KFC Makes Hello Kitty the Secret Design in New Official Sanrio Collection

Hello Kitty is no stranger to merchandise or fast-food collaborations, and the same is true of her cadre of cute Sanrio compatriots. Now, the gang has a new wave of random toys that are nothing short of finger-lickin’ good.

The new “KFC | SANRIO CHARACTERS” collection, via KFC Thailand, features Hello Kitty, Kuromi and several other recognizable Sanrio characters. Each has a corresponding key chain featuring them with the most iconic part of the KFC eating experience. Released sporadically in an unusual window, the wave will include Hello Kitty in a similarly unconventional manner.

Sanrio Gives Hello Kitty, Kuromi & More 5 Adorable New KFC Designs

Promotional image of the KFC | SANRIO CHARACTERS collection next to chicken.
Image via KFC, Sanrio
Promotional image of the KFC | SANRIO CHARACTERS collection on a red background.
Image via KFC, Sanrio
A KFC Thailand location decorated for the release of the KFC | SANRIO CHARACTERS collection.
Image via KFC, Sanrio

The KFC | SANRIO CHARACTERS collection from KFC Thailand combines the company’s most notable meal-related item with Hello Kitty and the rest of the major Sanrio crew. The items are keychains featuring Hello Kitty, Kuromi, My Melody, Cinnamoroll and Pompompurin popping out of the red-and-white-striped KFC buckets.

This almost gives them the visage of pieces of fried chicken, though they’re far more adorable than they are edible. Even the keychains themselves evoke the silhouette of a KFC bucket, and they all come in special mystery boxes. It’s not quite a mystery as to which ones fans will get, but it’s more than just a matter of eating enough chicken.

Each of the keychains will be released sporadically and on a weekly schedule. Cinnamoroll was the first and was available until Sept. 2, with My Melody now in the latest batch. Pompompurin will be available from Sept. 10 to Sept. 16, while Kuromi will be available from Sept. 17 to Sept. 23.

Despite being Sanrio’s most recognizable mascot character, Hello Kitty doesn’t have a week to herself in the promotion. Instead, she’s being released as a secret hidden character randomly included inside the blind boxes at the same time as the others. Thus, while it might be too late to get hold of Cinnamoroll, there’s a chance to get Hello Kitty all the way until the end of the collaborative campaign.

The release of the collectibles this month is meant to coincide with the month of September being the birth month of KFC founder Harlan Sanders. It also follows the theme of the previous “Baby Sanders” items, which have recently pivoted into functional collectibles.

Sanrio fast food collaborations are nothing new, with Japanese Subway chains featuring their own Sanrio events. In the West, there’s currently a Hello Kitty and Friends x Godzilla event at McDonald’s, combining mighty monsters with cute mascots. Meawhile, KFC chains around the world have partnered with various anime and other Japanese brands, from Attack on Titan to Mobile Suit Gundam.

The current Sanrio event is seeing three KFC Thailand locations go all out with Sanrio-themed decorations, and eligible orders at any Thailand location can be made in person, online or through the app. Fans can purchase a blind box toy for the equivalent of around US$3 when buying an eligible KFC bucket.