave?

I do have a few trinkets of the other characters, but all my bigger items are Hello Kitty

4.  How did you first start collecting? 

I first started collecting the charms and headphone jack plugs about 10 years ago. I loved having charms dangling from my phone. I wish phones still included charm hooks. Then, I started seeing all the cool collaborations with Hello Kitty. I fell in love with the Street Fighter collab. I saw t-shirts with The Simpsons and HK. I love the cool collabs with Hello Kitty. I have a good amount of Hello Kitty and Tokidoki, which is my all time fave collaboration. My collection has grown quite quickly that I now purchase a lot more clothing like shirts, hoodies, shoes, and backpacks. I have over a hundred plushies, so I've slowed down my plushie purchases. Now, I started collecting Hello Kitty themes on my Samsung galaxy phones. Samsung has their own theme store on their phones with tons of HK themes. My navigation buttons, keyboard, dial pad and notifications are all HK themed.

5.  Have you ever stopped collecting for a short to long periods of time?

I have never really stopped, just slowed down or focused on things that I will actually use. Now that the Sanrio stores have collectible pins free with purchase-- I'm shopping at least once a month. I'll buy pens for work or note pads, umbrellas, and small items that I can store away. 

6.  What type of Collector are you?

I've shifted from Collector to Full time Collector to Addict and back to Collector. I'm trying to be more rational with my spending. If it won't be used, I hold off from buying it unless I really really want it. I have gotten better with disciplining myself. Hello Kitty just makes me happy lol

7.  Would you describe yourself as a Hoarder? If someone called you a hoarder, would you be okay with it or try to defend your collector status? If so, what would you say to them?

I am a hoarder. LOL. I store my old boxes of electronics and shoes. I don't mind being called a hoarder. I'm honest with myself and I'm working on cleaning out my collection.

8.  As a collector, do you depend on your social media to display your collection? Do you think that is key to maintaining your obsession?

My Instagram account is dedicated mostly to my collections -- 99% of the photos are my collection.

9.  Ever since you joined the Sanrio Community, has it changed your life? Has being a Collector been beneficial to you? Please give details.

I feel happy when I wear my Hello Kitty swag. I would say that is my only benefit. It is an extremely expensive habit, so I have learned to cut back on random purchases of Sanrio merchandise. 

10.  Does any of your collection set you apart from other collectors? Or is yours the same like the rest?

I would say I'm very similar to most big Collectors. I may have a few unique pieces, but with the Amazon, eBay, and other online sites, it's pretty much an even playing field. Though living in Southern California, I do have the advantage of having several Sanrio stores near me.

11.  What type of things do you collect? If everything, then answer: Everything. Or if it’s specific, here’s a list of examples: plushes, dolls, figurines, statues, coin banks, stationery supplies, pens and pencils, erasers, trinkets, pencil cases, cases, purses, clothes, etc

pencil cases, cases, purses, clothes, etc
I collect lots of small trinkets and figurines, pencils, pens, note pads, plushies. Though, I don't purchase as many as I used to. T-shirts, hoodies, sneakers, some purses, lots of backpacks, and umbrellas. I want to start collecting jewelry and watches.

12.  What is your ULTIMATE #1 type that you cannot pass up to get:

I love clothing-- that is my new passion. If I find an awesome t-shirt or hoodie, I buy it on the spot.

13.  As collectors, we all have favorite pieces. What is your ULTIMATE favorite piece in your collection? Does it have a story behind it? How did it come about?

My favorite piece is my Hello Kitty Ninja Turtle collab. I have all four Ninja turtles in the shape of Hello Kitty. There are 4 inch vinyls that I purchased on eBay. Also, I love my 12 inch Chucky horror movie. There is no special story. I just stumbled on them while searching eBay. 

14.  Do you have any regrets in spending so much on Sanrio? If you weren’t a Collector, do you think you would be obsessing over something else? If so, what?

I have an addictive personality-- so, yes. If I did not obsess over Hello Kitty, I would still be purchasing Action figures and comic books. I still purchase a lot of comic book merchandise, but not as much as I used to. I love collecting Nintendo video games.

I've focused on my career as a Samsung Fields Manager to make sure that I can afford my habits lol

15.  How many years have you been a collector?

I have been collecting for about 10 years. 

16.  Can you give any advice to new collectors starting out?

My advice would be to follow other Collectors on Instagram as well as Sanrio stores. Sanrio Arcadia ships anywhere in the USA. They carry a lot of Tokidoki collaborations. Make sure to get pieces that you truly love and learn to let go of items that you feel that don't have any type of value.

17.  How would you describe yourself as a Collector?

I'm a Hello Kitty Hoarder and Enthusiast. Everyone who knows me always remembers me for my Hello Kitty obsession. My bosses have even given me items as well as my co-workers and close friends. I don't let significant others gift me items because I would get rid of it if we broke up.

