Collector Spotlight: Byzar

I would like to introduce the 2nd Collector on this special feature... 
a My Melody Collector

Spotlight: Byzar
IG: byzarmelody
Country: USA

1.  Which character is your ultimate favorite?

My Melody

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

My Melody

Hello Kitty

Little Twin Stars

Purin
Keroppi

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

No.

4.  How did you first start collecting? 

I liked My Melody since the third grade. I bought her stationery and wallet with what little money that I had. On my birthday, my best friend gave me a little My Melody treasure chest and that’s when I really started to like My Melody a lot more, but I didn’t have much money as a child to buy her things. It wasn’t until a few years ago, the boyfriend that I was with asked me what I wanted for Christmas and I said anything My Melody. So he went to the Sanrio store and bought a ton of My Melody stuff. He started getting me more plushies. At first I didn’t want so many plushies because I didn’t have much room, but then I started to get into it and grew my collection.

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

Yes. I’ve struggled between jobs and haven’t had money to collect so that halted during certain periods.

6.  What type of Collector are you?

Collector 

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?

No. I’m not a hoarder. I keep all my items clean and put away in a shelf. I sell the My Melody items that I don’t want anymore.

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?

I used to display on Flickr, but some people are very competitive and create a very negative environment on there so I only have my collection for my own viewing now--offline. I sometimes post a few pictures on Instagram.

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

Yes, because My Melody brings me happiness because she is cute and reminds me of my childhood and in a way-- I’m making up for what I couldn’t afford as a child. She does have a special place in my heart and when I see her smile, it makes me temporarily forget my adult problems.

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

I think my collection is unique because I only collect plushies and I have a lot of vintage dolls. I don’t collect every single My Melody item out there because I’m more interested in quality than quantity.

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

Now, only plushies and formerly pens and bags.

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

No specific type, but a cute and unique My Melody. They are always coming up with new ideas and styles, but I do like when they make a baby version of My Melody.

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 number one favorite piece keeps changing, but I do favor this one My Melody with her hand covering her mouth. I’ve seen her on the web, but couldn’t find a place to buy that version and looked for 5 years online until I spotted it and bought it. I think the long process of finding her made her extra special 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 on the money spent. Sometimes, I regret the space they take up. If I didn’t collect Sanrio, I might have gotten into something more dangerous like collecting jewelry and that’s even more expensive!

15.  How many years have you been a collector?

11 years. 

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

Pick a type of item like pens or plushies instead of collecting everything because it’s too much money and space.

17.  How would you describe yourself as a Collector?

I only buy dolls that I believe are unique or special. I don’t buy everything that’s My Melody. There are some plushes that I believe are not made with the same quality or creativity. Once in a while if I see a unique plush that’s expensive, I may justify it and buy it because My Melody is very rare and hard to find again if you miss your chance.

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

Not insult, but more like a competition. There was another My Melody collector that I met online who was competing with me and constantly believed that her collection was better than mine because she was hoarding and bought everything in sight instead of focusing on quality.

How do you deal with it?  I stopped talking to her and stopped posting my stuff on that site and just kept my collection to myself and for my own enjoyment.

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

It’s hard to say. If I were to start a family and be a busy mom, I don’t know if I’d have the time. I wouldn’t want to let go of my collection, but I don’t think I will grow out of it. 

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

I put my favorite prized smaller plushes in a glass cabinet with shelves. The larger ones that can’t fit-- I keep in my closet and at another house. I live in a tiny area, so I do want more showcase cabinets when I can move to a future home that is bigger.

Kawaii Luggages

A few years ago, I bought a Hello Kitty luggage thinking it will be of great use for the future. Below is a stock photo of the red Loungefly suitcase.

Product Dimensions: 14.5"X 20.75"X 7"

I remembered walking into the Hollywood location and my eyes went straight to this bright red suitcase that had black polka dots. I think I have an attraction to polka dots. For some reason, polka dots give off a fancy feeling that I like so much.

Anyways before I get off track, back to the lovely bright red suitcase. I wasn't planning on buying a suitcase. There was a sign that read $99. I was tempted, but I left the store. The thing about kawaii stuff is that it's hard to get it off your mind once your heart has fallen in love. 

In the end, I returned the next day and purchased the red suitcase on the spot. 

Forward a few years later...

Last year, I bought another luggage, a very pink My Melody luggage with all the updated new TSA lock. And, this year a pretty Little Twin Stars luggage.

