The Obsession with Hello Kitty

photo credits: https://www.goodfon.com/anime/wallpaper-badfon-hello-kitty-art-koshechka.html

There are many things that should logically become irrelevant as they age: fashion trends, childhood toys, and even, dare I say, us humans. Yet, for the past few decades, one character has managed to keep her place at the top of the cultural food chain. This five-apples-tall cat in a bow has somehow become the face of a global empire that’s worth billions. And the best part? She doesn’t even speak. She’s essentially a silent business tycoon who shows up in meetings, makes bank, and says nothing. Her 50th birthday recently passed in November of 2024, which reminds us: How has Hello Kitty come to dominate quite literally everything, from toilet paper to airplanes? 

It all started in 1974, when Yuko Shimizu, a designer at the Japanese company Sanrio, created the character to put on stationary and accessories. Initially, Hello Kitty was just one of many characters in Sanrio’s growing catalog of cute, childlike characters. Her simple design—round face, red bow, and the lack of a mouth—was perfect. Moreover, Sanrio’s designers created Hello Kitty a vibrant group of friends, such as Keroppi and Pochacco (a Sanrio frog and dog respectively), who all have their own fans as well. The environment they have curated for her evokes feelings of affection and friendship. At the same time, her personality is not strongly defined, which allows each buyer to project their own perceptions onto her. This helps to customize the bond that Hello Kitty has with each unique person.

Over the years, Hello Kitty’s character has become an intrinsic part of “kawaii” culture, a phenomenon named after the Japanese word for “cute,” emphasizing the appeal of childlike innocence and charm. She’s always cheerful, unbothered, and ready to spread joy. Beyond just her looks, she works as a reminder that life doesn’t always need to be serious. Whether you’re using a Hello Kitty pencil case, wearing a Hello Kitty sweater, sipping from a Hello Kitty mug, or sitting on a Hello Kitty-themed toilet, you’ve been able to taste true joie de vivre (joy of living). For some, the cat is their life’s passion. For instance, Masao Gunji, her most devoted fan, holds a Guinness World Record for his collection of more than 5,000 pieces of Hello Kitty memorabilia. When asked about his admiration, he stated, “For some reason, when I’m sad, she looks a bit sad as well, and when I am happy, she looks happy.” As her character acts as a sort of blank canvas for people’s emotions, many have invested a great amount of time and money into this one character, especially those who have grown up with her in their childhood. With this, Hello Kitty appears to bring out the nostalgic inner child of millions all over the world.

What sets Hello Kitty apart from fleeting trends is how she has been constantly reimagined to stay relevant. She became a staple in the world of cartoon fashion in the 1980s; now, collaborations with major global brands—from luxury labels such as Givenchy to commercial companies like Adidas—have kept her in fashion. However, she hasn’t always been a cute cat either. Brands such as Hot Topic have incorporated her into their edgy and alternative designs, turning her into a more subversive character. These partnerships have reinforced Hello Kitty’s worldwide appeal, making her a sign of both innocence and high-end chic. While other pop culture icons are often constrained by the era they began in, Hello Kitty has been embraced by different generations. 

From the very beginning, Hello Kitty had always had a promising future. Even now, her enduring success has proved her remarkable ability to somehow always be part of a trend. Whether she is a childhood idol or simply a bedside plushie, Hello Kitty remains a looming figure in pop culture today.