Cute and creepy icons meet to create an incredibly cute collaboration
When it comes to modern horror manga, Junji Ito is known for his blend of body horror, psychological horror, and traditional Japanese horror. On top of that, he incorporates an element of cuteness into some of his character designs – as the Japanese would say, kimokawaii (a Japanese compound word meaning creepy and cute). What better way to celebrate the kimokawaii in Ito’s work than to combine it with the sugary cuteness of Sanrio characters.
Image via x.com
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YTE's X (formerly Twitter) account announced the collaboration between Ito and Sanrio on July 8. The anime merchandise company revealed that the collaboration items will be available for a limited time at a store in Tokyo's Shibuya department stores and Osaka's Shinsaibashi Parco.
Is anyone there?観を生み出します。さらに!今回のコラボグッズを販売する期間限定ショップが渋谷・心斎橋に登場! pic.twitter.com/2umBHXSO8K
— YTE[公式]旧あそびファクトリー) (@AsobiFactory) July 8, 2024
A unique collaboration between the world of Junji Ito and Sanrio characters has been realized! Characters created by Junji Ito, the horror manga genius, and Sanrio characters will magically collaborate to create a new world view never seen before. Furthermore, a limited-time shop selling this collaboration product will open in Shibuya and Shinsaibashi!
The official collaboration website has revealed some of the items that will be available in stores. The selection is divided into three sections: Tomie and Hello Kitty, Pretty Boy at the Crossroads with Sanrio characters, and Ito's characters dressed up as Sanrio characters. Available items include acrylic stands, transparent file folders, cork coasters, key chains, T-shirts, stickers, and more, and they range in price from 440 yen to 22,000 yen (about $2.70 to $136).
The Junji Ito x Sanrio collaboration store in Shinjuku will be operating from August 23 to September 9 at the temporary space on the 5th floor of Shinjuku Parco. The Shinsaibashi location will be operating from September 27 to October 14 at the temporary space B1 of Shinsaibashi Parco.
Source: YTE X/Twitter account, YTE, Natalie