Like the HK suitcase, I loved the design on the pink My Melody. Besides being very pink in color, I don't think it's too flashy, right? It's chic and kawaii -- that's all that matters to me. 

When I bought the Little Twin Stars luggage, I knew that I just had to own it. I'm very selective -- all right, very picky -- on design-wise. This LTS designed luggage was something that I could not pass up. It's to be shipped this week from Japan. 

When I ordered the LTS luggage, I knew I could only use it for photo ops, moving occasions, and traveling by car. I knew that I could not check this sweet luggage into the Airport unless I plan to never see it again. 

Unfortunately, the harsh truth is that we have a lot of dishonest people out there. Something cute as this suitcase will most likely get stolen. The best tip is to only bring a cute character luggage as a carry on item. It is the only way to ensure that it will not get stolen since it won't leave your sight.

On the Hunt...

If you read my earlier blog posts, I am still planning for my overseas trip to Japan. It's been delayed to next year. I believed I was safe and that I had a cute carry on suitcase, until I researched the size restrictions.

Only to learn later that the small red Hello Kitty luggage and as well as my pink My Melody luggage don't meet the TSA size restrictions for carry on luggages.

The universal luggage size to bring onboard should be -

21 x 13.5 x 7.5 inches as the "perfect" size for carry-ons

or

21 inches (53.54 cm), width of 14 inches (35.56 cm) and depth of 8 inches (20.32 cm)

It would be best to check with your airlines first before selecting any cute luggages. Unfortunately, this means I have to go searching for another small suitcase that will fit my design requirements. 

As for now, I have not yet found one that I love. 

Although, here is one that might pass or fail to fit in the overhead space.

Ace x HK

Found two luggages that will meet the requirements for other flyers:

Foldable Luggage

The White One

Well, I'm not exactly in a hurry to choose one anytime soon. I have next year to decide on one.

Friend of the Month Campaign

The Friend of the Month Campaign officially started on May 2016, where Sanrio would give out a free pin when purchasing over $30 of their merchandise. Each month, there will be a new character pin to collect. 

The first character to kick off the FOTM campaign was the little black cat, Chococat. From there on, Tuxedo Sam followed-- along with Pippo. Every 1st of the Month is a surprise on whose next. Will it be one of your TOP 5 Faves or a pin to add to your collection as a set? 

May - Chococat

June- Tuxedo Sam

July - Keroppi

August - Pippo

September - TBA

October - TBA

November - TBA

The Friend of the Month will continue onto next year. Who are you looking forward to the most?

When this month started, I did not expect to be surprised and delighted when I found out the character was Pippo. I never imagined that they would promote Pippo so early onto the game. This makes me want more Pippo merchandise asap. How can Sanrio tease us like this?! ;p

I adore Pippo so much. Tuxedo Sam was finally getting his turn in the spotlight and I felt sad that Pippo was being forgotten in the corner. Sanrio, please release some really cute Pippo merchandise. I need to start on some really cute Pippo collection. Don't forget about stickers and character shaped Sticker Albums!

Now, I am ready for next month's character surprise. Anyone wanna place those bets on the lucky character? 

Collector Spotlight: Marisa Sopel

If you're like me, I am fascinated about Collectors and their collection. I want to introduce a variety of full time collectors that are very active in this community. Also, from their answers will help give you a more clearer idea on who we are as Collectors. We're normal, but with a purpose in life. We are dedicated to our passion in life. We just choose this brand: Sanrio/Hello Kitty.

If you have been around the Hello Kitty community for a period of time, then you will probably recognize this spectacular collector. 

I would like to introduce the first Collector on this special feature...

Spotlight: Marisa Sopel
IG: hello_kitty_chic
Country: USA

Source IG

Source IG

1.  Which character is your ultimate favorite?

Hello Kitty, of course.

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

Dear Daniel

Charmmy Kitty

My Melody

Chococat

Little Twin Stars

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

I don’t have enough apartment space in my house for any other characters

4.  How did you first start collecting? 

When I was 4 years old, there was a little Sanrio store across the street from my house, my mom would always take me in there and get me a little gift and its stuck ever since.

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

NEVER. It's only gotten worse as I’ve gotten older.

6.  What type of Collector are you?

Full Time Collector 

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?

Usually hoarder to me means, a mass pile of chaos, my collection is very very well organized, and on display. So, I have never had anyone in 28 years say that to me

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?