.

18.  Can you share any experiences that someone insulted or insinuated something negative over your obsession personally to you? 

I was working as a Samsung rep inside Best Buy when I had 2 customers insult me. My job was to focus on pushing Samsung products, but I loved the Best Buy team so I would lend a hand with all customers. I noticed there was a Mother and son who needed help with printers. I walked over and they asked the difference between two models. I brought out my phone, which my screen and icons have always been HK themed. I could hear them laughing and mocking me for having it and being gay. I turned around and just told them that they now had to wait for a Best Buy rep to free up and help them because I was no longer gonna go out of my way to assist them. Also, I went on the walkie and let all the reps know about the situation. No one helped them. They ended up walking out. Most people love that I am a HK Collector. Usually, I make new friends that way.

19.  Objectively, can you see yourself still collecting Sanrio when you’re elderly? Full time or casually? 

I hope to move up in my career, so that I can have everything I own HK themed. LOL. I will always be an HK Collector. She brings a smile to my heart. 

20.  Do you have a storage area for your extra Sanrio merchandise? Is it for a future home or just a storage area?

I have no time to organize my collection. It is a mess. Most of it are in bins. I do hope to display it in it's own room in the near future. That is why I submitted an old picture of a portion of my collection.

ARCHIVE: List of Pochacco Birthday Dolls

I wanted to compile a list of Japan's Birthday dolls. Since I have limited information, here is a list that I could find through the help of Collectors and online resources.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe this is the year 2019 that marks the first birthday doll for Pochacco. I will be keeping a list for this character.

Status: REVISED as of 3/2019

2019

30th Anniversary & Birthday

2020

TBA

2021

TBA

Targeting Foreign Markets

Other than the news of Sanrio giving New Line Cinema (via Warner Bros) movie rights, Sanrio has been seen making some steps into targeting female adults in America and certain places with stores like Tezenis (Italy/London) and Calzedonia (Italy). They are working hard to appeal to older audiences as seen below...

How do you solve the majority views of adults that see Hello Kitty only for children? Easy. By creating designs that appeal to adults. It's a matter of playing with color schemes that can make fashion cool. Who says that we can't make Hello Kitty cool for adults?

Sanrio has started with undergarments and sleepwear for Italy and London. One thing that drew my attention and interest was the adult model wearing a bra and matching undies. I wanted it badly, but it's not easy to find foreign personal shopping agents in places like London and Italy.

The design on the adult underwear is pretty simple, but that's all it takes to have a black overall color scheme with Hello Kitty prints. Nothing too flashy in colors appeals to a lot of women, including my aesthetics in fashion. It's just perfect. 

Now, Sanrio, sell that bra and matching undies here in America. We'd be grateful forever.  

Please credit me if used 

Cr: Facebook

Sanrio can also be seen targeting the more hipster crowd and the men who like Hello Kitty. The men's shirt is what I could see appealing to guys. If you read my past article of how Sanrio Japan tried targeting men with a bow series collection, you'll understand the point that I'm trying to get across. That collection was just awful in design because it didn't appeal aesthetically with fashion minded people like myself. And an important factor, a bow is not going to be associated with Hello Kitty. It would be like Sanrio shooting it's foot off from succeeding in making Hello Kitty appealing to majority of adults if they use only a bow image. This time they are facing the problem head on and starting to design clothes for men with Hello Kitty... the character. That's their final answer to me, right? (referencing other article) 

ModCloth 2018

The ModCloth collection that came out in 2018 was something that we, gals, rejoiced.  It was the first time that we had more adult Hello Kitty fashion to add to our closets. It's what we have always wanted. We finally got our wish. Thank you, Sanrio!

For the first time ever, Sanrio gave us a more of an evening Cocktail dress... just for female adults. It was a blessing for Hello Kitty fans because we didn't actually think it will ever happen. 

The only other time that we had hope was back in 2011 and 2012 when Forever 21 and Sanrio had a collaboration together. It was a fashion collection targeting young adults, but older female adults were in love with it, too. It appealed to a lot of women. Take a look below. 

This outfit was Chococat!

The collection that came out was so impressive that it was sold quickly, much to my dismay because I found out about the collection too late. For some reason, I wasn't on top of my Sanrio news on that particular year. I kicked myself for so long because I missed out on some excellent Hello Kitty fashion. 

Sanrio, we need more like Forever 21 collection in 2011. It was pure class. Wouldn't you agree?

New Video!

This is me having a mini photo-op in Hollywood. Peace!

My Mission? Hello Kitty, of course!

Sanrio Hollywood: Take Two

When I first heard of the newly opened boutique in Hollywood, I saw pictures on a Hello Kitty Collector's Instagram account.

