“Smiles for Everyone”: Sanrio and Honda Launch Collaborative 'SMILE RIDER PROJECT'
Key facts
- “Smiles for Everyone”: Sanrio and Honda Launch Collaborative 'SMILE RIDER PROJECT'
- Sanrio and Honda have launched the 'SMILE RIDER PROJECT' to promote motorcycle culture and traffic safety. The initiative includes competing in the 2026 Suzuka 8 Hours and distributing safety T-shirts to 1,400 first-grade students in Suzuka City.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 3, 2026
Direct answer
Sanrio and Honda have launched the 'SMILE RIDER PROJECT' to promote motorcycle culture and traffic safety. The initiative includes competing in the 2026 Suzuka 8 Hours and distributing safety T-shirts to 1,400 first-grade students in Suzuka City.
- Citation
- “Smiles for Everyone”: Sanrio and Honda Launch Collaborative 'SMILE RIDER PROJECT' (June 3, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 3, 2026
Sanrio and Honda have launched the 'SMILE RIDER PROJECT' to promote motorcycle culture and traffic safety. The initiative includes competing in the 2026 Suzuka 8 Hours and distributing safety T-shirts to 1,400 first-grade students in Suzuka City.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 3, 2026 at 20:30
- 🔍 Collected: June 3, 2026 at 11:50
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 3, 2026 at 12:19 (28 min after Collected)
Sanrio Co., Ltd. and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Honda) have officially launched the 'SMILE RIDER PROJECT,' a collaborative initiative designed to share the appeal of motorcycles and motorsports while emphasizing traffic safety. Under the theme 'Smiles for Everyone, Kids and Adults Alike,' the project combines the unique strengths of both companies.
A major highlight is the participation in the '2026 Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race' on July 5 at Suzuka Circuit as 'SANRIO CHARACTERS × Honda Kumamoto Racing.' Supported by the employee-run 'Honda Ryokuyokai Kumamoto Racing' team from the Kumamoto Factory—which marks its 50th anniversary this year—the racing machine (CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE) will feature a special 'Kuromi' livery. Designs for helmets and suits featuring Hello Kitty and Pompompurin are also in the works.
In terms of community impact, the project will distribute 'Traffic Safety T-shirts' featuring Sanrio characters to approximately 1,400 first-grade students across 28 elementary schools in Suzuka City. This aims to foster safety awareness among seven-year-olds, a group statistically vulnerable to pedestrian accidents. A presentation ceremony is set for June 24.
Additionally, the project includes exhibitions of past collaboration vehicles at the 'Honda RACING Gallery,' character greetings, and sales of limited-edition goods. Through these efforts, Sanrio and Honda aim to create new interest in motorsports and spread happiness worldwide.
A major highlight is the participation in the '2026 Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race' on July 5 at Suzuka Circuit as 'SANRIO CHARACTERS × Honda Kumamoto Racing.' Supported by the employee-run 'Honda Ryokuyokai Kumamoto Racing' team from the Kumamoto Factory—which marks its 50th anniversary this year—the racing machine (CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE) will feature a special 'Kuromi' livery. Designs for helmets and suits featuring Hello Kitty and Pompompurin are also in the works.
In terms of community impact, the project will distribute 'Traffic Safety T-shirts' featuring Sanrio characters to approximately 1,400 first-grade students across 28 elementary schools in Suzuka City. This aims to foster safety awareness among seven-year-olds, a group statistically vulnerable to pedestrian accidents. A presentation ceremony is set for June 24.
Additionally, the project includes exhibitions of past collaboration vehicles at the 'Honda RACING Gallery,' character greetings, and sales of limited-edition goods. Through these efforts, Sanrio and Honda aim to create new interest in motorsports and spread happiness worldwide.
FAQ
What is the name of the collaborative project between Sanrio and Honda launched in 2026?
The collaborative project is called the 'SMILE RIDER PROJECT' launched by Sanrio and Honda.
Which motorcycle race will the Sanrio and Honda collaboration enter in 2026?
The collaboration will compete in the 2026 Suzuka 8 Hours endurance motorcycle race.
How many first-grade students in Suzuka City will receive safety T-shirts from the project?
A total of 1,400 first-grade students in Suzuka City will receive safety T-shirts.
What brand is partnering with Honda on the 'SMILE RIDER PROJECT' in 2026?
Sanrio is partnering with Honda on the 'SMILE RIDER PROJECT' in 2026.
Where will the safety T-shirt distribution for first graders take place under the SMILE RIDER PROJECT?
The safety T-shirt distribution will take place in Suzuka City for 1,400 first-grade students.