You’ll find a lot of cute characters in Japan, but none as iconic as Hello Kitty. The adorable cat is celebrating her 50th anniversary in 2024 and is putting on a lengthy series of special events and collaborations to commemorate the grand occasion.
Festivities began in November of last year with fun promotions like the Hello Kitty McDonald’s Happy Meal collab. But that was only the tip of the iceberg, as anniversary events will continue to run until the end of 2024. What’s more, Hello Kitty is being celebrated around the world, with certain events and collabs available to fans worldwide. Ready to mark the big 50? Here are a handful of the exciting things you can check out for Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary.
Hello Kitty AR
To mark its most iconic character’s momentous milestone, Sanrio has released a special augmented reality project available at five landmarks around the world. These include the Shibuya 109 store in Tokyo, Big Ben in London, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Taipei 101 building in Taipei and the Empire State Building in New York City.
To access the AR function, all you have to do is download the relevant app on your smartphone and open it up when you are near one of the landmarks. Download available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Hello Kitty TikTok filter
If you don’t live in or near one of the five cities included in the AR project, you can still have some fun with Hello Kitty via a special TikTok filter. When you use this filter, you’ll be able to witness Kitty doing the same dance as in the AR project.
For more fun, Sanrio has also opened up an official Hello Kitty anniversary TikTok account, which you can follow here.
Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary National Tour
Want to meet Hello Kitty in person? If you happen to be in Japan, you’ll be glad to know that the cat-girl is embarking on a nationwide tour, aiming to visit 100 Sanrio shops across the country. At some stops of the tour, Hello Kitty will be dressed in her special 50th anniversary costume as she browses the store.
To check the tour schedule, visit the website.
Hello Kitty x Crocs
Just last month, Hello Kitty released an adorable collaboration with shoe brand Crocs. The collection includes platform heeled slides and cute clogs all outfitted with Hello Kitty's iconic red bow. In Japan, you can shop the collection online as well as at ABC-Mart. Additionally, the collab is available worldwide at selected retailers including the Crocs online store.
Hello Kitty x Uniqlo
Fast fashion retailer Uniqlo is also taking part in the celebrations with a special-edition collection that will be available from late March. Included in the upcoming collection are a range of printed T-shirts as well as comfy cotton pants, all priced at a very reasonable ¥1,500. More details here.
For more on Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary, visit the website.
More from Time Out Tokyo
The official Japan cherry blossom forecast for 2024 is out now
Tokyo is ranked as one of the world’s ten best cities for 2024
teamLab Borderless sneak peek: 4 new installation rooms with jaw-dropping art
Survey: These are Japan’s most annoying train behaviours
The iconic Tsutaya store at Shibuya Crossing is reopening this April
Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan.