Kuromi, the popular gloomy cutie from the Sanrio stable of characters, is celebrating her Halloween birthday in style this month with special promotions all month long. The festivities will kick off with the annual #KuromifyTheWorldWeek promotion, unveiling new Kuromi content across YouTube, social media and in the digital gaming space. Sanrio will also be launching new collectibles and fashion pieces, hosting fan giveaways, and more. Kuromi was ranked the third most popular character in the annual global Sanrio Character Ranking Awards in 2023.
“We can’t wait for fans to experience the world through the eyes of Kuromi all month long as we celebrate this mischievous and cheeky but charming character around the globe,” said Jill Koch, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Brand Management & Creative at Sanrio, Inc. “Kuromi encourages everyone to ‘dream without fear’ and be the best version of themselves, and our goal is to spread her message far and wide. With so many fun surprises in store across all sectors of our brand, Kuromies will be in for a sweet treat!”
There will be all-new YouTube content featuring Kuromi launching weekly throughout October on the Hello Kitty and Friends YouTube channel. Content includes a multi-part Halloween themed episode of Hello Kitty and Friends Supercute Adventures. Fans can also enjoy four new Halloween-inspired live-action recipe videos and spooky crafts and watch the finale of Kuromi’s Pretty Journey on her birthday, October 31.
My Hello Kitty Cafe on Roblox will celebrate Kuromi with new updates, including a Kuromi mini game stemming from the popularity of the first one, Kuromi themed decor, outfits, events and much more.
Hello Kitty Island Adventure, the newly released narrative-driven life simulation game on Apple Arcade, is also celebrating Kuromi’s special month with fun and frights during “Kuromi’s Spooky Celebration” — bringing much-requested player-owned cabins, new mysteries to uncover in the haunted mansion, new outfits, furniture and more to the island.
Kuromi’s sidekick Baku arrives as a new permanent visitor to the island; players can attract him with an especially spooky cabin. Now through November 6, players can trick-or-treat with Sanrio characters and get seasonal treats, which they can trade for exclusive furniture at the Spooky Event Stand and grab some limited-time outfits from the daily reward calendar.
Sanrio will also introduce an array of Kuromi merch throughout the month. Specialty retailer Hot Topic will unveil its highly anticipated My Melody x Kuromi Lolita-inspired collection in select stores and online. The exclusive line consists of fashion apparel, handbags, accessories, beauty, Funko Pop! vinyl figures and more. There will also be a special Kuromi meet and greet on Friday the 13th at the Irvine Spectrum location from 2-5 p.m. (More info at hottopic.com and @hottopic.)
Additionally, in collaboration with MetaZoo Games LLC, the brand is launching the Kuromi’s Cryptid Carnival introductory trading card gaming set at New York Comic Con. Fans of the brand can also check out the all-new Kuromi and Baku plushies available at Build-A-Bear.
Sanrio’s online shop at sanrio.com will feature Kuromi-focused Japan Originals collections including the Mystic Mansion line available on October 6 and the Fancy Ribbons collection on October 13 that feature plush, accessories and more.
The Hello Kitty Cafe Las Vegas locations (The Park MGM and Fashion Show) will be launching limited-time-only Kuromi surprises the second week of October and will be available until her birthday on October 31. Fans can enjoy all-new treats including the Kuromi Ube Tres Leches Cup and a Kuromi-shaped chocolate sugar cookie. There will also be a special Kuromi treat bag in time for Halloween.
Across Sanrio’s social platforms, there will be an array of social media activations throughout October, including special giveaways every Tuesday on Sanrio’s Instagram channel, where fans can win exclusive items including customized signed Kuromi art from Kuromi’s Tokyo-based designer. To be updated on all the fun, follow @sanrio on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Pinterest; follow @hellokitty on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Pinterest and subscribe to the Hello Kitty and Friends YouTube Channel.
