Hello Kitty's Story: History, Age, & More Snacks

RuffRuff Apps by Tsun

Sanrio’s Beginnings

Before we dive into Hello Kitty’s origin, it’s essential to understand the company behind her—Sanrio. Sanrio originally started as a silk-producing company in Japan in the 1960s. However, it quickly expanded into the world of merchandise. One of their first major hits was rubber sandals featuring the character Strawberry, Sanrio’s first official creation. The sandals sold remarkably well, encouraging the company to hire cartoonists to develop more kawaii (cute) characters to appeal to consumers.

This strategy helped Sanrio branch into various industries, including greeting cards, stationery, school supplies, and accessories. Eventually, in 1975, the company introduced a small vinyl coin purse that would launch an icon: Hello Kitty. This moment marked the beginning of Sanrio’s focus on character-based branding, a strategy that catapulted the company to global fame.

Who Is Hello Kitty? The Hello Kitty Story

Hello Kitty first appeared in 1975 on that now-iconic clear vinyl purse. Her design was simple yet endearing—she had a large head, a red bow, and sat beside a fishbowl and milk bottle. Underneath her image, the word “Hello” was printed, signaling her warm and friendly personality.

She was created a year earlier in 1974 by illustrator Yuko Shimizu. Her official birthday is November 1, 1974, and she was given the name Kitty White. Interestingly, Hello Kitty isn’t Japanese in her story’s background—she’s portrayed as a young British girl living in London, inspired by the fascination with British culture and goods in 1970s Japan.

Who Made Hello Kitty? Who Is Yuko Shimizu?

Yuko Shimizu was one of the first artists hired by Sanrio to help create original characters. Despite facing opposition from her parents, who disapproved of her artistic aspirations, she pursued a career in advertising, which eventually led her to Sanrio.

Her work was heavily influenced by anime, manga, and traditional Japanese aesthetics, blending Western themes with Japanese cuteness. Though Shimizu only worked on Hello Kitty during her early years at Sanrio, her creation became a massive success, sparking a franchise that continues to grow.

Debunking the Myths of Hello Kitty: The “Dark” Story

There are plenty of urban legends surrounding Hello Kitty, including the infamous myth that she was created as part of a deal with the devil—a rumor born from her lack of a mouth and a misinterpreted backstory. However, these are purely fictional and have been debunked by Sanrio.

Another common misconception is that Hello Kitty is a cat. She’s not. According to Sanrio, Hello Kitty is a little girl, specifically a British third-grader who loves apple pie and enjoys spending time with her twin sister, Mimmy. She even has a pet cat named Charmmy Kitty, which often confuses fans even more.

When Did Hello Kitty Start Becoming Popular?

Hello Kitty’s popularity exploded shortly after she debuted in the U.S. in 1976. The combination of adorable products, strategic branding, and a growing fascination with Japanese pop culture helped Hello Kitty cross into international markets.

Here are some major milestones:

COIN PURSE

That original clear coin purse was the start of the Hello Kitty craze. It became a staple in the emerging kawaii culture of Japan.

TOYS & BRAND COLLABS

By 1976, Sanrio began licensing Hello Kitty’s image to create a variety of products—from school supplies and backpacks to even credit cards and kitchenware. McDonald’s even launched Hello Kitty toys in Happy Meals, increasing her visibility among children.

TV SHOW

In the late 1980s, Hello Kitty and Friends aired, showcasing Hello Kitty and other Sanrio characters in animated adventures. The show was dubbed in English and aired across the U.S., Canada, and other countries, bringing Hello Kitty into Western homes.

HIGH-FASHION

By the 1990s, Hello Kitty products matured with their audience. Sanrio began producing Hello Kitty-themed fashion accessories and luxury items. Celebrities like Mariah Carey, Paris Hilton, and Lady Gaga helped popularize Hello Kitty among adults, turning her into a pop culture icon.

The Best Hello Kitty Treats

To celebrate Hello Kitty at home, you can enjoy some kitty-themed items from Bokksu! Bokksu has an entire box dedicated to cats, from an adorable cat-decorated glass to kitty-shaped sweets and treats. The Premium Cat Lover’s Box is also great for friends who love their felines. If you want to create your own box with snacks and goodies, you can purchase some items in the Cat Lover's Box separately, like the Premium Cat Glass.