Penang has a new reason for Sanrio fans to visit. Iconic Marjorie Penang has launched Southeast Asia’s first Sanrio Peranakan-themed rooms, blending Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll and Kuromi with the distinctive elements of Peranakan heritage.
The collaboration between Iconic Marjorie Penang and Sanrio Southeast Asia features 16 specially designed themed rooms at the Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Kampong Sungai Nibong, Bayan Lepas. Each room carries the characters’ designs across nearly every item, from bath towels and bed covers to toothbrushes, hairdryers, pencils, cups and pillows, according to Buletin Mutiara. The hotel’s own website describes the experience as the world’s first Peranakan-inspired Sanrio characters stay.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who officiated the launch, said the collaboration was more than a branding exercise. “Hello Kitty is one of Japan’s most recognisable cultural icons. Bringing Sanrio to Penang is already significant. But what makes this collaboration truly special is its fusion with Penang’s Peranakan heritage,” he said.
“Visitors from around the world will discover our heritage through characters they already know and love,” he added.
Chow said the initiative was a creative way to introduce Penang’s local culture to international audiences while giving Japanese visitors another reason to experience the state. He noted that Japan has been one of Penang’s closest partners since the 1970s, when Japanese companies were among the pioneers in the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone. Today, Penang is home to around 120 Japanese companies, including about 70 Japanese multinational corporations, while more than 3,000 Japanese expatriates live and work in the state.
From January to June this year, 4,296 Japanese tourists arrived through Penang International Airport, reflecting continued interest in Penang as a travel destination.
Iconic Group executive director Katherine Tan said the launch came at an opportune time as Malaysia welcomes visitors through the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. She said the partnership with Sanrio began in 2022 through healthcare products, including Sanrio character medical face masks, festive gift sets, and later Iconic Babycare diapers and wipes.
“When we developed Iconic Marjorie as a modern Peranakan-inspired hotel, I saw an opportunity to create something truly different. I didn’t want to create just another character-themed room. I wanted to create an experience that celebrates Penang’s rich Peranakan heritage while bringing the timeless charm of Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll and Kuromi to life,” she said.
Group general manager Pauline Chua said the collaboration bridged two brands sharing common values through hospitality. “Together, we have brought together the best of both worlds. Malaysia, represented through Iconic Marjorie Penang’s Peranakan-inspired architecture, interiors, storytelling and guest experiences, and Japan, represented through Sanrio’s iconic characters, timeless design language and joyful spirit,” she said in a press statement.
Sanrio Southeast Asia chief operating officer Kohei Imai described the launch as a special milestone, marking the first time the Sanrio Peranakan theme had been introduced in Southeast Asia. “Guided by our vision of ‘One World, Connecting Smiles,’ we hope this experience creates joyful memories while celebrating the creativity and cultural storytelling that make Penang so special,” he said.
The hotel has also introduced a Sanrio Afternoon Tea Experience, featuring savoury items, pastries and desserts inspired by the personalities of the three characters. Guests can also purchase official Sanrio merchandise at the hotel, including bathrobes, towels, toiletries, stationery and teaware. Room rates and booking details are available on the Iconic Marjorie website.
Hello Kitty celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024 and is one of the world’s best-known cartoon characters. A Hello Kitty movie is set for global release in 2028, marking the character’s Hollywood debut.
