When Hello Kitty met Junji Ito last year, fans of cute mascots and horror manga alike were stunned and totally obsessed. The unexpected mashup turned the sweet Sanrio lineup into nightmare-fuel versions of themselves, and somehow, it worked. Each acrylic figure combined Ito’s signature unsettling aesthetic with the familiar, soft features of Hello Kitty and friends. The limited-edition items became an instant hit, especially at pop-up shops where gachapon (capsule toy) collectors scrambled to grab them all.

Now, the twistedly adorable collaboration is officially making a comeback, according to @sanrio_oshitauku on X. Sanrio has confirmed that the Junji Ito Sanrio Characters Effect!! acrylic stand gachapon will return in September 2025, and fans could not be more thrilled. With six all-new designs priced at just around $3 USD or 400 yen each, these capsule toys are set to haunt shelves and hearts, once again. Whether fans are longtime Junji Ito readers or just here for the aesthetic chaos, this drop promises to be both collectible and unforgettable.

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The genius of this collab lies in its design contradiction of cuddly Sanrio mascots reimagined through Ito’s masterful lens of dread. Think Hello Kitty with a shadowy grin straight out of Uzumaki or My Melody caught in a surreal, spine-chilling scene. Instead of clashing, the two worlds amplify each other. The result is an eerie charm that defies logic but delivers. These are not just novelty items, they are miniature art pieces that blend innocence and horror in a way that feels oddly beautiful.

Each stand does not just depict a character dressed up in horror aesthetics, it also shows Junji Ito's characters in kawaii fashion. Fans are speculating that the figures will feature callbacks to some of Ito’s most iconic works. Whether fans are into the macabre or just love strange crossovers, this line is surprisingly perfect in all the creepy and adorable ways that fans of Hello Kitty and Junji Ito will love.

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Part of the thrill comes from the format itself: these figures are gachapon exclusives, meaning they are randomized and dispensed from vending machines. At around $3 USD or 400 yen a spin, collectors will likely be eager (and a little desperate) to complete all six designs. Fortunately, full sets will also be available online via Rakuten Ichiba, which is perfect for fans who want to skip the guesswork. The scarcity and surprise element make each piece feel special, adding to the overall excitement.

The return of the Junji Ito x Sanrio collaboration is more than just a merch drop, it is a celebration of two iconic forces in Japanese pop culture uniting once again. With a new release date set for September, fans worldwide are bracing for another round of joyful terror. Whether fans are looking to display them on their shelf or gift one to a horror-loving friend, these Hello Kitty acrylic stands prove that even the cutest characters can have a delightfully dark side.