Almost anyone can describe the catlike girl with black eyes and the iconic red bow as Hello Kitty. While this character may be cute, she is also the star of a multi-billion-dollar industry!
Are you wondering about how this symbol of cuteness rose to fame? Continue reading to learn about the interesting history of Hello Kitty.
The History of Hello Kitty
Hello Kitty became a phenomenon almost instantly from her birth 47 years ago. Although most people know this character worldwide, she was first created in Japan.
Hello Kitty Origins
In 1962, a man named Shintaro Tsuji founded Sanrio. This company focused on creating items that were in the kawaii style.
Kawaii, which translates to cuteness, embraces all things adorable and child-like. Shintaro Tsuji began to notice that the cuter the product, the faster it would sell.
After this revelation, Tsuji hired cartoonists to create charming characters for his brand. These creations would adorn the products that he sold in his store.
Who Invented Hello Kitty?
Amongst the new cartoon hires was a man named Yuko Shimizu. Tsuji told Shimizu to create six new characters for Sanrio to use on their merchandise.
In 1974, Hello Kitty was officially born. Sanrio first put her likeness on a coin purse next to a bottle of milk and a fish in a bowl. The Hello Kitty character became an instant hit, and people wanted more.
How Did Hello Kitty Become So Famous?
Two years later, Hello Kitty took America by storm. Hello Kitty became so popular so quickly because of her appeal to such a broad audience.
When Hello Kitty was first released, Japan was experiencing an economic boom. This meant many kids were able to afford products that featured Hello Kitty.
Once the children of the 70s grew up, Hello Kitty expanded to target an older audience. This revival of Hello Kitty honed in on the nostalgia that this character brought to so many. Today, people of all ages enjoy the Hello Kitty aesthetic!
Hello Kitty Facts
Hello Kitty is not a cat at all! She is a girl in the third grade with cat-like features who lives in London. Her twin sister’s name is Mimmy and her last name is White.
The book Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll was the inspiration behind Hello Kitty’s name. In the book, Alice owns a cat that she calls Kitty. Shimizu thought this was the perfect name for his new character.
Have you noticed that Hello Kitty has no mouth? This was so people could decide for themselves what expressions they wanted her to have.
Hello Kitty Is Here to Stay
After learning about the history of Hello Kitty, it’s no wonder this character has shown no signs of going out of style. Generations will be enjoying this adorable figure for years to come.
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