Naruto Shippuden Unveils New Anniversary Collection Starring Hello Kitty and Friends

The original manga series celebrates its 20th anniversary
by incorporating Sanrio’s iconic characters for an exclusive anniversary line

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (September 18, 2020) – Naruto, the epic beloved anime classic, has partnered with Sanrio, the global lifestyle brand, to feature its most popular characters – Hello Kitty®, My Melody™, Pochacco™, Chococat™ and Badtz-Maru™, in a one-of-a-kind and limited-edition collection available now for pre-order at BoxLunch.


Since debuting as a manga in 1999 Naruto, has captivated millions of fans internationally, and today the Naruto franchise includes multiple TV series, original movies and original video animations making it one of the best-selling manga series of all time. The year 2020 marks a special milestone as Naruto honors 20 years of the iconic franchise, naming October 10th as “Naruto Day” to commemorate Naruto’s birthday. The occasion perfectly coincides with Sanrio’s 60th anniversary of celebrating friendship and kindness around the world.

The new Naruto Shippuden x Hello Kitty and Friends collection features a selection of exclusive styles that include the beloved Hello Kitty and her supercute friends dressed as Naruto, Kakashi, Sasuke, Itachi, and more.

Highlights from the collection include:
• Naruto Shippuden x Hello Kitty and Friends Hello Kitty as Naruto T-Shirt
• Naruto Shippuden x Hello Kitty and Friends Ichiraku Ramen Shop T-Shirt
• Naruto Shippuden x Hello Kitty and Friends Akatsuki Cloud Dip-Dye T-Shirt
• Naruto Shippuden x Hello Kitty and Friends Pochacco as Kakashi T-Shirt
• Naruto Shippuden x Hello Kitty and Friends Chococat as Sasuke T-Shirt
• Naruto Shippuden x Hello Kitty and Friends Badtz-Maru as Itachi T-Shirt
• Naruto Shippuden x Hello Kitty and Friends Group Long Sleeve T-Shirt
• Naruto Shippuden x Hello Kitty and Friends Uchiha Hoodie

“We’re so excited to combine such important milestones with Naruto, especially with a brand that shares our Japanese heritage,” said Susan Tran, Director of Brand Marketing at Sanrio, Inc. “Over the past 60 years, Sanrio has cemented a legacy built on the foundation of Small Gift, Big Smile and this partnership encompasses that so well.”

“Our collaboration with Sanrio offers something new and fun for both Naruto and Hello Kitty fans alike,” said Alexander Lee, Sr. Licensing Manager at VIZ Media, LLC. “We’re thrilled to partner with Sanrio on this epic mash-up collection.”

Fans can find this special collection available for pre-order now exclusively at BoxLunch and will be available for wider release on Sanrio.com, Sanrio stores, Hot Topic and other specialty retailers on Naruto’s birthday, October 10.


###


About Sanrio®
Sanrio, the global lifestyle brand best known for pop icon Hello Kitty®, and home to many other beloved character brands including Chococat™, My Melody™, Badtz-Maru™, Keroppi™, Gudetama™ and Aggretsuko™, is celebrating its 60th Anniversary this year. Sanrio was founded on the “Small Gift, Big Smile®” philosophy – that a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages. Since 1960, this philosophy has served as the inspiration to offer quality products, services and activities that inspire unique consumer experiences across the world. Today, Sanrio's legendary breadth of products are available in over 130 countries and in retail locations including department, specialty, national chain retailers and Sanrio boutique stores. To learn more about Sanrio, please visit www.sanrio.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter - @sanrio, @hellokitty.

About VIZ Media:
An international authority on manga and anime for more than three decades, VIZ Media is leading the way in what’s now, new and next. Reaching one in four millennials and half of all Gen Z manga readers, VIZ is at the forefront of America’s Japanese pop-culture phenomenon, which today dominates multiple industries from publishing and animation to film and gaming. VIZ is proud to be the #1 destination for manga in America and home to some of the most prestigious anime brands driving the industry. Combined with a market share footprint larger than household names collectively, VIZ has pivoted from a localization company to a market leading pop culture publisher and producer. To learn more about VIZ Media, please visit www.viz.com and follow on Facebook - @OfficialVIZMedia; Instagram and Twitter - @vizmedia

About BoxLunch
BoxLunch is a specialty retailer offering a curated collection of licensed pop culture merchandise. With every $10 spent across the retailers’ themed product offering of apparel, accessories, home goods, gift and novelty, and collectibles BoxLunch will provide a meal to a person in need through its philanthropic partnerships. To join the movement and help in the fight against hunger visit BoxLunch in-store or online at www.boxlunch.com to learn more on how you can get involved in your local community. BoxLunch is headquartered in CA and currently operates over 120 stores throughout the US. For more information, please visit our e-commerce website and Facebook.com/boxlunchgifts or follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @BoxLunchGifts.

*For every $10 spent, BoxLunch will donate at least one meal to Feeding America. $1 helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America® on behalf of local member food banks. BoxLunch guarantees a minimum of 5,000,000 meals (monetary equivalent of $500,000) to Feeding America and member food banks from February 2, 2020 to January 30, 2021. Meal claim valid as of 12/5/18 and subject to change.