Sanrio Characters Get a Punk Rock Makeover for Exclusive New Halloween Merch Collection
Sanrio’s usually colorful characters are getting a much darker makeover for Halloween 2026, with Hello Kitty, Kuromi and eight other favorites dressed in chains, studs and punk-inspired outfits for an exclusive new prize collection.
The “Happy Kuji Sanrio characters PUNKS Party ~Halloween 2026~” lottery uses black as the main color across an original punk rock theme, with prizes ranging from large plush toys and figures to bandanas, mirrors, pouches and accessories.
Ten Sanrio characters appear throughout the collection, bringing together Hello Kitty, My Melody, Kuromi, Cinnamoroll, Pochacco, Hangyodon, Tuxedosam, Pekkle, Pompompurin and the Little Twin Stars.
Pompompurin arrives during an especially important year for the character, celebrating his 30th anniversary in 2026 after also taking first place in this year’s Sanrio Character Ranking.
The Halloween artwork takes the characters away from their more familiar pastel-heavy appearances, using predominantly black clothing alongside silver chains, studs and other details associated with punk fashion.
Several characters have also been given slightly more mischievous expressions to match the theme, while still retaining the recognizable appearance of their original Sanrio designs.
The largest prize in the regular lottery is the “Special Prize BIG! Hello Kitty Plush,” a 40 cm version of Hello Kitty wearing her complete PUNKS Party outfit.
Kuromi receives an equally large release through the “LAST Prize BIG! Kuromi Plush,” which also stands around 40 cm tall and is awarded to the person who purchases the final remaining ticket at a participating location.
Beyond the two oversized plush toys, the lottery includes another ten prize categories covering figures, smaller plush designs and practical merchandise.
- The “A Prize Figure” range consists of ten figures measuring between around 5.5 cm and 8 cm tall, with one design for each of the characters represented in the collection and individual display bases included.
- The “B Prize Plush Charm” has five designs featuring Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, Tuxedosam, My Melody and Kuromi, recreating their punk outfits as plush accessories that can be attached to a bag.
- The “C Prize Chain Pouch” comes in four versions based on Kuromi, Pompompurin, Pochacco and the Little Twin Stars, with colored chains incorporated into each design.
- The “D Prize Pin Charm” features My Melody, Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, Pochacco and Tuxedosam across five character designs intended for attaching to clothing or bags.
- The “E Prize Bandana” also has five versions, featuring Kuromi, Tuxedosam, Hangyodon, Pompompurin and the Little Twin Stars alongside graphics created for the PUNKS Party theme.
- The “F Prize Stand Mirror” pairs the Halloween artwork with five designs featuring Pekkle, Cinnamoroll, Hangyodon, My Melody and the Little Twin Stars.
- The “G Prize Rubber Coin Case” consists of five compact designs based on Pekkle, Cinnamoroll, Hello Kitty, Hangyodon and Pochacco.
- The “H Prize Can Badge Set” pairs the characters across five combinations: Kuromi and My Melody, Cinnamoroll and the Little Twin Stars, Hello Kitty and Pompompurin, Hangyodon and Tuxedosam, and Pochacco and Pekkle.
- The “I Prize Acrylic Keychain” returns to the complete ten-character lineup, giving every character featured in the Halloween collection their own individual design.
- The “J Prize Sticker Set with Mini File” uses the same five character pairings as the badge collection, combining themed stickers with a small matching file.
Happy Kuji works differently from conventional merchandise sales, with each ticket guaranteeing one prize from the remaining selection while the LAST Prize provides an additional incentive for whoever buys the final ticket available at a particular store.
That structure means the two 40 cm plush toys are obtained in very different ways, with Hello Kitty appearing as the collection’s highest regular prize while Kuromi is reserved exclusively for the final draw.
The “Happy Kuji Sanrio characters PUNKS Party ~Halloween 2026~” will begin rolling out across Japan from September 18, 2026, with tickets priced at ¥880 each (approx. $5 USD / £4 GBP).
Participating locations include Lawson, FamilyMart, Lawson Store 100, bookstores and hobby shops, with availability varying by individual store and prizes remaining available while stocks last.
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