Summary
Junji Ito, known as the “Stephen King of anime,” is teaming up with Hello Kitty in a unique partnership. The collaboration includes a pop-up store at Parco locations in Japan, featuring pastel-themed, family-friendly merchandise. The collaboration marks Hello Kitty’s ongoing trend of collaborating with various brands and artists, while also showcasing Ito’s love for the cat.
Hello KittyEveryone's favorite Sanrio character couldn't be more terrifying in her new collaboration with the “Stephen King of anime,” This is Junji. Manga artist Junji Ito is considered one of the best horror creators in the history of anime. However, many fans consider him to be one of the most talented horror creators outside of anime as well. Some of his most notable projects include Tomie, Uzumaki, and Gyo, all of which feature elements of nauseating body horror.
Junji Ito's work has also been recognized by Western horror legends. In 2015, Guillermo del Toro announced on his official Twitter account (now X) that he would be collaborating with Ito on his upcoming horror game, Silent Hill, developed by Kojima Productions. However, the game's IP owner, Konami Group Corporation, soon canceled the project.
The sweeter side of Junji Ito's latest collaboration involves Japan's cutest kitten: Hello Kitty. Created by Yuko Shimizu in 1974, the first Hello Kitty-branded product was a coin purse aimed at teenagers. Since then, however, Hello Kitty has grown into a global icon, spawning numerous animated series and three animated films released in Japan. Now, in 2024, The red bow cat returns to team up with a most unexpected partner.
What to Expect from the Junji Ito x Hello Kitty Collaboration
Department store Parco brings the most unexpected yet anticipated collaboration of the year
A Junji Ito x Hello Kitty pop-up store will be available exclusively at Parco locations for a limited time from August 23 to September 9 in Tokyo and from September 27 to October 14 in Osaka, Japan. While the content of Ito's series is gruesome, the merchandise at the pop-up stores is bright, pastel-themed, and family-friendly. Additionally, Ito's three characters will be featured on hologram stickers, keychains, coasters, tote bags, and T-shirts. However, Tomie (from the manga of the same name) is featured in the official visual for this collaborative project.
In addition to Tomie, who plays the main character Hello Kitty, two other Ito characters appear in this collaboration. Pretty Intersection Boy, the main villain of Lovesickness Dead, appears in black with Lloromannic Berry and white with Cinnamonroll. For fans who want to start shopping early, all the items that will be sold at the pop-up stores can be viewed on YTE's official website.
The inspiration behind Junji Ito's unlikely collaboration with Sanrio's adorable red bow tie cat
There is a long history of collaboration behind the Sanrio and Junji Ito franchises.
Hello Kitty isn't the first fun animated series to feature Junji Ito. Back in 2021, Ito expressed his love for Pokémon in an iconic piece of original art depicting Banette in the creepiest possible way. This crossover was released as part of the horror-inspired “Kowapoke” event in 2014.
In addition to Pokémon, Junji Ito has also collaborated with alternative clothing brand Drop Dead Clothing, in an impressive lineup. Likewise, Hello Kitty's list of collaborations over the years is quite long, including major brands like Converse, Balenciaga, and Adidas. Considering Junji Ito's love for cats, as seen in his autobiographical manga, Junji Ito's Cat Diary: Yon & Mu, It makes sense that he and Hello Kitty would get this weird and wonderful collaboration in a new pop-up store.
Junji Ito's latest collaboration comes at the perfect time as his popular manga, the anime adaptation of Uzumaki, is finally getting a release. According to an interview with Ito, the anime will premiere in late 2024, after initially announcing it in August 2019. But, until then, This is Junji Fans can enjoy Sanrio's Hello Kitty, creepier than ever in this wonderfully weird collaboration.