I don’t depend on social media to display my collection, but it sure helps in sharing the joy and happiness with other collectors. I’ve been obsessed long before social media was so prominent in our society, but it does help you get in touch with other fans, and products that may be hard to acquire otherwise.

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

Yes, BIG time. I usually do a hello kitty trip once a year, and being part of the Sanrio community on Instagram, has given me the opportunity to meet collectors all over the word, they are also willing to help you acquire items that they don’t sell in your country.

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

I was very lucky to get my hands on a hello kitty popcorn display cart recently. I would say it’s a VERY hard to get item. That sets my collection apart from others.

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

I’ve switch focus on more limited edition items or hard to find items: Figurines, plushes, kitchenware, and vintage items, too. I use to hate plushes, but now they have overtaken my apartment and I love them.

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

Figurines

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?

Probably my little Hello Kitty coin purse wristlet. I have had it ever since I can remember. When I was 19-- my house burnt down in a forest fire and I lost everything, except a small box of random things. The vintage wristlet survived. So, now it has so much special meaning for 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?

Money is something that is always coming and going, I work to enjoy life and hello kitty, she makes me happy, isn’t that what life is about?  No regrets.  

15.  How many years have you been a collector?

Since I was 4 – going on 28 years now 

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

Never let anyone tell you its stupid or convince you to stop collecting. If it makes you happy, do it.

17.  How would you describe yourself as a Collector?

Crazy Cat Lady 

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

Some guys think I'm crazy, been called immature for it-- but I just shrug my shoulders. I've always been pretty solid in knowing who I am. I know when people don’t really understand because they act in a negative way, and that’s okay-- I try to not let it affect me. In the long run it's my life. 

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

Yes, I plan on it. Full time, of course. I feel like Hello Kitty is something that is with you for life.

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

Yes, I have a large storage closet and a huge deck (they are both full of bin on bin on bin). Until I move into my dream home and can have a huge display area. 

What Does Being a Collector Mean to You

Recently, I have told a few of my co-workers that I am a Collector. I often get a mixed variety of reactions from other sane people. Haven't you heard? We, Collectors, are not sensible people. ;p

Most of the reactions range from amazement to "I didn't expect you to be Eccentric or crazy!"

More likely the latter when they hear how much I have spent on my pristine collection.

It may look like just an ordinary hobby for some, but being a Sanrio Collector is my passion in life. No matter if other people dismiss my passion for Sanrio, I will keep loving these characters for all my life.

It's not a phase for me. I have come to this realization at a particular point in my life, even when my life has taken a turn unexpectedly. For the past year, I have put some serious thought as to why I collect. Yeah, some part of collecting helps bring control and purpose in life, where I seem to have no control over certain things. 

Collecting is not a replacement for comfort food. I collect these characters because they are real to me. They have become part of my life. I fell in love with these lovable characters when I was a child and that love transferred over to when I turned into an adult. 

Each Sanrio character comes with a background story and has their own individual characteristics that you can't help but relate to the character in your own way. It further makes them more real when you see your characters come to life on paper and through cartoon films. 

People may think of us as crazy and I'm fine with that because I know there are others like me out there. I have found a community who can relate to me. 

Whether you collect Sanrio or not, we may not be the norm in the States, but we're growing as one. Look at how fast the pop funko figure collector community is growing!

Source: IG

Like my co-worker just said to me recently. Yeah, I live and breathe in my obsession for Sanrio. I'll always love these characters. One day in the far future, I may have a Hello Kitty and a Lala robot as companions. Why not? Use your imagination to create some of the finest quality work ever. Being close minded does not get you some of the greatest perks in life. Just saying.

Robot Kitty SRI Labs: Singapore Exhibition Pre-Orders

Ever since I heard about the first SRI Lab exhibit, I have always wanted to go to one. Unfortunately, I could not physically go there because they always took their tour exhibits around Asia. They had an exhibit in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Shanghai, and lastly-- Singapore. 

The exhibit in Singapore is now over, but the collectibles from the event is just starting to spread the envy from those who cannot physically join in on the experience of a lifetime.

Robot K and Sanrio,
I beg you from the bottom of my heart. Please bring your very creative exhibition to Los Angeles. We really really and I do mean -- REALLY --- want to experience first hand of this exciting interactive SRI Lab Institute.

Sincerely,
a Sanrio Addict

Official Information from their Facebook:

Hello Kitty is going high-tech! Come 11 June 2016, Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre will be home to Robot Kitty Singapore, where avid fans can look forward to a quest in becoming engineers at the Sanrio Training Institute. After successful runs in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Shanghai, this invigorating showcase will be staged in Hall 403 for 11 days.

