Hello Kitty: Connecting the World with "Kawaii"
BY ANA-CHRISTINE LOUIE / JCCCW GANBARU INTERN
Hello Kitty show at the Sanrio Puroland in Tokyo (Photo: Masaya Anan / Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
Say hello to Hello Kitty — the character with a cute bow and a face that holds a blank canvas, waiting to be filled with your emotions. Despite her appearance, she is not a cat; she’s actually a little girl named Kitty White from West London, not Japan! Hello Kitty emerged in the 1970s when British culture was all the rage in Japan. Yet Hello Kitty is not just a character, she’s a symbol of joy and connection that has touched the hearts of millions worldwide. In this blog post, we will embark on a journey through the captivating world of Hello Kitty, where we’ll explore her origins, cultural significance, and the special place she holds in her own life.
How Was Hello Kitty Born?
The founder of Sanrio, Shintaro Tsuji, initially began his career in the sandal business. However, as the demand for sandals with floral paintings began to surge, Tsuji pivoted his company’s focus toward rebranding “Sanrio.” Hello Kitty first appeared in 1974, when she was created by Yuko Shimizu, a Japanese designer working for the Sanrio company. She was first introduced on a vinyl coin purse and therefore had gained worldwide fame. Moreover, Hello Kitty rose to even greater prominence when several celebrities, including Mariah Carey and Lady Gaga, embraced her as a fashion statement. For Hello Kitty enthusiasts visiting Japan, the must-go destinations are two theme parks, Puroland in Tokyo (opened in 1990) and Harmonyland in Oita (opened 1991).
Cultural Significance of Hello Kitty
Hello Kitty defies conventional norms with her distinctive appearance, characterized by a round face and minimalist features. This unique aesthetic seamlessly captures the essence of the Japanese concept known as “Kawaii,” a term loosely translated as “cuteness” in English. It’s a cultural phenomenon that celebrates all things adorable.
Hello Kitty’s enduring charm is rooted in the elegant simplicity of her design, a secret to her remarkable success. Her unique feature, the absence of a mouth, intentionally fosters personal connections as an individual of all ages to project their feelings onto her, turning her into a universally relatable character. Whether you’re happy or sad, Hello Kitty mirrors your emotions, and her missing mouth serves as an open invitation for a deep and personal connection, transcending language and culture.
Hello Kitty’s bag sold at the All Things Japanese Sale at the JCCCW in 2021
(LEFT) Hello Kitty’s jubako (lit. "tiered boxes") sold at the Hosekibako Japanese Resale Shop at the JCCCW
My connection with Hello Kitty traces back to my earliest memories, a shared journey that began in my childhood. Collecting Hello Kitty plush toys, and flipping through Hello Kitty coloring books. As I grew, so did my diverse collection of Hello Kitty. What makes Hello Kitty truly special is her incredible adaptability, reflected in the diverse range of themes she embodies. Whether dressed in traditional Taiwanese garments or Hawaiian beachwear, Hello Kitty effortlessly embraces various cultures, each piece telling a unique and heartwarming story.
Hello Kitty was a symbol of Asian American identity, especially for those growing up in the U.S. She served as a bridge connecting our heritage roots to our lives in the United States — a comforting presence that helped us navigate the complexities of our identity. She has been a source of joy, comfort, and cultural connection. Through adolescence and into adulthood, my connection with Hello Kitty evolved. No longer carrying a Hello Kitty backpack to work, I discovered Hello Kitty had grown up alongside me. Sanrio’s marketing transformed her into an icon for adult women, with products like handbags and makeup nearing her timeless charm.
What’s Your Connection with Hello Kitty?
A bullet train in Japan with Hello Kitty decorations (Photo: Rsa / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0)
As we celebrate the enduring charm of Hello Kitty, I invite you to share your own Hello Kitty stories and experiences. Whether you encountered her as a child or as an adult, Hello Kitty has a unique way of creating connections and spreading joy. In a world filled with complexities, she reminds us of the simple happiness that can be found in a cute, mouthless character with a bow. So, here’s to Hello Kitty and the millions of smiles she’s inspired around the globe!