Hong Kong Is Celebrating Hello Kitty’s 50th Anniversary with Must-Visit Experiential Zones
Hello Kitty is Hong Kong's International Friendship Ambassador.
by Ina Louise Manto | February 08, 2024
Hello Kitty celebrates its 50th anniversary worldwide in style, partnering with Harbour City in Hong Kong as the “International Friendship Ambassador” for the unforgettable “HELLO KITTY · HAPPY 50 @ Harbour City” anniversary celebration.
Until February 25, 2024, explore five captivating experiential zones around Harbour City:
1st Checkpoint: Experience the 50th Anniversary “Parade Performance” Installation and Collect 8 Adorable Hello Kitty Daruma Capsules
Hello Kitty, the 50th Anniversary “Parade Performance” Installation is ready at the Ocean Terminal Forecourt. The parade float is designed with the concept of an “Apple Wishing Garden,” where Hello Kitty transforms into a Daruma of wishes, hoping to send different blessings to everyone.
The installation consists of three parade floats, led by Hello Kitty waving flags that bear the special logo of Harbour City. The first float, the “Classic Apple-shaped Float,” is driven by Hello Kitty’s sister, Mimmy. Following that is the main float, the “Apple Wishing Garden,” featuring a 5-meter-tall red Hello Kitty Daruma and eight smaller Darumas wearing red apples on their heads. The Darumas are adorned with things that Hello Kitty loves, representing different wishes, including Happiness, Wealth, Love, Family, Fortune, Study, Career, and Health. On the back of the giant Daruma is a gashapon machine, where visitors can get charming and adorable Hello Kitty Daruma capsules by inserting Hello Kitty coins, consisting of a set of 8 different designs.
Installation Opening Hours: 10 am – 10 pm
Event Opening Hours: 11 am – 9 pm
Location: Ocean Terminal Forecourt
2nd Checkpoint: Hello Kitty’s Lion Dance Garden: Embrace the Adorable Charm of Lion Dance Installations
Hello Kitty has always had a wide range of interests, and as the Lunar New Year approaches, she wants to bring a festive atmosphere to the anniversary celebration. In the “Lion Dance Garden” installation, you’ll find an adorable Hello Kitty stepping on a plum blossom pile, accompanied by a large lion dance head and four big drums behind her, inviting you to join in the drumming excitement. The vibrant lion dance flags proudly display auspicious blessings and serve as a colorful backdrop, making it a must-visit photo spot. Harbour City, in collaboration with Keung’s Dragon & Lion Dance Team and the brand “Needless,” aims to promote the traditional Chinese lion dance culture. In the small flower garden beneath Hello Kitty, there is a display showcasing the history of lion dance, including lion head production, lion dance training, and the art of flag and drum performances. Besides capturing memorable photos, visitors can also enhance their knowledge of this traditional folk performing art.
Opening Hours: 10 am – 10 pm
Location: Ocean Terminal Deck
3rd Checkpoint: Step into Hello Kitty’s Floral Universe at the “Every Flower Tells a Story” Art Exhibition
Harbour City presents the “Every Flower Tells a Story” Art Exhibition, curated by William Chan Design. Renowned artists have come together to showcase the diverse and captivating charm of Hello Kitty through various art forms. One highlight of the exhibition is the exclusive “Color Your Future” collection, a collaboration between William Chan Design and Bull & Stein. Bull & Stein, a renowned German home decor brand, combines their iconic apple design with Hello Kitty’s classic image to create a series of collectible Hello Kitty art sculptures. Each of the ten sculptures, limited to 20 pieces per color, is meticulously handcrafted by top European artisans using Swiss-patented pigments, resulting in a luxurious and fashionable style.
Another featured artist is Hisahiro Fukazawa from Japan, presenting a collection of Hello Kitty-inspired exquisite 24 Karat Gold Acrylic Paintings. The series consists of 10 artworks showcasing the essence of Japanese classical flower and bird paintings with intricate craftsmanship and modern design, complementing the story of Hello Kitty and flowers.
