Celebrate The Year Of The Tiger With The 2010 Tora Kitty Collection

With 2010 being the Year of the Tiger in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiacal calendar, Sanrio plans to roll out a new series of Hello Kitty items bedecked in classic tiger ("tora", in Japanese) regalia! The Sanrio Hello Kitty 2010 Tora Kitty Collection announced and offered by Tokyo's Strapya World give pink-weary Hello Kitty fans a chance to rest their retinas and add a little color contrast to their Kitty-fied clothing, accessories and room decor.

The most traditional of the new items is the Tora Kitty Mascot Ball Chain, a cellphone charm figurine of Hello Kitty in full-out tiger livery. Just 4 inches (10cm) tall, the polyester plush mascot comes with a handy ball chain with which to securely attach her to cellphones, bookbags, belt loops and the like.

Next up is the Tora Kitty Netsuke Strap, an unusual piece that combines modern Sanrio style cues with the traditional hand-carved look of samurai netsuke toggles. The small figurine measures just 0.8 inch (2cm) high and 1.2 inches (3cm) long, is made of durable PVC and features a cute bobbing head.

Like living large? Then the Tora Kitty Plush Doll fits your lifestyle. Covered in polyester plush "tiger skin", this doll stands 8 inches (20cm) tall and will add a dash of stately feline grace to any display shelf. It's also a cuddly stuffed animal for the non-collector, just plain Kitty-lovin' kiddies out there who want a colorful bedside companion to sleep with and wake up beside.

Rounding out the Fabulous Four is the Tora Kitty Plush Pouch. Basically a 6.4 inch (16cm) by 5.2 inch (13cm) zippered clutch bag in the shape of Hello Kitty's head, this slightly gruesome creation is lined and covered with polyester plush. It includes a leather-look lanyard strap with polished metal hardware.

All for 2010 Tora Kitty items are available now for ordering online from Strapya World's website but quantities are limited and stock won't be updated once the new year - the actual Year of the Tiger - rolls around.