Hello Kitty Turns 50: Sanrio's Billion-Dollar Feline Phenomenon
In 2024, Hello Kitty will celebrate its 50th birthday! This beloved character, created by Yuko Shimizu when she was just 20, was introduced by Japan's Sanrio in 1974, featuring a charming story set in England with her family. Sanrio, founded by Shintarō Tsuji in 1960, shifted from textiles to character products and has been run by his grandson Tomokuni since 2021. The first item, a vinyl coin purse called "Petit Purse," quickly became a hit. By the 80s and 90s, Hello Kitty had gained popularity in 130 countries. The brand, a UNICEF Ambassador since 1983, has inspired theme parks and movies. According to Ken Belson and Brian Bremner's book, she generates billions every year and represents the Japanese "kawaii" culture.
Key facts
- Hello Kitty was created in 1974 by Sanrio, a Japanese company founded by Shintarō Tsuji.
- The character was designed by illustrator Yuko Shimizu, then 20 years old.
- Hello Kitty's first product was a transparent vinyl coin purse called 'Petit Purse'.
- The character has been a UNICEF Ambassador since 1983.
- Hello Kitty is present in 130 countries and generates billions in annual revenue.
- Shintarō Tsuji stepped down in 2021, succeeded by his grandson Tomokuni.
- The book 'Hello Kitty: The Remarkable Story of Sanrio and the Billion Dollar Feline Phenomenon' was published by Wiley in 2003.
- Sanrio's motto is 'true happiness comes through friendship'.
Entities
Artists
- Yuko Shimizu
- Yuko Higuchi
- Hiroko Suzuki
- Charles M. Schulz
Institutions
- Sanrio
- UNICEF
- Wiley
- Hakusensha
- L'ippocampo
Locations
- Japan
- Yamanashi Prefecture
- England
- United States