hello kitty

Hello Kitty is a global lifestyle brand and cultural phenomenon created by the Japanese company Sanrio in 1974. Originally designed by Yuko Shimizu for a small coin purse, the character quickly became a symbol of Japan’s burgeoning “kawaii” (cute) culture. Instantly recognizable by her red bow and absent mouth—a feature intended to allow fans to project their own emotions onto her—Hello Kitty embodies a philosophy of friendship and kindness, summarized by the corporate motto, “Small Gift, Big Smile.” What began as a brand for pre-teen girls expanded dramatically in the 1990s, capturing a nostalgic adult audience and establishing a multigenerational following.

See more