Like at the original Hollywood location (1st floor) where I fell in love with my first Hello Kitty red suitcase years ago and now, I fell in love again but with a Hello Kitty jacket. 

At the time, I thought it was a black jacket with a Hello Kitty face outlined in red and white with the © '76, '18 Sanrio at the back. It was a trendy jacket that I wanted on sight and that I must have soon!

Little did I know that upon my first visit, I would learn that the jacket was in fact a black unisex collared shirt. Due to a miscommunication with one of the staff (I'm being polite; negative story for a later time), I had not bought the shirt as I intended to do so at the time. Instead, I bought a Hello Kitty book and a vintage ceramic coin bank. 

Even though I didn't get the shirt that I wanted, I left the store happy with my newly found treasures. 

Fast Forward a few weeks...

I am back and ready with a full wallet! 

Sanrio, please take all my money! 

Literally, I obsessed over that collared shirt for less than two weeks. I counted down the days. I counted the hours. I counted the minutes. The seconds! Seriously obsessed over a piece of clothing that had a mere Hello Kitty image at the back. I know, right? I'm crazy. It was not just the outlined image, it had SANRIO written on it with the © '76, '18!!

It's a Collector's shirt! My shirt now... (hehe 😈)

This is me happily trying on the collared shirt at Hello Kitty Hollywood boutique. Unfortunately, they took away the Hello Kitty (tent) dressing room. I asked, so there is no dressing room! The good thing for me was that they had a full body mirror so that I can check out out my badass self. Wink, wink. 😉

At that exact moment, I had my first ever LIVE IG & Facebook experience. It was so exciting. It was fantastic. I had a great time documenting my new Hello Kitty shirt. It's an experience that I will never forget -- for as long as I live. 

Too dramatic, huh? Ok, I hear you. Cutting down the drama effect. NOT!!!

Kidding aside, it was truly a blast, which I'm grateful and appreciative towards  a specific staff (whom I shall not name out of respect). It marks the first time that I have purchased a quality type of Hello Kitty shirt. I think another time was a Hello Kitty Con 2014 jean jacket. 

Good times for this Sanrio Addict. 

Collector Spotlight: LTS

I would like to introduce the 4th Collector on this special feature... 
a Little Twin Stars Collector

Spotlight: LTS Collector
IG: little_twin_starz (Sanrio) and little.twin.starz (only LTS)
Country: Singapore

1.  Which character is your ultimate favorite?

Little Twin Stars

2.  List your TOP 5 Sanrio Characters in numerical order.

Little Twin Stars

Nemukko Nyago

Cheery Chums

Tuxedo Sam
Mashumaromitaina Fuwafuwanyanko

3.  Do you collect other Sanrio characters beside your ultimate Fave?

Yes, I do. The ones mentioned above and mostly, the rare or unknown ones are what I like

4.  How did you first start collecting? 

I was first introduced to Sanrio when I was about 8 or 9 years old, when my aunt bought me a few small stationery items... a Hello Kitty house shaped case with colorful erasers that look like crayons and 3 mini paper clips of Little Twin Stars, My Melody & Hello Kitty. These were my only Sanrio items that I had during my childhood and they were precious to me. I lost all these items when my family moved. And then I discovered eBay & Flickr-- thank god for that! I managed to replace what I lost. When I started working in my twenties, I bought random Sanrio items. I only started collecting seriously from around 2004 or 2005 onwards til present. Most of my purchases were sourced from my local Sanrio stores, eBay, personal shoppers from Japan, collectors, resellers, and occasionally from etsy.

5.  Have you ever stopped collecting for a short to long periods of time?

No. 

6.  What type of Collector are you?

Full time Collector but scaling down these days and becoming more selective

7.  Would you describe yourself as a Hoarder? If someone called you a hoarder, would you be okay with it or try to defend your collector status? If so, what would you say to them?

Generally, a hoarder would never admit that she is a hoarder. LOL. To some extent, I would describe myself as a hoarder as I do not eat the Sanrio confectionery that are packed in the Sanrio jars, containers, bags, etc. as I can't bear to eat any of them. They are kept intact 😂😆. If someone calls me a hoarder, I am okay with it. It's the truth and there's no denying it. 😄😁

8.  As a collector, do you depend on your social media to display your collection? Do you think that is key to maintaining your obsession?

As a Collector, I use my social media accounts firstly for photo storage, secondly for sharing photos of my collection with people who have the same interest as me and lastly, for sharing whatever knowledge that I have of the characters I collect. I don't display my collection online just to show off. It's more of an online photo album for me. Also, I do it so that I can share my love for Sanrio with fellow Collectors. Also, I share photos of new Sanrio merchandise that I find whenever I shop, via my IG story. That way my account is not cluttered with too many photos.

