Harajuku is Japan’s premier hub for pop culture. Now, a special collaboration has been realized between “Marion Crepes,” a long-standing crepe shop that symbolizes Harajuku, and Sanrio’s world-famous character, “Hello Kitty.” Starting April 30, 2026, a brand book featuring a luxurious plush charm will be released sequentially at “Lawson” convenience stores (Konbini) across Japan and on HMV&BOOKS online.
The featured collaboration item is a Hello Kitty plush charm wrapped in Marion Crepes’ iconic “red gingham check wrapping paper.” This design is a must-see for fans, blending the crepes that represent Japanese street food culture with Kitty-chan, the icon of “Kawaii” culture.
A Deluxe Lineup of 3 Varieties Representing Japan’s Crepe Culture
This collaboration features three variations inspired by actual popular menu items at Marion Crepes. Pay close attention to the different designs for Kitty-chan.
1. Classic Cuteness! “Strawberry Special” Model
This is the most basic model, inspired by the “Strawberry Special,” a menu item that boasts unwavering popularity at Marion Crepes.
- Design Features: A ribbon with a bright red strawberry motif is placed near Kitty-chan’s ear.
- Color: The classic color scheme features red strawberries standing out against a white body, very characteristic of Hello Kitty.
2. Rare Tanned Kitty! “Strawberry Chocolate Chocolat” Model
This model is inspired by the “Strawberry Chocolate Chocolat,” which uses a generous amount of chocolate.
- Design Features: It features the rare “tanned Hello Kitty” look that occasionally appears in Japan.
- Color: To match the chocolate-heavy crepe, it creates a chic yet pop atmosphere.
3. Trendy and Refreshing! “Chocolate Mint Cookie” Model
This model is based on Chocolate Mint, a flavor that has seen a surge in fans in Japan recently (often called “Choco-mint-to” enthusiasts).
- Design Features: A refreshing mint-colored ribbon and brown cookie parts serve as accents.
- Color: The contrast between the blue-green unique to chocolate mint and the brown gives a mature, cute, and calm impression.
High Fidelity Like a Real Crepe
These plush charms are filled with Japanese craftsmanship in every detail, boasting a level of completion that goes beyond mere character goods.
Faithful Reproduction of the Traditional Wrapping Paper
The red gingham check wrapping paper, loved in the streets of Harajuku since the shop’s founding in 1976, has been beautifully recreated as a fabric charm. You can carry around the excitement of holding a real crepe anytime.
Convenient Size and Specifications for Carrying
- Size: Approx. 14.5cm (5.7 in) Height × 9cm (3.5 in) Width × 4.5cm (1.8 in) Thickness
- Specifications: Includes a detachable ball chain
The size is perfect for Japan’s bag charm culture, providing a strong presence when attached to a bag. The soft and pleasant-to-the-touch fabric will provide a bit of daily comfort.
Discover the 50-Year History of Marion Crepes
2026 marks the 50th anniversary of Marion Crepes, the pioneer of the crepe boom in Japan. The included booklet (brand book) provides a detailed introduction to its half-century journey.
The content is particularly valuable for learning about the behind-the-scenes of a shop that has evolved alongside Harajuku’s fashion history, including an introduction to successive uniforms that have changed with the times.
Release Information and How to Purchase in Japan
This “MARION CREPES × HELLO KITTY Plush Charm BOOK” will be sold at limited stores within Japan.
- Release Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026
- Price in Japan: 3,498 yen each (approx. $23.00 USD, including tax)
- Where to Buy: Lawson stores nationwide across Japan, and the online shop “HMV&BOOKS online”
For those planning to visit Japan or fans of Japanese pop culture, this special 50th-anniversary Hello Kitty is not to be missed. Pick your favorite flavor and get your hands on a piece of Japanese “Kawaii.”
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