I don't know if you know this, but it's Hello Kitty's 50th anniversary this year. She's an international icon, with fans of all ages on every single continent. And while Honda already kicked off the celebrations earlier this year with a special Hello Kitty limited-edition scooter, in motorbike-land, there's really only one model that's as iconic as Kitty White.
Can you guess what it is?
You probably already know that it's the Honda Super Cub. That's why Honda Japan just announced a special Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Edition Super Cub. The bad news for those of us not in Japan, of course, is that so far it's the only place that this adorable design exercise is being released.
Gallery: Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Super Cub
It's the details that make this collaboration extra-special, though. From Kitty's bow on the Super Cub badge on the front leg shield, to the absolutely perfect Kitty-faced side covers, the balance between cuteness and maturity can't be overstated.
Sure, it's adorable, but it misses out on being cloyingly sweet. The design choices here are things that are clearly not only aimed at children, and as an adult, I appreciate it. From small touches, like the special 50th Anniversary emblem on the key, to the iconic (and simple) Hello Kitty name graphic on the rear fender, the colors and styling are absolutely on point here. Magna Red and cream bodywork is Kitty White, through and through.
There's even a special little one-minute animated video that Honda and Sanrio put together, where a group of Honda workers gather to celebrate Kitty's birthday. Her big present is, quite naturally, a Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Super Cub, complete with a matching helmet and goggles.
Honestly, the only thing I wish Honda did a little differently here is making Kitty's helmet and goggles available as something you could actually buy. Maybe it could be a special accessory kit that comes with the 50th Anniversary Super Cub, or something sold separately. I can see a good argument either way, but it should definitely be out in the world in one way or another.
Still, that extremely minor disappointment is forgotten about in an instant, thanks to another design choice that Honda made here. I have to take a moment to talk about the Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Super Cub's saddle, in particular.
See, Honda could have stopped at red piping on a beige or maybe even white seat and called it a day. And people probably would have been fine with that as a simple design choice. But no!
No, instead, we get this adorable Hello Kitty monochrome motif accent panel on the front of the saddle, almost putting you in mind of other similarly-used logo motifs in high fashion. I don't know about you, but I'd take Kitty White over Louis Vuitton on my bike any day.
If you're in Japan, you can place an order for a Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Super Cub, in your choice of either Super Cub 50 or Super Cub 110, for a limited time only. The available order window opens on Friday, November 8, 2024, and will run through Sunday, November 24, 2024. Honda Japan's MSRP on this adorable little Super Cub is ¥330,000, which converts to about US $2,159 at the time of writing. Please note, that price includes Japan's consumption tax.
Do you want to get your hands on a Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Super Cub? If so, let us know in the comments.
