Hello Kitty Coin Bank Makes Theft Look Cute!

The officially licensed Hello Kitty Coin Bank helps kids save, with the help of Japan’s most famous anime (or should we say, “animeow”) character, Hello Kitty!

So-called “Itazura” (meaning “mischievous”, or “to play a trick on someone”) mechanical coin banks like this one have been popular in Japan and elsewhere for many decades. This version features the classic Hello Kitty character design first introduced by Sanrio in March of 1975.

Just place a coin on Kitty’s cute li’l nose; then watch as the winking rascal peeks out from her pale pink box, reaches out a paw, and snatches & stores your coin. The “cat trick” is accompanied by merry melodies, sparkling sounds and Hello Kitty’s sweet voice as she thanks you for your generosity.

Although this coin bank was designed for 500-yen Japanese coins that are 26.5mm (1.04”) wide and weigh 7.1 grams (0.25 oz), it will work with other Japanese coins down to 1-yen, and will also take other coins from other nations. Just to compare, a U.S. quarter is 24.3mm (0.96”) wide and weighs 5.67 grams (0.20 oz) – close enough?

The bank will hold up to forty 500-yen coins (and/or coins of roughly that size). The enclosure measures 112 x 126 x 106mm (4.4 x 5 x 4.2"), and is powered by two AA batteries (not included). The instructions are in Japanese but are easy to understand.

Priced at just us$32.99, the officially licensed (by Sanrio) Hello Kitty Coin Bank makes a great gift for kids above the age of 6 (recommended). For more information and ordering instructions, please visit the product page at OMG Japan.