The focal highlights of this futuristic event lies within its 5 Interactive Gaming Departments, of which each of them not only serve as a photo attraction in itself, but are well equipped with unique individual missions for Kitty’s engineers-to-be to undertake. 

With an aim for these engineers to be rewarded with interesting parts/accessories upon completion, the challenge whirls around accumulating points via each gaming department by using the Robot K. The redeemed parts/accessories can then be used to “dress up” the Robot K, much to the satisfaction of the engineers. 

The 5 Interactive Gaming Departments are segregated into departments namely Design, Quality Control, Repair, Component and Energy being the final pit stop. Passing each of these departments will require engineers to perform tasks involving some quick coordination of the hands, sense of balance, accuracy and a bit of wit, all within a limited time frame. The Repair Department in particular, engineers will have to try their level best to revive the malfunctioned Robot K via a pair of defibrillators. A game manual will come in handy to guide the engineers through each interactive department, offering some heads-up and tips along the way. Be sure to keep a close lookout for the “Robot A” Check Points as these counters serves to display the engineers’ accumulated points, crucial to what they are able to redeem.

Venue: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Hall 403

Date: 11 June to 21 June 2016

Time: 10am to 8pm

Ticketing Info:

Adults - S$28.00

Child/Senior Citizen - S$14.00

Robot K - S$38.00

Preview from the Singapore Exhibit

SRI Labs Exhibit in the past - Hong Kong, Taiwan, & Shanghai

Game Entitlements/Elements

What is Robot K and what it is used for?

Robot K is a gaming device figurine that has an RFID chip embedded within. It has the ability to accumulate gaming points also known as “Koins”. With the accumulated gaming points, you are then able to redeem parts/accessories at the end of the game play which can be used to enrich the look of your Robot K.

What is the dimension of Robot K?

Robot K’s height is about 20cm and approximately the height of 2 Fuji apples.

How many Robot K can I purchase?

You can purchase any number of Robot K but only 1 Robot K can be activated per ticket holder at the check-in counter.

How many interactive departments are there at the event?

We have a total of 5 interactive departments namely: Design, Components, Quality Control and Repair with a final pit stop at the Energy department.

Pre-Orders

Below you will find that I was able to score some goodies from the latest exhibition in Singapore.

The Metal Binder

I am very much in love with this particular binder. The very fact that it is made of metal stands out from all the rest of the Robot Kitty merchandise. The design is very appealing to a Collector like me. The best feature is that the surface is not at all flat. I like the fact that this binder is not ordinary. It's a one-of-a-kind binder that you cannot get anywhere else. Yeah, this binder deserves a spot in my display case. 

HK Metal Binder with notes included

These small figures are another spazz worthy souvenirs that cannot be passed up.

They are cute.
They are precious.
They are adorably futuristic.
They are innovative designed.
THEY ARE OUR TREASURES.


Thank you, Sanrio.






Sources Used: Channel News Asia, Robot K SG FAQ, Robot K SG Facebook, Official Robot K Singapore

Character Cafes

In most articles that I read online states that all character cafes have a short life span. 

I'm left to wonder if the food is at all worth the money spent. Again, are we just paying the price for a work of art? 

Apparently, so --- because that is what attracting crowds to character based restaurants. 

I keep wondering where lies the fault on character icon cafes? Is it the chef or the restaurant itself? Or even both? I thought character cafes would hire the best of the best? Wouldn't they have hired a chef with experience in creating beautiful food art like I have seen on Instagram? Why haven't they hired those individual baker artistes? How about mixing in a Gourmet chef? 

If they can create something magical in the kitchen that satisfies both your tastebuds and beautiful art food, then wouldn't those repeat customers keep coming back?

You can read the article in full here or continue below.

Character cafes hit the town, but are they here to stay?

June 15, 2016 By Claris Ng

TO HAVE an adorable Pokemon face staring at you on your plate, your picture taken with a Pompompurin statuette, and a merchandise corner for you to grab souvenirs, all in one stop? Well, within the past two months, another three character cafes have sprung up in Singapore, with some making their debut in the region here. While some have said the food served seems more ‘Instagram-worthy’ than delicious, fans of these characters have lauded the overall dining experience. The question though is: Will the novelty last?

Here’s what we found when we visited five of them.

