Hello Kitty and friends enjoy traditional Japanese sweets in new exclusive merch line

Sanrio GiGO

Sanrio and GiGO are set to launch a new range of adorable items based around the theme of traditional Japanese sweets and tea.

The new “Sanrio Characters Wagashi Teatime” goods will be released as crane game prizes and features popular Sanrio characters adorned in traditional Japanese attire enjoying wagashi (Japanese traditional sweets) and tea.

Wagashi
Wagashi are traditional Japanese confectionary that are paired with matcha

In Japan, crane games, often known as UFO catchers, are a hugely popular form of entertainment found in arcades like those operated by GiGO, with games offering exclusive merchandise that can only be obtained as prizes.

crane machine

Sanrio frequently collaborates with arcade operators to release themed prize collections, with recent examples being picnic themed figures of Pompompurin and Cinnamoroll and the “Sanrio Characters Magical Ribbon” series featuring fan-favorite characters dressed in magical sailor costumes.

NM CP jun 1824x1026
The picnic themed “Nakayoshi Memories” collection was recently released by Bandai as crane game prizes

The “Sanrio Characters Wagashi Teatime” series will be released by GiGO in two phases, with the first wave beginning on July 12th, 2025, and the second wave following from July 26th, 2025.

Sanrio Wagashi Tea Time

Let’s take a closer look at the prizes included in each wave!

First wave

The first wave of prizes will be available to win from July 12th until stocks last.

  • BIG Plush (3 types)
Sanrio Wagashi Tea Time 3
  • Character Mascots (6 types)
Sanrio Wagashi Tea Time 4
  • Purse Pouches (6 types)
Sanrio Wagashi Tea Time 5
  • Mini Can Badges (12 types)
Sanrio Wagashi Tea Time 6

Second wave

The second wave of prizes will be available to win from July 26th until stocks last.

  • BIG Plush 2 (3 types)
Sanrio Wagashi Tea Time 7
  • Wagashi Mascots (6 types)
Sanrio Wagashi Tea Time 8
  • Japanese Tableware Sets (2 types)
Sanrio Wagashi Tea Time 9

Adding to the excitement, a special prize campaign will be running alongside the larger prizes, offering an original sticker for every 500 yen spent on eligible crane games within the GiGO group.

Sanrio Wagashi Tea Time 10

Fans eager to collect the “Sanrio Characters Wagashi Teatime” collection and add a touch of traditional Japanese culture to their collections can visit GiGO arcades starting in mid-July.

They will be available exclusively at participating GiGO group stores and GiGO ONLINE CRANE.

This post may contain affiliate links, and Essential Japan may earn a commission if you purchase through them.

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