Sanrio Returns to Comic-Con International: San Diego to Celebrate Hello Kitty's 40th Anniversary

Sanrio has announced their return to this year's Comic Con International: San Diego to continue the celebration of Hello Kitty's 40th Anniversary. Fans can join in the festivities and enjoy a superfun, interactive experience that includes giveaways, activities and appearances by Hello Kitty herself, as well as special guests from Sanrio's Tokyo headquarters. Attendees will also learn more about Hello Kitty Con 2014, the first ever Hello Kitty fan convention, which will be held in Los Angeles on October 30th - November 2nd. Fans can purchase their tickets for Hello Kitty Con 2014 now at http://www.sanrio.com/hellokittycon-tickets/.

In honor of Hello Kitty's 40th Anniversary, Sanrio will hold activations for fans to enjoy both inside the official convention at San Diego Convention Center, as well as outside at Comic-Con Interactive Zone at Petco Park. Special guest Yuko Yamaguchi, Hello Kitty head designer from Tokyo known by fans as "Kitty Mama" will make special appearances inside the convention hall (booth 4539) to greet fans and sign free limited edition collectible posters. Fans can also find Hello Kitty Comic-Con exclusives and limited edition product launches including:

· Hello Kitty, Hello 40 story & art anthology published in partnership with VIZ Media (booth 2813). Featuring comic artists, muralists, toy creators and authors commemorating Hello Kitty's 40th Anniversary, this Comic-Con exclusive edition will be limited to 250 books

· Comic-Con exclusive Hello Kitty Chun-Li vinyl coin bank limited to 1000 pieces at Toynami (booth 3229). Fans can also purchase Sanrio x Street Fighter plush, figurines, mobile plugs and key chains

· Comic-Con exclusive Hello Kitty 40th Anniversary Mini-Figures and Trading Cards by Upper Deck (booth 307) Featuring Hello Kitty through the decades, the four mini-figures and trading card bundles will be limited to 250 pieces each

· Chogokin Hello Kitty die-cast robot action figure at Bluefin-Tamashii Nations (booth 3545). This special 40th Anniversary commemorative item will be available at Comic-Con

Outside the convention, Hello Kitty will join fans at Comic-Con Interactive Zone at Petco Park to share hugs and photo opps. There will also be plenty of giveaways and activities including free temporary tattoos and custom nail art from Sanrio Tokyo's resident nail designer. Hello Kitty will continue promoting the global 'Share a Hug with Hello Kitty' campaign to spread the message of fun and friendship throughout the convention. Each hug shared with her fans will be added to the Global Hug Report, which is continually updated and displayed at http://www.sanrio.com/global-hug-report/ to track all of the hugs given during Hello Kitty's 40th Anniversary.

Hello Kitty's return to Comic-Con International: San Diego 2014 is one of the many ways that the beloved pop icon will share her 40th Anniversary celebration with devoted fans as she continues to promote Sanrio's goal to provide happiness, friendship and fun to the world while delighting fans with the ultimate Hello Kitty experience.

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About Sanrio
Sanrio is the global lifestyle brand best known for pop icon Hello Kitty, who is celebrating her 40th Anniversary this year. Home to many endearing characters including Chococat, My Melody, Badtz-Maru and Keroppi, 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 for the broad spectrum of unique products and experiences. Today, more than 50,000 Sanrio-branded items are available in over 70 countries and upwards of 15,000 U.S. retail locations including department, specialty, national chain stores and over 80 Sanrio boutiques. For more information please visit www.sanrio.com and www.facebook.com/hellokitty.

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Orsi Public Relations Dyann Hawkins/Sarah Danley (323)874-4073
dyann@orsipr.com/Sarah@orsipr.com