Google has just added four Sanrio characters as well as a list of other Japanese pop culture characters from the 1950s to the 1980s to their smartphone augmented reality (AR) function.

The additions come about as a way for fans to make memories with their favourite characters despite the current restrictions on international travel.

Simply type in the names of ‘Hello Kitty’, ‘Pompompurin’, ‘Kiki & Lala’ or ‘Cogimyun’ into the Google search bar on your smartphone and click the ‘View in 3D’ option to see your favourite Sanrio characters appear in your space via AR.

Whilst viewing the characters in AR you will also be able to listen to messages from Hello Kitty, Pompom Purin and Cogimyun. Although the messages from Pompompurin and Cogimyun are available in Japanese only, Hello Kitty has something to say in English too!
Kiki & Lala don’t offer up any messages, but you can enjoy their theme song whilst viewing the characters through AR.

In addition to the Sanrio characters, Google has also added the following other popular Japanese pop culture characters to their AR function;

• Ultraman
• Ultraman Zero
• Ultraman Belial
• Gomora
• Evangelion
• 3 different versions of Gundam
• Taiko no Tatsujin drums
• Pac-Man

When viewing in AR, you can choose to view the characters as miniature mascots, or you can render them to their life sized scale. Tapping will either prompt sound effects or take the viewer to a youtube channel for the character.

The option to view the characters in AR is available on most up to date smartphones, with the function available on ARCore-enabled Android devices, and on iOS 11.0+ Apple devices.

<25thpompompuringoogle.jpg>PR Times

AR Pompompurin 25th anniversary photo contest

2021 marks the 25th anniversary of Sanrio’s popular character Pompompurin. To celebrate Sanrio have announced the AR Pompompurin 25th anniversary photo contest, where participants have the opportunity to win a variety of limited edition Pompompurin goods marking the special occasion.

To take part, use the Google AR function and screenshot Pompompurin hanging out in your space, and then upload your shots to sns.
Make sure to follow the official Pompompurin Twitter or instagram accounts and post with the hashtags ＃プリンみっけ and ＃ポムポムプリンのいる生活 for the chance to win a limited edition Pompompurin present.
*Applications for the AR Pompompurin 25th anniversary photo contest are open until midnight on the 16 May 2021