Hello Kitty or Amabie, if you had to, which would you choose?

Ok fine they’re a little too incomparable and lacking in similarities of any kind, but if it comes down to it, the correct answer is both!

This Amabie and Hello Kitty collaboration puts the power of protection into the hands of the much loved kawaii mascot.

Whilst it’s highly unlikely that you have not heard of Hello Kitty, there is a possibility you are yet to be introduced to Japan’s current hero; Amabie. Even so, Amabie has been around much longer.

It turns out the legendary creature first appeared during the Edo era, emerging from the depths of the sea in Kumamoto prefecture, before leaving a prophecy with the local people. The creature was documented by an official of the area as having three legs, long hair, a bird-like beak and was covered in fish scales from the neck down.
The Amabie went on to leave a prophecy with the official; ‘Good harvest will continue for six years from the current year; if disease spreads, draw a picture of me and show the picture of me to those who fall ill’.

Following the spread of COVID-19 across Japan during 2020, Amabie once again reappeared in order to fight against the spread of the virus, though this time, in a variety of forms, ranging from simple illustrations shared on sns to motifs on food, clothing and on self-care campaign posters.
If you’re currently in Japan, it’s unlikely you’ve missed this anti-sickness monster spreading hope across Japan. But if you didn’t quite catch the debut of Amabie Hello Kitty back in 2020, here is your chance to meet the hero!

Amabie Hello Kitty Mochiri-yaki

Price: 178 yen (tax included)

A soft, moist and chewy dough, similar to the texture of mochi, filled with smooth and luxurious pudding-like cream.
The sweet takes on the shape of Hello Kitty’s iconic and adorable face, and is available in three different designed packages; each featuring a Hello Kitty dressed up as Amabie.
Alongside the mochiri-yaki, each package also contains one special limited edition Amabie Hello Kitty sticker, of which there are six different designs.

Amabie Hello Kitty & Amabie Hangyodon Jelly

Price: 220 yen (tax included)
*Available from 22 February 2021

A mixed fruit jelly containing pieces of cut fruit such as peach and pineapple. The packaging features Hello Kitty and Hangyodon dressed up as Amabie, and is accompanied by a positive message wishing for everybody's health and happiness.
The Jelly is available with four different messages in total.

The Amabie Hello Kitty Mochiri-yaki and the Amabie Hello Kitty & Amabie Hangyodon Jelly will be available exclusively at Familymart stores across Japan (with the exception of Okinawa and some stores in rural areas). The sweets will only be available for a limited time only, so get your hands on one now for a tasty treat and that special protection from Amabie Hello Kitty and friends.