2 Years Later, Hello Kitty x Junji Ito Is Officially Back With Twisted New Collaboration

For most brands, pairing a cute mascot with a horror icon would seem impossible. Yet Sanrio and legendary manga creator Junji Ito have once again proven that opposites can attract. Two years after their previous collaboration captured the attention of anime, manga, and collectible fans alike, Hello Kitty is returning to Junji Ito’s unsettling world with a brand-new release that may be the strangest crossover of the summer.

The latest addition to the partnership was unveiled at Good Smile Fest 2026, according to Essential Japan, where collectors got their first look at a new figure inspired by Tomie, one of Ito’s most famous creations. The reveal immediately generated excitement online, as it combines the elegance and terror of Tomie Kawakami with some of Hello Kitty’s most recognizable fashion elements. It is a collaboration that somehow feels both adorable and deeply unsettling at the same time.

Tomie Gets a Fashionable Hello Kitty Transformation

The centerpiece of the new collaboration is a highly detailed figure based on the “Gyaru Tomie x Hello Kitty” artwork that has appeared in previous Sanrio and Junji Ito merchandise collections. Rather than featuring Hello Kitty as a separate character, the design transforms Tomie herself into a walking tribute to Sanrio’s mascot through a variety of accessories and fashion details.

The painted prototype showcases Tomie kneeling in gyaru-inspired attire while carrying numerous Hello Kitty-themed items. Fans can spot the character’s iconic red bow incorporated throughout the design, appearing in Tomie’s hair, on her socks, and even decorating her bag. Additional Hello Kitty charms hang from her accessories, while stickers and decorative elements further connect the horror icon to Sanrio’s beloved mascot.

One of the figure’s most striking artistic choices is its color palette. Like several previous Junji Ito collectibles from Good Smile Company, the statue uses a mostly grayscale appearance. This monochromatic look makes the bright red Hello Kitty bows stand out dramatically, creating a visual contrast that perfectly captures the collision between cute and creepy that has defined the collaboration from the beginning.

A Perfect Match Between Horror and Cuteness

Tomie is still one of Junji Ito’s most recognizable creations nearly four decades after her debut. Originally serialized between 1987 and 2000, the horror manga follows the mysterious Tomie Kawakami, whose supernatural beauty drives people toward obsession, violence, and madness. The character has since become one of the most enduring figures in horror manga history.

That legacy makes Tomie an ideal counterpart for Hello Kitty. While Hello Kitty represents friendliness, fashion, and universal appeal, Tomie twists the concept of beauty into something dangerous and disturbing. The contrast creates a fascinating dynamic that has helped the crossover stand out from Sanrio’s many other collaborations and seasonal releases.

Although Good Smile Company has not announced a release date yet, the figure has already reached the painted prototype stage of development. Historically, that means pre-orders are often not far behind. Collectors are now watching closely for official reservation details, especially after the figure’s debut at the Tokyo leg of Good Smile Fest 2026 on June 7 and 8. With another event scheduled in Osaka for August 22 and 23, fans may not have to wait much longer to learn when this uniquely twisted Hello Kitty x Junji Ito collectible will finally arrive.

TV Show(s)

Hello Kitty’s Furry Tale Theater (1987), Hello Kitty and Friends (1989), Hello Kitty’s Paradise (1999), Growing Up With Hello Kitty (2001), Hello Kitty’s Animation Theater (2001), Hello Kitty’s Stump Village (2005), Hello Kitty: Ringo no Mori (2006), The Adventures of Hello Kitty & Friends (2008), The World of Hello Kitty (2016), Hello Kitty & Friends – Let’s Learn Together (2017), Hello Kitty Channel (2018), Gundam vs Hello Kitty, Hello Kitty Fun (2019), Hello Kitty and Friends Supercute Adventures (2020), Hello Kitty: Super Style! (2022)

First Film

Hello Kitty: Cinderella (1989)

First TV Show

Hello Kitty’s Furry Tale Theater (1987)

Cast

Megumi Hayashibara, Karen Bernstein, Tara Strong, Sam Vincent, Elizabeth Daily, Cree Summer, Ian James Corlett, Lisa Wilhoit

Created by

Yuko Shimizu