Sanrio Characters Pop Out of Cans in New ‘Kancara!’ Gacha Series
Takara Tomy Arts, a member of the Takara Tomy Group, is launching an innovative new gacha series called “Kancara!” (short for “Can Character”). This debut collection, titled “Kancara! Sanrio Characters,” features beloved Sanrio figures peeking out from meticulously crafted miniature cans, priced at 300 yen per capsule (tax included). Scheduled for a late January 2026 release across capsule vending machines nationwide, this series promises to bring a fresh wave of kawaii to collectors. The “Kancara!” art style will also extend to a new series of candy toys, launching simultaneously.
The “Kancara!” series centers on the charming concept of characters playfully emerging from cans. The first lineup showcases five popular Sanrio characters: Hello Kitty, Pompompurin, Pochacco, Cinnamoroll, and Nyaniinyunyenyon. The standout feature of this collection is its unique blend of realistic can details and the undeniable cuteness of the characters. Imagine the tiny, perfectly replicated indentations on the can’s lid and the subtle curl of a peeled-back top, all brought to life in miniature form. From these lifelike cans, each character adorably peeks out, creating a visual that is both surprising and endearing.
Inside each can, a scattering of small hearts adds an extra layer of charm, suggesting an overflowing cuteness that spills out alongside the character. The can labels themselves are thoughtfully designed, featuring food items relevant to each character, deepening the immersive world of “Kancara!”. Furthermore, each character boasts a distinct pose that captures their individual personality. For instance, the energetic Pochacco is depicted leaning out of the can with one foot extended, while Cinnamoroll’s iconic “ear knot” is rendered in three dimensions, highlighting their unique appeal.
Product Details: Kancara! Sanrio Characters Gacha
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Product Name: “Kancara! Sanrio Characters”
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Price: 300 yen per capsule (tax included)
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Lineup: All 5 types (Hello Kitty, Pompompurin, Pochacco, Cinnamoroll, Nyaniinyunyenyon)
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Release Date: Scheduled for late January 2026
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Target Age: 15 years and older
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Size: Approximately 49mm
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Availability: Capsule vending machines in general stores and mass retailers nationwide.
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Product Website: https://www.takaratomy-arts.co.jp/items/item.html?n=Y098550
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Gacha® Official Website: https://www.takaratomy-arts.co.jp/items/gacha/
Expanding the “Kancara!” Universe: Candy Toys
Beyond gacha, the “Kancara!” design format is set to become a versatile new expression for various intellectual properties. As part of this expansion, the latest addition to the “Kyarakutaburu® Stickers” candy toy series, “Sanrio Characters Kyarakutaburu Stickers Vol.6,” will feature some “Kancara!” designs. This product, which includes chewing gum and two stickers, will also be released in late January 2026, priced at 198 yen (tax included). Among the 20 sticker designs available, select “Kancara!” designs will be included, offering collectors another way to enjoy the “can x character” theme.
Product Details: Sanrio Characters Kyarakutaburu Stickers Vol.6
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Product Name: “Sanrio Characters Kyarakutaburu Stickers Vol.6”
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Price: 198 yen (tax included)
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Sticker Lineup: All 20 types (2 stickers per pack)
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Release Date: Scheduled for late January 2026
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Target Age: 3 years and older
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Sticker Size: Approximately W60mm x H130mm
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Availability: Confectionery sections nationwide.
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Product Website: https://www.takaratomy-arts.co.jp/items/item.html?n=Y110832
Fans are already buzzing with excitement, eager to collect these miniature masterpieces that perfectly blend realism with pure cuteness. The attention to detail, from the textured cans to the expressive character poses, truly makes these collectibles shine.
Gacha’s 60th Anniversary and Future Horizons for Kawaii Culture
The launch of “Kancara!” coincides with a significant milestone: 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of gacha’s arrival in Japan. Originally imported in 1965 by Penny Shokai (now Penny Co., Ltd.), gacha has evolved into a beloved cultural phenomenon, with Takara Tomy Arts releasing approximately 600 new items annually. The “Kancara!” series exemplifies this ongoing innovation, leveraging the universal appeal of popular characters with creative design concepts.
Takara Tomy Arts plans to continue expanding the “Kancara!” design across various products, including gacha and candy toys, to offer diverse ways for fans to enjoy their favorite characters. This innovative approach, combining familiar characters with novel presentations, not only delights domestic fans but also has the potential to introduce new facets of Japanese kawaii culture to a global audience, showcasing how everyday objects can be transformed into adorable, collectible art.
Gacha Japan 60th Anniversary Special Site: https://www.takaratomy-arts.co.jp/specials/gacha60th/