Additionally, Wondrous Group Limited unveils the Hello Kitty Jewellery Collection, featuring silver, semi-precious stones, and 18K gold pieces. Incorporating the art of enamel painting and materials such as gemstones, mother-of-pearl, and diamonds, the collection exudes the glamorous charm of Hello Kitty’s classic image.
The exhibition also offers a range of limited-edition Hello Kitty merchandise, including blankets, acrylic stands, phone holders, and vases. All the artworks and merchandise are available for sale from 25 January at the Gallery by the Harbour, making it a must-visit destination for Hello Kitty fans.
Opening Hours: 11 am – 10 pm
Location: Gallery by the Harbour, Shop 207, Level 2, Ocean Centre
4th Checkpoint: Hello Kitty X Kee Wah Bakery Candies & Cookies Pop-up Store presents Three “HELLO KITTY · HAPPY 50” Gift Boxes
The Hello Kitty x Kee Wah Bakery Candies & Cookies Pop-up Store is filled with pink and adorable decor. Her sister, Mimmy, is waiting for guests for a perfect photo moment on the other side of the store.
Inside the store, there are three “HELLO KITTY · HAPPY 50” Candies & Cookies Gift Boxes available. These include a cardboard tote bag, an iconic “coin purse” style, and a Hello Kitty-shaped tin box. The packaging is adorned with Hello Kitty and her beloved items, showcasing a delightful and cute design. Customers can choose to purchase pre-made gift boxes or customize their own. By selecting the gift box style, they can then visit the candy bar to choose the designated quantity of their favorite candies and cookies, including special Hello Kitty-themed ones, allowing customers to personalize a Candy Cookie Gift Box.
5th Checkpoint: Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Pop-Up Store featuring a Global Exclusive Launch of Adorable Collectibles
Sanrio has grandly opened a Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Pop-up Store at Harbour City. Highlights include a Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary photo spot and the global exclusive launch of a variety of exquisite products. The pop-up store, themed around exploring the future, features a stunning “Friend the Future” – designed photo area where fans can take pictures with Hello Kitty and create wonderful memories. Additionally, there is a Hello Kitty 50th anniversary-themed Snapio photo machine available, allowing you to capture adorable moments with your loved ones and friends.
A series of delightful limited-edition items has also been launched to celebrate Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary. This includes a Hong Kong-exclusive limited edition set of Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary commemorative pins, with only 100 sets available. The complete set features Hello Kitty designs from 1974 to 2023, along with two hidden editions. Additionally, there are 19 classic Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary plush figurines and one bow figurine, all exclusive to the event. Whether as collectibles or gifts, these items are truly unique treasures. The store also offers a variety of exclusive products and limited-edition commemorative items that are irresistible.
Opening Hours: 11 am – 9 pm
Location: Atrium, G/F, Ocean Terminal
Discover 50 Iconic Hello Kitty Past Styles’ Tote Bags and Get a Hello Kitty Glittery Charm for a Good Cause
Harbour City has launched 50 Iconic Hello Kitty Past Styles Tote Bags. Each bag represents a different design spanning from 1974 to the present, showcasing Hello Kitty’s evolution throughout the years. In addition to the tote bags, the Hello Kitty Glittery Charm – the semi-transparent pink charm filled with adorable sparkling flakes, is also available. Customers can receive one designated tote bag and one charm redemption voucher for free by making a same-day single electronic spending of HK$500 or more at participating merchants during the event period.
With the voucher, customers can donate HK$25 at the Hello Kitty x Kee Wah Bakery Candies & Cookies Pop-up Store to redeem one charm. Quantities are limited and available while stocks last.
Hello Kitty Limited-Edition Chinese Zodiac Commemorative Golden Coin Individual Set Available for Sale
The individual set of the golden coin (HK$50) is available for public sale. The packaging design showcases Hello Kitty as a wish-granting Daruma, with her iconic red apple atop her head and holding a Golden Coin. Those who are interested can purchase this special item at the Candies & Cookies Pop-up Store located at Level 2, Ocean Centre, near Shop OC 226-7 Dunhill.
This article is a press release. Minor edits have been made by the WindowSeat.ph editorial team.
