Sanrio Characters Dive into Y2K Nostalgia with “After School Memories” Collection
Relive the Early 2000s with Exclusive Flowering Designs
Japanese lifestyle brand Flowering is set to release a charming new collection of Sanrio character goods, dubbed “After school memories.” This series, slated for sequential release starting in 2026, features original designs meticulously crafted by Flowering in collaboration with Sanrio, bringing a fresh yet nostalgic Y2K aesthetic to beloved characters.
The “After school memories” theme evokes a sense of sentimental remembrance, drawing inspiration from the Y2K era – the late 1990s and early 2000s. This period, characterized by a unique blend of nascent digital technology and vibrant pop culture, is brought to life through motifs like flip phones and digital cameras. These items, once cutting-edge, now serve as sweet reminders of a bygone, simpler time, infusing the collection with a distinct retro charm. The designs capture the characters in playful, cute poses, interacting with these nostalgic gadgets, creating a world that feels both familiar and fresh.
The lineup boasts a diverse range of items perfect for daily use, including pouches, slide mirrors, pass cases, mini knapsacks, and hand towels. Each piece is designed to subtly integrate the characters into your everyday life, offering a touch of kawaii wherever you go.
A Closer Look at the “After School Memories” Collection
Slide Mirrors
These adorable slide mirrors mimic the look of your favorite character, featuring a sophisticated, shell-like luster that shifts with the angle. Compact enough to slip into a pouch, they are perfect for quick touch-ups on the go, with a sliding mechanism that protects the mirror from scratches.
Carabiner Keychains
Cute carabiners shaped like character silhouettes come with charms depicting nostalgic items like digital cameras and flip phones. Equipped with a retractable reel, they are ideal for attaching to pass cases, allowing for easy access. These make excellent matching accessories for friends or thoughtful small gifts.
Tissue Pouches
Combining utility with charm, these tissue pouches feature characters and retro motifs. They include a main pouch section for small essentials like lipstick or eye drops, plus a dedicated pocket on the back for tissues. The character names are subtly embroidered with lame thread, adding a touch of sparkle.
Character Pouches
These hand-sized, fluffy pouches are adorned with character names in sparkling lame embroidery. An interior open pocket keeps small items organized. Their versatile size makes them perfect for cosmetics or other bits and bobs, with a themed pattern subtly integrated into the gusset.
Mini Knapsacks
Featuring glittering embroidered character names, these mini knapsacks are ideal for storing cosmetics or small accessories. They are also perfectly sized for your beloved plushies to carry, adding an extra layer of cuteness. A themed pattern is subtly designed on the upper part of the knapsack.
Drawstring Pouches
Simple yet charming, these drawstring pouches are based on each character’s signature color, highlighted by subtly gleaming embroidered names. Their slightly larger size makes them perfect for mobile accessories like earphones or portable chargers, or even as a cute gift bag for small treats.
Multi-purpose Cases
Ideal for travel or daily outings, these multi-purpose cases help organize small items like accessories or medication. Beyond their practical use, their adorable appearance is a key highlight, with character names featuring subtle, sparkling embroidery.
Pass Cases
These pass cases feature character-inspired colors and lame thread embroidery. Equipped with a retractable reel strap, they allow for smart and easy access to your cards. A convenient zipper pocket is also included for coins or other small valuables.
Hand Towels
Crafted from Imabari towel material, these fluffy hand towels are exceptionally soft and highly absorbent. Each features a cute character face appliqué and a contrasting border color, making them a delightful item for personal use or as a thoughtful gift.
This collection perfectly captures that bittersweet feeling of youth, making it not just merchandise, but a tiny time capsule for your everyday. Fans can find these new items available through the Flowering online store and will be sequentially rolled out at various general merchandise stores across Japan, including PLAZA. Please note that some stores may not carry the full lineup.
For the latest updates and to explore the collection, visit:
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Flowering Online Store: https://floweringcherie.shop-pro.jp/?mode=cate&cbid=2374087&csid=0&sort=n
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Flowering Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowering_press/
This nostalgic collection not only celebrates the enduring appeal of Sanrio characters but also highlights the cyclical nature of kawaii culture, where past trends are continually reinterpreted for new generations. The embrace of Y2K aesthetics in Japan, and its subsequent global appreciation, demonstrates how specific cultural moments can transcend borders and continue to inspire, ensuring that the charm of kawaii remains ever-evolving and universally adored.
