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Sanrio and Funimation Join Forces for New My Hero Academia x Hello Kitty and Friends Product Collection

Two mega-Japanese brands debut new mash-up artwork and merchandise for Spring

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (FEBRUARY 20, 2020) – Sanrio, the global lifestyle brand, and Funimation, the leading global anime content provider and a subsidiary of Sony Pictures Television (SPT), have announced their new product collection featuring a mash-up between pop icon Hello Kitty and characters from the award-winning anime, My Hero Academia. Funimation is releasing My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising as a limited theatrical engagement in both Japanese (English subtitles) and English dub on February 26.

Hello Kitty joins the ultimate class of heroes from My Hero Academia to create a special collection of apparel, accessories, and collectibles. From t-shirts, backpacks and hats to figures, plush and pins, the My Hero Academia x Hello Kitty & Friends designs feature some of Sanrio's most popular characters, including Hello Kitty, Pochacco, and Badtz-Maru dressed as My Hero Academia's standout favorites like All Might, Izuku Midoriya, and Katsuki Bakugo. Bioworld, FiGPiN, Funko, Just Toys International and Great Eastern Entertainment have licensed the character collaboration to bring exciting products to market.

“It's an honor to bring together two Japan-born brands that have inspired fans and audiences worldwide,” said Jill Koch, Sr. Vice President of Sales and Business Development at Sanrio, Inc. “Our collaboration with Funimation is sure to be a hit with both fanbases as we transform our beloved characters into My Hero Academia superheroes.”

“The enduring appeal of My Hero Academia is that everyone has the ability to be a true hero within themselves,” said Anna Songco Adamian, Vice President of Licensing and Merchandise, Funimation. “Funimation is proud to team up with Sanrio to bring the inner heroes of its iconic characters into the world in a collaboration we know fans will love.”

The My Hero Academia x Hello Kitty & Friends merchandise will be available starting in March at Hot Topic, BoxLunch, and select specialty retailers. Additional items will debut later this Spring.

The new character collection is part of a larger crossover collaboration between Funimation and Sanrio. Last year they unveiled the My Hero Academia x Hello Kitty and Friends collaboration featuring My Hero Academia characters paired alongside Hello Kitty and her friends. The line is currently available at Hot Topic and BoxLunch stores.

About Sanrio®
Sanrio is the global lifestyle brand best known for pop icon Hello Kitty®, and home to many Cother beloved character brands including Chococat™, My Melody™, Badtz-Maru™, Keroppi™, Gudetama™ and Aggretsuko™. Sanrio was founded on the 'small gift, big smile®' philosophy – that a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages. Since 1960, this philosophy has served as the inspiration to offer quality products, services and activities that inspire unique consumer experiences across the world. Today, Sanrio's legendary breadth of products are available in over 130 countries and in retail locations including department, specialty, national chain retailers and Sanrio boutique stores. To learn more about Sanrio, please visit www.Sanrio.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About Funimation
Funimation, a subsidiary of Sony Pictures Television, is the go-to destination for extraordinary anime. By combining its integrated in-house studios along with its technology and distribution partnerships, Funimation leads the industry with its omnichannel approach to offering anime to fans – from streaming and home entertainment, to theatrical distribution and broadcast television. The company's next-generation streaming service provides subscribers with instant access to their favorite sub and dub shows in ad-free HD on the widest array of devices and platforms—from smartphones and tablets to TVs and gaming consoles. For more information about Funimation, visit funimation.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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