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Sanrio and DLE Create 8-Bit Hello Kitty Anime Short

Anime News Network's merchandise coverage sponsored by Tokyo Otaku Mode.

Sanrio and DLE Inc., the animation studio best known for the supervillian show Himitsu Kessha Taka no Tsume Neo, have collaborated to produce the animation series, “Sanrio World Tours." The latest video, which features an 8-bit Hello Kitty, debuted on May 31 ahead of its television premiere.

In the first video, “Hello Kitty Bit Tour,” two new characters, Taburerōna and Sumaikyā, are introduced. Taburerōna, a combination of a tablet and a smartphone wearing a red hat, is highly emotional and works as a tour guide. Sumaikyā, a smartphone in a blue hat, is Taburerōna's much calmer companion. Together, they visit the Sanrio store, staffed by none other than Hello Kitty. As soon as Hello Kitty appears, they are sucked into the 8-bit world, and new 8-bit Hello Kitty merchandise is shown.

The new 8-bit Hello Kitty merchandise goes on sale starting June 8, and will be available in official Sanrio stores, on Sanrio's website, and in some participating department stores in Japan. Goods from the website can only be ordered and shipped within Japan.

Four previous videos, including one about the Character Grand Prix are available on Sanrio's Youtube channel.

Source: Animate Times, Sanrio website, Sanrio Youtube channel