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Google Brings Hello Kitty & Other Sanrio Characters to Life Using AR

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Ever wanted a playdate with Hello Kitty? This AR experience is as close as you’re going to get!



Image Source: PR Times

This new collaboration between Google and Sanrio, home of the classic character Hello Kitty, is using AR to bring a little bit of cute into our homes. In recent years, Google has been working on AR technology on a small scale, and sharing it with the world through the Google app, where certain search terms will bring up the AR function. Now, that list of special AR search terms includes "Hello Kitty" and "Pompompurin," to the delight of children (and other Sanrio lovers) around the world.



Image Source: PR Times

While Hello Kitty is by far the best known Sanrio character in the English-speaking world, Google is also including a few other Sanrio icons, like the Little Twin Stars (Kiki and Lala), Cogimyun (who made her world debut just over a year ago), and finally Pompompurin, who's celebrating his 25th anniversary this year.



Image Source: PR Times

Not only does the AR function bring these beloved characters right into the room with you, but it also lets you adjust their size, so Hello Kitty can fit into the palm of your hand, or Pompompurin can dwarf your couch. If you want to take the perfect picture with your favorite Sanrio star, it's a convenient feature.

The characters aren't just static objects standing on-screen, either. Hello Kitty will wave with excitement, Pompompurin will bow to greet you, and all of the characters have little recorded messages as well. Most of these are in Japanese, but Hello Kitty (metropolitan jet-setting traveler that she is) can also say hello in English.



To try the Sanrio AR for yourself, you'll have to download the Google app from the app store of your choice, and then search for whichever character you'd like to see. Just tap on "View in 3D" and you'll be taken to the AR screen. Fortunately, it's a simple process, and Hello Kitty sure looks excited to visit the Japankuru office!

For more info and updates from Japan, check Japankuru for new articles, and don't forget to follow us on twitter, instagram, and facebook!

Details

NAME:Sanrio x Google AR

OFFICIAL WEBSITE:

https://www.sanrio.co.jp/news/mx-google-ar-20210420/

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      Kagoshima Prefecture played a major role in Japan's modernization as a backdrop for famous historical figures like samurais Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi, who pushed Japan out of the Edo era and into the Meiji. Because of that, Sengan-en Garden is just one of many historical destinations, and when it comes to attractions Kagoshima has plenty: the active volcano of Sakurajima, popular hot springs Ibusuki Onsen and Kirishima Onsen, World Heritage Site Yakushima Island, even what Japan calls the "island closest to heaven," Amami Oshima. Kagoshima might be found on the very southernmost tip of the southern island of Kyushu, but there's plenty to see.

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      The island chain of Okinawa (沖縄) makes up the southernmost tip of Japan, which is why it's also the most tropical area in the country. Thanks to a history of independence and totally distinct political and cultural events, Okinawa has a unique culture, and remnants of the Ryukyu Kingdom are still visible all over the islands. Food, language, traditional dress, it's all a little different! It's also said to be the birthplace of karate.

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