In anticipation of this major milestone on November 1, 2024, the coming year will be filled with ways to celebrate in both the digital and physical worlds, including an AR app, short animations on TikTok, monthly promotions in My Hello Kitty Cafe on Roblox, and a presence in the digital world of Zepeto.
Sanrio, the global lifestyle brand renowned for its beloved characters, is launching an epic celebration for the upcoming 50th anniversary of the iconic Hello Kitty. In anticipation of this major milestone on November 1, 2024, the coming year will be filled with ways to celebrate in both the digital and physical worlds and will be highlighted with many surprises along the way.
Hello Kitty wants to promote friendship to everyone in the world – including in the digital space. In anticipation of her 50th anniversary, Hello Kitty will release several digital promotions, reaching both existing fans and new generations to continue discovering Hello Kitty online.
Global DJ and avid Hello Kitty fan Steve Aoki comments, "Ever since I was a kid, I've had a deep love for everything Hello Kitty. Her influence on culture, fashion, art, and design is unmistakable. Witnessing her digital evolution has been amazing, and I can't wait to see what she'll do next! I'm confident that she will keep spreading happiness to millions worldwide. And I'm proud that there is an official Steve Aoki x Hello Kitty collaboration that we got to share with all the fans called 'Hello Aoki.' Happy 50th, Hello Kitty!"
Sanrio will introduce new digital tools including an augmented reality (AR) app, short animations on TikTok, monthly promotions in My Hello Kitty Cafe on Roblox, and a presence in the digital world of Zepeto. Here's what fans can expect:
AR App: Fans can interact with Hello Kitty as she dances beside five iconic global landmarks: toward SHIBUYA109 in Tokyo; Big Ben in London; the Eiffel Tower in Paris; TAIPEI 101 in Taiwan; and the Empire State Building in New York. The app will also function as a TikTok effect, enabling fans to create and share their own Hello Kitty-themed videos.
TikTok: To celebrate Hello Kitty's 50th anniversary, a dedicated Hello Kitty animation account, "This is Hello Kitty" (@this_is_hellokitty_), has been launched on TikTok, and up to four short animations of Hello Kitty will be posted every month.
Roblox Integration: Starting in November, players can explore a photo booth for taking Y2K feel photos, enjoy a mini-game with emotes and costume rewards, and purchase avatars, costumes, and emotes in the My Hello Kitty Cafe on Roblox. Starting in December, fans can experience a museum-themed mini-game and virtual exhibition, as well as participate in a thrilling "Find Hello Kitty" challenge. In 2024, fans will be able to dance the night away at a digital dance floor.
Zepeto Avatar: The popular platform renowned for its customizable 3D avatars and social networking is now home to a dedicated Hello Kitty environment with themed landscapes, games, boutiques, photo zones, and a dance space. Zepeto will also introduce new features, offering users five exciting elements to explore: a Boutique Game where they can channel their inner fashion designer with Hello Kitty motifs, contests, and prizes; a Photo Zone with a hidden Hello Kitty; a Dance Zone for dancing alongside Hello Kitty and participating in dance challenges; Athletic Games; and Item Shops brimming with Hello Kitty-themed outfits. Items will be available starting from November 1, while the Hello Kitty-themed worlds are planned to be launched from mid-November and onwards.
Additionally, the Japan Society of Northern California (JSNC), known for its commitment to promoting understanding and friendship between the U.S. and Japan, has presented Hello Kitty with the Cultural Ambassador Award, recognizing her as an international symbol of peace and friendship.
For her 50th anniversary, Hello Kitty will usher in a new age of friendship, and with it, new opportunities to spread kindness with impactful programming and partnerships that will make every day just a little bit better. To stay in the loop on all of the anniversary fun, follow @hellokitty on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Pinterest and check out the Hello Kitty and Friends YouTube Channel.
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