Kuromi the Clown (Secret Figure)

Sanrio, best known for its globally beloved characters like Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Cinnamoroll, has also made a significant impact in the art toy world by blending its signature kawaii aesthetic with designer toy culture. While primarily a mass-market brand, Sanrio has collaborated with various artists, toy designers, and streetwear brands to create limited-edition, collectible figures that appeal to both casual fans and serious art toy collectors. Sanrio has worked with brands like Medicom Toy (BE@RBRICK), Kidrobot, and Mighty Jaxx, as well as artists like Jason Freeny, who has reimagined characters like Hello Kitty in his signature anatomical dissection style. By partnering with brands like BAPE, UNIQLO, and Nike, Sanrio has merged fashion, street culture, and art toys, making its characters more appealing to collectors beyond traditional fans. While Sanrio remains rooted in cute and mainstream appeal, its willingness to explore the art toy space through collaborations and reimaginings has made it a versatile and collectible presence in the designer toy scene. 52TOYS is a Chinese art toy and collectible company known for producing innovative, high-quality designer toys that blend pop culture, original IPs, and mechanical transformation elements. Founded in 2015, the company has gained a strong reputation in the global collectible market with its diverse range of figures, particularly its BEASTBOX and MEGABOX series—compact transforming animal and mech-inspired figures. Beyond mechanical toys, 52TOYS has also developed a strong presence in the blind box and designer art toy scene, collaborating with popular licenses such as Disney, Marvel, and Sanrio, as well as working with independent artists to create unique, stylized figures. Their art toys often feature whimsical, cute, and futuristic aesthetics, appealing to both toy collectors and designer toy enthusiasts. Sanrio is a Japanese company best known for creating a wide range of cute and iconic characters, many of which have become internationally famous. Founded in 1960 by Shintaro Tsuji, Sanrio specializes in character goods, stationery, accessories, and collaborations with major brands. Hello Kitty is white bobtail cat with a red bow, symbolizing friendship and kindness. Sanrio’s most famous and profitable character. My Melody is a sweet, pink-hooded rabbit who loves baking and spending time with her family. Kiki (blue-haired) and Lala (pink-haired) are celestial twins who travel from the stars to spread happiness. Pompompurin is golden retriever wearing a brown beret, known for his love of pudding and naps. Cinnamoroll is a fluffy, white puppy with long ears that help him fly; he loves café life and making friends. Kuromi a mischievous yet lovable black rabbit with a pink skull on her jester-like hat, often seen as My Melody’s rival. Aggretsuko a red panda office worker who vents her frustrations through heavy metal karaoke, reflecting real-world work struggles. Gudetama is a lazy, unmotivated egg yolk character who prefers lying around and avoiding effort.