Hello Kitty Basic Information
Hello Kitty with her signature red bow
Hello Kitty
💭Cartoon Chat with Hello KittyCreation Info
First Appearance
1974 (on a vinyl coin purse)
Creator
Yuko Shimizu (original designer), Yuko Yamaguchi (current designer)
Series
Hello Kitty (Sanrio franchise)
Copyright
© SANRIO CO., LTD.
Identity
Species
Gijinka / Anthropomorphic character (officially a little girl, appears as a white Japanese Bobtail cat)
Gender
Female
Age
Perpetually in the 3rd grade
Birthday
November 1
Occupation
Student
Hello Kitty's Appearance
Physical Features
Height
Said to be 'five apples tall'
Body Type
Small, stylized anthropomorphic figure
Color Scheme
Primarily white with black eyes and nose. Features a signature bow.
Signature Style
Outfit
Often wears a blue overall dress or similar simple outfits, but her look varies widely across different media and merchandise.
Catchphrase
While she doesn't have a verbal catchphrase due to her lack of a mouth, her tagline is often considered 'You can never have too many friends!'
Accessories
Iconic red bow worn over her left ear (her twin sister Mimmy wears a yellow bow over her right ear).
Character Background
Origin Story
Hello Kitty (Kitty White) was created by Sanrio in 1974, designed by Yuko Shimizu. She was conceived as a symbol of friendship and kindness, initially aimed at young girls but quickly gaining global appeal across all ages. She lives in the suburbs of London, England with her family.
Character Timeline
Debut
Hello Kitty first appears on a small vinyl coin purse in Japan.
US Introduction
Hello Kitty merchandise is introduced to the United States.
Global Phenomenon
Hello Kitty becomes a multi-billion dollar global franchise encompassing merchandise, animation, theme parks, and collaborations.
Hello Kitty's Personality
Personality Traits
- Kind-hearted
- Bright and optimistic
- Friendly and sociable
- Polite
- Loves making new friends
- Enjoys baking (especially apple pie and cookies)
- Loves her family
- Generous
Strengths
- Making friends
- Baking
- Spreading kindness and positivity
- Universally appealing design
Weaknesses
- (Design-wise) Lack of mouth limits explicit verbal expression
- Sometimes portrayed as overly simplistic (though has depth in some narratives)
Goals
- To make friends all over the world
- To spread happiness and kindness
Fears
- Not explicitly defined, generally portrayed as brave and optimistic.
Hello Kitty's Gallery
Hello Kitty's Abilities
Special Powers
- None inherently magical.
Skills
- Baking (especially cookies and apple pie)
- Making friends
- Playing the piano
- Spreading kindness
Hello Kitty's Relationships
Family Members
Friends
Awards & Recognition
- Sanrio and Hello Kitty have received numerous branding and licensing awards.
Cultural Influence
Pop Culture Impact
Hello Kitty is a global icon of Japanese kawaii culture and one of the highest-grossing media franchises in the world. Her simple, adaptable design appears on an endless array of products and collaborations, recognized instantly worldwide.
Social Impact
She serves as a symbol of friendship, kindness, and communication that transcends language barriers (partially attributed to her lack of mouth, allowing people to project their own feelings onto her). She has served as a UNICEF ambassador.