After a quick check to make double sure this isn’t some twisted April Fool joke (guess not), it seems that the folks over at Sanrio have managed to license their famous Hello Kitty character to (gasp!) Nokia [.jpg image]. Apparently coming in mid-December for Cingular “Pay-as-you-Go” customers, this predictably pink handset touts exclusive games, wallpapers and ring-tones. We bet there will be a rush of Oba-san shoppers rushing around to get a hold of one here in Japan.

Well folks: we are speechless. How could the local OEM’s get scooped on such an obvious play?!? There was a low-key version of a Hello Kitty-branded phone here awhile back from SonyEricsson, but this new unit is screaming Kitty and it’s not available in Japan?!? Finally the U.S. will be getting a handset that will make at least some users here jealous. Just when we thought nothing could surprise us anymore. Via: Sanrio.com.

Related posts:

1. The UnBearable Cuteness of Kitty
2. Hello Kitty V@mp Music Player
3. SoftBank Gets Sharp Hello Kitty
4. Hello Kitty Content Sells in the US!!!!
5. Will it be SanyoKia or Nokia-San?

Some sage advise when entering new turf; Stop, Look and Listen.. it’s also good to secure a local guide. Japan is the cradle of mobile civilization – we have been dedicated to this space since 2001 – trust our archives here offer some useful material.

Domestic activities continue to set the pace, and sharp players are looking at global markets. We have hard-earned industry expertise and trusted network of contacts with access to advanced intell. and potential deal flow. Need a lift.. Ok, buckle-up!