Inspiration from Yoshiki

On April 24th, as Japan was suffering its first peak of novel coronavius infections, Japanese rock superstar Yoshiki appeared on a special edition of the TBS show 中居正広のキンスマスペシャル (Nakai Masahiro no kinyōbi no suma tachi e) to deliver an urgent message of support. Yoshiki had already showed leadership, for example, having donated $100,000 to the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund to help music creators and professionals affected by the novel coronavirus crisis.

Speaking from his home in Los Angeles, the legendary frontman of X-Japan cited the New Testament, saying: "God (...) will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able" (1 Corinthians 10:13, New King James Version). "I've lived my whole life believing those words," he added. "Whenever I encountered (a challenge), I became stronger, so I think everyone will come out stronger when we'll overcome this. There's not much I may be able to do as a musician, but I hope I can help in my own small way."

This is hardly the first time that Yoshiki has been a source of inspiration. As fans of Yoshiki and character goods company Sanrio surely know, he inspired the company to create a new mascot character in his likeness. Born in 2008, yoshikitty became Sanrio's first-ever character based on a living person. Hello Kitty's edgy lookalike has only become more popular around the world in the last 12 years. For example, in Sanrio's most recent 2020 character ranking competition, yoshikitty was the most popular character in France, Germany and Brazil, the second most popular in China, and the 6th most popular worldwide.

Now, with the pandemic still wreaking havoc around the world, inspiration is needed more than ever. That's why Sanrio launched a new series of yoshikitty goods with an uplifting tsubasa (wing) motif and with practical use in the new lifestyle imposed by this current health crisis.

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yoshikitty Tsubasa series

The yoshikitty Tsubasa series features three items: a full-color printed face mask, a mask pouch treated with antibacterial coating to hygienically and safely store and your face mask and take it with you, and a mug cup for you to enjoy your time spent self-isolating at home.

The design features a wing motif along with Yoshiki's inspirational quote from the New Testament: " "God (...) will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able" in Japanese (神は耐えられない試練は人に与えない kami wa taerarenai shiren wa hito ni ataenai)

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Let's take a look at the items in more detail:

yoshikitty face mask (2020 Tsubasa)

These masks are comfortable, made of 100% cotton, and have adjustable ear straps so you can tie them to the length you desire.

• Price: 2,000 JPY
• Medium size: (Pre-order here from 10/1 10:00 JST) Approx. H 13 cm (5.1") x W 20 cm (7.9")
• Large size: (Pre-order here from 10/15 10:00 JST) Approx. H 15 cm (5.9") x W 21 cm (8.3")
• Material: 100 % Cotton
• Country of manufacture: China

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yoshikitty antiviral face mask pouch (2020 Tsubasa)

Store your yoshikitty face mask or any other mask in a safe and hygienic way with this antibacterial and deodorant treated pouch.

Front

Back

Interior

• Price: 1,500 JPY
• Dimensions: Approx. H 13 cm (5.1") x W 20 cm (7.9")
• Materials: antibacterial and deodorant-finished polyester lining, water-repellent polyester surface
• Country of manufacture: China
• Preorder here from 10/1 10:00 JST

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yoshikitty mug cup (2020 Tsubasa)

yoshikitty will join you as you enjoy a hot beverage with these sturdy and colorful mugs.

• Price: 2,200 JPY
• Dimensions: Box H 9.7 cm (3.8") x W 10.5 cm (4.1") x D 8.6 cm (3.4") / Mug: H 9.2 cm (3.6"), Diameter 8 cm (3.1")
• Material: ceramic
• Country of manufacture: China
• Preorder here from 10/1 10:00 JST