1. Hello Kitty Orchid Garden Cafe

Assuming an elegant and poised setting, white intricately-designed fences draw the perimeters of the 84-seater cafe, the interior is resplendent with lush green potted plants and symbolic purple orchids. The first – and only – Hello Kitty-themed cafe in Singapore opened on May 12 to a snaking queue that persists till today, its location being none other than Changi Airport.

Designed by Yuko Shimizu and subsequently recognised as a Sanrio character, Hello Kitty first made its appearance on a vinyl coin purse sold in Japan in 1974. It has since taken the world by storm – Singapore is the latest addition to the list of Hello Kitty-themed cafes around the world, which includes cities such as Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong and Bangkok.

Setting itself apart from other Hello Kitty-themed cafes in the world, the month-old cafe offers locally-inspired dishes, such as wagyu beef rendang and orange sugee cake for dessert. In response to TMG’s queries, Mr Andrew Khoo, Chief Operating Officer and Director of Business Development & Operations of the Food & Beverage Division at ABR Holdings, said that this concept was introduced to “reflect some of Singapore’s favourite traditional local dishes and flavours”. He added that the company is constantly researching and developing new dishes, which will be added to the existing menu once every few months.

Some other dishes include: Big Breakfast Surprise (scrambled eggs and smoked duck slices) for $18.50, Kitty Goes Fishing (baked salmon with diced macadamia) priced at $23.90, and Rose Rose I Love You (orange sugee cake) for $17.50.

Ms Shelly Yong, 39, a housewife and a Hello Kitty fan, said that infusing local flavours into the menu added “more local appeal” and is something “symbolic for Singaporeans”.

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But even Mr Khoo acknowledges the challenge of running a character-themed cafe: “Novelty will attract customers the first time round, but a consistent and elevated dining experience is the key to longevity”.

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That novelty is helped by the Internet. Fiona Zheng, 14, an Indonesian currently studying in Singapore, said what drew her to the cafe was the outpour of photos on social media. “A lot of people post it on Instagram and my friends say it is Instagram-worthy,” she said.

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Indeed, the hype on the Internet led Ms Emily Kwok and two of her friends, who were on a three-day holiday, to join the constant queue comprising some 12 customers when we visited. The 27-year-old radiographer from Perth said that they were not Hello Kitty fans, but wanted their share in the latest fad on Facebook and Instagram. She lauded the intricate design and ‘garden city’ landscape of the cafe, comparing it to the Hello Kitty outlet in Taiwan which she had visited before. “The setting here in Singapore is nicer, in terms of the layout. I like the garden,” said Ms Kwok. 

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The airport was picked for the world’s first 24-hour Hello Kitty-themed cafe, because “the airport never closes,” said Mr Khoo.

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However, Ms Yong feels otherwise. “The location is weird though, it is not located in town,” remarked Ms Yong. She said that while it is convenient for residents who stay near the airport like herself, it is less accessible for others.

2. DC Comics Super Heroes Cafe

It is a dream come true for Mr John Teo, an avid superhero fan and the managing director of J.T. Network, who runs DC Comics Super Heroes Cafe at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.

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The 10-month-old cafe houses life-sized figurines of Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, a life-sized model of the Batmobile, with DC comics series posters plastered on the walls.

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Fueled by his passion for comics and superheroes, Mr Teo fulfilled his goal of creating an “immersive DC Comics universe experience”, a place where family and friends could dine and hang out. For avid superhero fans, the merchandise corner boasts a series of limited edition items, the latest being the display of the original autographed poster for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

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Mr Brandon Chu, marketing specialist of DC Comics Super Heroes Cafe, said that special menus are created to coincide with the release of movies by Warner Bros and DC Comics. The recent premiere of the Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice film, for instance, sparked the creation of two new dishes, the BvS Batman Burger and BvS Superman Burger. Mr Chu said that the popularity of the burgers prompted them to extend the menu offering even after the movie was no longer showing in theatres.

Its signature dish, Batman’s Wagyu Beef Jaw Burger for $31.90, comes with wagyu beef and foie gras butter served in charcoal burger bun with the Batman logo.

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The first superhero-themed cafe in Singapore has an interesting mix of clientele, depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend. Tourists make up 60 per cent of the customer base on weekdays, but 40 per cent on weekends. The remaining percentage are locals. “MBS is a landmark for tourists”, said Mr Chu, which “keeps us rocking well in Singapore”.

