Hello Kitty and Friends Star in New GRWM Gashapon Series
Bandai has released a charming new collection of capsule toys featuring the beloved mascots of the Sanrio franchise.
The “Sanrio Characters GRWM Mascot Charm” series offers a unique glimpse into the morning routines of these famous pop culture icons.
Sanrio is a Japanese company known globally for its “kawaii” (cute) character goods, having created hundreds of characters since its founding in the 1960s.
The “GRWM” or “Get Ready With Me” acronym refers to a popular genre of video content found on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
In these videos, creators film themselves preparing for their day, often applying makeup or skincare routines while chatting with their audience.
This new capsule toy line captures that intimate and relatable moment by depicting the characters in the middle of their skincare regimen.
Each mascot is sculpted wearing a facial sheet mask, a common step in beauty routines, adding a humorous and realistic touch to their design.
The figures are designed as mascot charms, standing approximately 3.5cm in height.
They come attached with a ball chain, making them easy to fasten onto bags, pouches, or keys as a fashionable accessory.
The lineup consists of five different variations, featuring some of the most popular faces from the company’s extensive roster.
Let’s take a look at the full collection!
- Hello Kitty
She is the face of the brand and arguably the most recognizable character in the world.
- My Melody
This sweet rabbit is often depicted with a pink hood and remains a staple of the franchise.
- Kuromi
As My Melody’s rival, this punk-inspired character has seen a massive surge in popularity among younger demographics in recent years.
- Pompompurin
The laid-back Golden Retriever with a brown beret remains a consistent fan favorite in the annual Sanrio Character Ranking.
- Usahana
The inclusion of this colorful bunny, who debuted in the early 2000s, offers a delightful surprise for nostalgic fans who grew up during that era.
These items are sold in Gashapon vending machines, which are ubiquitous in Japan and dispense random toys in plastic capsules.
The price is set at a very accessible 300 yen (approx. $2 USD / £1.50 GBP) per pull.
Sales are scheduled to begin sequentially across Japan starting from the third week of February 2026.
Collectors will be able find these machines at various locations nationwide, including toy stores and shopping centers.
An international release may follow, as Bandai now releases a large number of Gashapon items through their retail channels and stores in the United States, UK and Europe.
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