Who is Hello Kitty? We doubt we need to tell you; the bow-wearing cartoon Japanese Bobtail cat is the center of a brand that is now worth billions and has been licensed for products ranging from children’s TV to computer games to jewelry. But why has she become so globally popular?
Hello Kitty – or, to use her full name, Kitty White – was created by designer Yuko Shimizu in 1974 for the Japanese company Sanrio. She was created as a resident of England, then a popular travel destination for many of the young Japanese schoolgirls that the character was originally intended for.
However, the character has gained a much broader appeal since – to the extent that there are now even various eateries offering food decorated with Hello Kitty’s cute face. One of the most awe-inspiring of these outlets is the Hello Kitty-themed Chinese restaurant that officially opened in Hong Kong in June; CNN Money‘s Sophia Yan recently visited to try the food and chat to customers.
Yan also looks closer at how Hello Kitty has grown in popularity, and even how love of Hello Kitty seems to be continuing in newer generations. So, to the undoubted delight of millions, it looks like the little white feline isn’t going away at any time soon.
