On March 6, 2026, Lawson (a major Japanese convenience store chain) and other retailers across Japan will begin selling a special “Taito Kuji” collaboration between the Japan National Baseball Team, known as “Samurai Japan,” and the globally popular “Sanrio Characters.” This “Kuji” (lottery) is a classic form of Japanese entertainment where there are no “losing” tickets—every purchase guarantees one of the limited-edition prizes. Each draw costs 880 yen (approx. $5.87), and the character goods featuring the team uniform are exclusive items that can only be obtained through this lottery.
This collaboration features original illustrations of Sanrio characters wearing the official Samurai Japan uniforms. It is a must-see for fans, blending the passion of sports with the adorable charm of these iconic characters.
A-Prize: Pompompurin’s Dynamic Head-Sliding Hug Pillow
The most anticipated item in the lineup is the A-Prize: the “Head-Sliding Hug Pillow: Pompompurin.” Measuring approximately 42cm (about 16.5 inches), it is a large, huggable size.
The pillow recreates the intense “head-sliding” move—where a player dives hands-first into a base—using Pompompurin’s signature round form. While he sports a serious game-face, the sight of a baseball cap layered over his familiar beret is incredibly charming. It is a unique item that fuses Japanese baseball culture with the comforting world of Sanrio.
B-Prize: Clear Tote Bag for Game Days and Daily Use
The B-Prize is a “Clear Tote Bag” made from trendy transparent material. At approximately 35cm (about 13.8 inches), it is a highly practical size.
The front of the bag features the Samurai Japan logo and the Sanrio characters. It’s perfect for carrying cheering gear to Japanese baseball stadiums, or for daily shopping and “showing off” your favorite items inside. You can even customize it by placing your favorite plushies or towels inside to create your own unique design.
C & D Prizes: Mascot Plushies with Carabiners – Players and Cheer Squad
This lottery offers small plush mascots with carabiners that can be attached to bags, available in two distinct styles.
C-Prize: “Player Ver.” Mascots (5 types)
The C-Prize features the “Player Ver.” mascots, depicting the characters in action on the field. They measure about 8–10cm (3.1–3.9 inches). Whether they are at bat or wearing a glove, these mascots capture the dynamic energy of a baseball game.
D-Prize: “Cheering Ver.” Mascots (5 types)
The D-Prize features the “Cheering Ver.” mascots, designed to inspire the team. These also measure about 8–10cm (3.1–3.9 inches). Characters are posed adorably with megaphones and other cheering goods to send their support to the players. Collecting these alongside the C-Prize allows you to recreate the lively atmosphere of a baseball stadium.
E to G Prizes: Highly Collectible Limited Edition Items
The lower-tier prizes also feature plenty of Sanrio characters in their Samurai Japan gear.
E-Prize: Practical Hand Towels (10 types)
The E-Prize consists of hand towels measuring approximately 25cm (9.8 inches). With 10 different variations, these towels vividly depict the characters in their baseball uniforms. Made of cotton with high absorbency, they are useful items for everyday life.
F-Prize: Beautiful Acrylic Keychains (10 types)
The F-Prize features acrylic keychains ranging from 5.5cm to 7cm (2.2–2.8 inches). They are the perfect size for attaching to bags or keys, with a transparent finish that makes the uniformed characters stand out. Try to find your favorite character among the 10 different designs.
G-Prize: Instagrammable Clear Card Sets (10 types)
The G-Prize is a set of clear cards measuring about 8.6cm (3.4 inches). These are staple items in Japanese “Oshikatsu” (fan activities/supporting one’s favorite characters). They are perfect for taking photos with scenery visible through the card or for carrying inside a smartphone case.
Last Happy Prize: Cinnamoroll Cushion with Mascot
The “Last Happy Prize” is a special reward given to the person who purchases the very last lottery ticket at each store. This time, it features the popular Sanrio character, Cinnamoroll.
The “Cushion with Mascot: Cinnamoroll” is a voluminous 38cm (15.0-inch) cushion accompanied by a small Cinnamoroll mascot. Beyond its functionality as a cushion, it serves as a cute piece of interior decor to brighten up any room.
Get Your Samurai Japan x Sanrio Gear at Lawson in Japan!
You can check the official website for product availability and participating stores. However, as a matter of Japanese etiquette, please refrain from calling stores directly for inquiries.
Check here for stores carrying Samurai Japan x Sanrio Characters .
*Clicking the button will take you to the Taito Kuji Samurai Japan x Sanrio Characters store search page.
On the release day, baseball and Sanrio fans across Japan are expected to flock to Lawson. Be sure to check your local store early on March 6, 2026, to grab these special collaboration items!
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