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He is cognisant of the short-lived nature of such character-themed cafes, saying “the hard truth is they have a life span of less than five years”. This means that food and service quality remain the pivotal factors to “sustain as a usual cafe”. “Then, we don’t have to worry about competitors”, said Mr Chu.

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To all Suicide Squad fans, you may wish to keep your eyes peeled, as an unique menu will be put forth in conjunction with the film’s release in August this year. The cafe is also currently in the midst of searching for a suitable location for its second branch, on top of plans to expand this concept overseas.

3. Pompompurin Cafe

The golden retriever character was first introduced in 1996, and subsequently ranked first among other Sanrio characters in 2015. A testament to its popularity, this prompted Mr Kawaguchi Kiyoshi, Managing Director of Create Restaurants Asia, to bring Pompompurin cafe to Singapore.

The brightly-lit ambience – attributed to its location next to the full-length glass windows and yellow painted walls – is one that catches the eye when walking past the 78-seater cafe on the fourth level of Orchard Central. Diners are greeted by the arch-shaped gate that assumes the shape of Pompompurin, followed by a statuette of Pompompurin and friends – a photo souvenir for fans, and four “Tomodachi House” which translates into Friends House, each featuring one of Pompompurin’s friends.

The third outlet worldwide following Hong Kong and Taiwan, Singapore’s Pompompurin cafe sees a persistent queue of one to two hours waiting time during the weekends, and approximately 45 minutes during weekday evenings. The queue usually begins at 6pm, said Ms Jovy Alcantara, 26, assistant manager of the branch. She added that customers are usually in their teens. When we visited on a weekday evening slightly before nine, there was still a queue of five to six customers.

Ms Wyncy Tan, corporate designer of Create Restaurants Asia, which operates Pompompurin cafe, said the cafe, which opened in mid-April, filled a gap in the Singapore scene – “the lack of the Japanese ‘Kawaii’ culture”, which instils a sense of novelty and nostalgia at the same time. ‘Kawaii’ refers to the quality of cuteness in the context of Japanese culture. Customers are usually fans who would take pictures of the Pompompurin-themed food and with the ‘treehouses’ and statuettes.

But even such novelty may wear out, said Ms Tan, referring to declining patronage at the three Pompompurin cafes in Japan. The Singapore cafe “strives to consistently introduce new items”, she added. Its menu includes Spaghetti Napolitana priced at $26.99, Everybody Gather Around Picnic Plate for $24.99 (includes eggs benedict and sandwiches) and Bagel’s Special Pancake Tower priced at $21.99 for dessert.

She is right.

Taiwanese student Ellen Howh, 22, lauded the cafe for its comfortable setting and elaborate design, but suggests a wider menu than just the six meals to choose from.

5. Pokemon Cafe

It has been two weeks since the official opening of the first Pokemon-themed pop-up cafe in town, and the queue hasn’t disappeared. When we visited on a weekday afternoon slightly after 4pm, we were greeted by a queue comprising some 20 customers – families with children, teenagers, and even a few tourists.

Temporarily occupying the premises of Everything With Fries, the temporary pop-up cafe located on the fourth floor of Bugis Junction will cease operations after July 31. This new concept of a ‘pop-up’ cafe is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, following the success of the Pokemon cafe that opened in Shibuya over a three-month period early last year.

Manager Christopher Hobday said they had decided to introduce the concept to “try out how themed cafes will work out in Singapore”. The 28-year-old noted the short life span of character cafes, saying: “I don’t think it can last very long, as usually customers come only once. We seldom have regular customers, hence we decided on the idea of a pop-up cafe.”

Business has been brisk thus far. Mr Hobday said that during peak hours, the waiting time could stretch from 45 minutes to one hour, with about 30 to 40 customers in line. With a large majority of its clientele consisting of primary and secondary school kids, Mr Hobday said that customers he sees range from ages five to fifty-five.

Fans or not, the crowd flocked to the merchandise corner, taking turns to have a closer peek at the merchandise offered – and their prices. Some of the merchandise include Mega Mewtwo Y Plush toy priced at $48, Pokemon Cafe Limited Item Cotton Tote Bag for $20.22, and Limited Item T-shirts (Kids) for $28.78. Just by the entrance is a standing photo booth with illustrations of several Pokemon, where fans can don Pokemon suits to have their pictures taken.

Source: The Middle Ground Singapore

Hello Kitty x Irish Dresden

Sanrio came out with another collaboration that resulted in a pretty delicate porcelain figurine. It's something that will be cherished forever. 

xoxo