Kenko Tokina launches Sanrio toy cameras with old-school charm

Memet Deniz Yucekaya

December 4, 2025

Kenko Tokina has released a pocket-sized dose of nostalgia, combining retro photography with iconic Sanrio characters. The new lineup of Pieni II toy digital cameras is as playful as it is compact, offering a fun, low-fi photo experience wrapped in cuteness.

Kenko Tokina keeps things light and low-fi

Each Pieni II model weighs just 18 grams, or a little over half an ounce. That’s lighter than most keychains. Yet despite the toy look, these cameras are fully functional—just don’t expect mirrorless-level sharpness. Inside is a 1.31 MP CMOS sensor with a fixed 3.2 mm f/2.8 lens and a shutter speed of 1/100s.

You won’t find a screen on the back. Instead, users shoot through an optical viewfinder and check their JPGs later on a computer. This back-to-basics approach is part of the charm.

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Seven Sanrio styles add serious appeal

Kenko Tokina has given these toy cameras a visual upgrade with seven Sanrio-themed variants. Think Hello Kitty, My Melody, Cinnamoroll, and other familiar faces. It’s a smart move—especially for collectors or fans of character-driven design.

Each camera features:

• 1.31 MP photo resolution (1280 x 1024)
• 720p video with MP3 audio
• microSD card support (128 MB to 2 GB)
• USB charging and included cable
• Built-in magnet for fridge storage
• A neck strap for easy carrying

Though they’re simple by design, they still shoot video at 30 fps and save to AVI format. ISO is locked at 100, and the focus is fixed from 0.3 meters to infinity.

Kenko Tokina leans into nostalgia with global reach

The Pieni II cameras retail for around $50 (7,920 yen) and ship internationally from Kenko Tokina’s Japan-based online store. With their candy-colored exteriors and old-school quirks, they’re perfect for casual snapshots, gifting, or anyone craving a little throwback fun.