9.  Ever since you joined the Sanrio Community, has it changed your life? Has being a Collector been beneficial to you? Please give details.

It has somewhat changed my life a little. I have met wonderful Collectors, who are now my friends and we do chat & share/listen to each others' problems. I guess the beneficial part would be that these friends help each other out by helping to purchase Sanrio merch sold exclusively in their country. Some friends are really kind, helpful, and will go all out to help fellow Collectors while others can be negative and take advantage of you. I have blocked these so-called "friends" on my social media account as they took me for granted and kept using me, all in the name of "sharing our love for Sanrio." 😔😢

10.  Does any of your collection set you apart from other collectors? Or is yours the same like the rest?

I am just an ordinary Collector, just humbled by the experience of collecting and meeting other Sanrio fans. I have never compared myself with others, so I wouldn't know what sets me apart from others. Maybe my quirkiness? 😂😂😂

11.  What type of things do you collect? If everything, then answer: Everything. Or if it’s specific, here’s a list of examples: plushes, dolls, figurines, statues, coin banks, stationery supplies, pens and pencils, erasers, trinkets, pencil cases, cases, purses, clothes, etc

It used to be everything and if possible at least 1 piece of a specific item that is made in a Little Twin Stars merchandise. It doesn't have to be different designs of the same kind of item, preferably one that is not so common. E.g. a trash bin, a nail clipper, a guitar pick, a pocket watch (not a wrist watch), etc. These days, I am trying to narrow down to specific items such as trinket boxes & plushes (only if they look cute), and things that really appeal to me. The quality of Sanrio has sadly declined over the years and price has increased significantly. I see repeated type of items in similar style, so I do not collect such items.

12.  What is your ULTIMATE #1 type that you cannot pass up to get:

Trinket boxes for sure. They are practical and sturdy.

13.  As collectors, we all have favorite pieces. What is your ULTIMATE favorite piece in your collection? Does it have a story behind it? How did it come about?

I have more than 1 favorite piece. Don't mind if I share my story at all. The first 2 items are my Sanrio mini clips and Hello Kitty house shaped case erasers. They were given to me by my aunt and they were the first Sanrio items that I ever owned. Sadly, I lost them when my family moved. The last item is my childhood collection of Sanrio candy toys made by Morinaga, a Japanese confectionery company that still exists today. I used to save my miserable pocket money for many weeks just to buy one box. They came with miniature Sanrio toys and the box doubled up as a diorama. I managed to save a few of these toys and the diorama. They are very precious to me. 

14.  Do you have any regrets in spending so much on Sanrio? If you weren’t a Collector, do you think you would be obsessing over something else? If so, what?

No regrets at all. If I weren't a Collector, I think I might either volunteer as a cat feeder (feed the stray cats around my neighborhood) or do volunteer work

15.  How many years have you been a collector?

13 or 14 years. 

16.  Can you give any advice to new collectors starting out?

Based on my personal experiences:
1. If you collect LTS plushes, don't purchase just Kiki or Lala if you see anyone selling just one of them. Chances are that you will have a hard time searching for the missing pair. I still have plushes that are missing their sibling. 😔
2. Do not pay more than you should for any Sanrio merchandise, just because you want it so badly. Good things come to those who wait. Sometimes, you might get more than you bargained for!
3. Don't let your passion turn into an obsession and in the process, compromise your integrity. I have seen Collectors who will do whatever it takes to get the things they want and in doing so, hurt the very people who helped them
4. Be careful when buying Sanrio online. They can look like the real deal, with tush tags and paper tags that has the Sanrio logo on them.
5. Don't do Sanrio swaps with people unless you trust them.

17.  How would you describe yourself as a Collector?

I'm just an average Collector, who is a little quirky at times. I have a weird sense of humor. 😂😂😂

18.  Can you share any experiences that someone insulted or insinuated something negative over your obsession personally to you? 

Not that I can think of at the moment. I probably told that person off or just brushed it off. No point wasting my time defending myself when people have such mindset of others 😂. It's my life and I just want to live while I'm alive (quoted from Bon Jovi).

19.  Objectively, can you see yourself still collecting Sanrio when you’re elderly? Full time or casually? 

Probably not. My kids are not into Sanrio. I'm still thinking if I should give up this year. I kept telling myself that if I find those items that have been on my wishlist for a long time, I will quit & that was about 2 or 3 years ago. Imao. 😂😆 

20.  Do you have a storage area for your extra Sanrio merchandise? Is it for a future home or just a storage area?

I used to rent a storage space but shifted everything back to the store room in my home. Not worth paying a few hundred dollars every month just for storage. I'd rather use the money to buy Sanrio stuff.