A Hello Kitty-branded plastic yo-yo released in 1987 by Sanrio, under license to Tanpopo Co., Ltd., a toy manufacturer in Japan. It combined a functional yo-yo with a built-in mirror under the side cap (not visible from the outside, but mentioned on the package front). The side cap text includes "PAT.P" suggesting a pending utility or design patent, likely for the mirror mechanism. It was marketed as a novelty and accessory for children—especially girls—during the height of Hello Kitty's popularity (and multi-function, character-based toys in general) in Japan in the 1980s.
What appears to be an extra string packaged with the yo-yo was actually the unwound yo-yo string, tucked into the small blister next to the yo-yo body. The fixed axle features one of the most unusual starburst response designs I've seen. Each inner half has alternating ribs—one slightly taller rib followed by two slightly shorter ones—repeating around the entire inner circumference. The ribs are also recessed below the surface of each inner half.
This yo-yo was not mass-distributed globally. It was a regional Japan-only product.
Part of the text on the back of the card translates to read, "... please do not play dangerous games or joke around with it." You've been warned.
