Hello Kitty

Hello Kitty is a fictional character created by Japanese artist Yuko Shimizu in 1974 and first marketed by Sanrio in 1975 (Hello Kitty). Officially named Kitty White, she’s depicted as an anthropomorphized white bobtail cat—though Sanrio later clarified she’s actually a little girl from a London suburb, which explains her human-like posture and lifestyle (Hello Kitty Creator Confirms Beloved Character Is Not a Cat). Notably, Hello Kitty has no visible mouth so fans can “project their feelings onto the character,” embodying Sanrio’s motto of “social communication.” (Hello Kitty)

Since debuting on a simple vinyl coin purse, Hello Kitty has grown into one of the world’s most successful character licenses, appearing on over 50,000 different products—from plush toys and apparel to electronics, stationery, and home décor—and inspiring dedicated theme parks like Sanrio Puroland in Tokyo and Harmonyland in Ōita, Japan (Hello Kitty, At 50, Hello Kitty is as 'kawaii' and lucrative as ever). Her enduring “kawaii” (cute) appeal transcends generations and cultures, making Hello Kitty a global icon and a cornerstone of your curated kawaii product collection.