Hello Kitty, the global icon from Japan, is celebrating a momentous milestone: its 50th anniversary. To mark this occasion, Hello Kitty graced the iconic Tokyo Tower in a stunning, one-of-a-kind couture dress created by the fashion house doublet. The dress, a vibrant red, features over 300 knitted 2D ribbons, embodying the essence of Hello Kitty’s playful charm. This unforgettable appearance, captured in a series of charming photos, was a delightful spectacle, spreading joy to passersby and photography crew alike.
Hello Kitty’s enduring appeal lies in her embodiment of Sanrio’s core philosophy: “Everyone gets along.” Transcending borders, gender, age, and cultural backgrounds, Hello Kitty has become a symbol of kindness and inclusivity. Her simple yet powerful message of compassion and respect resonates with people across the globe, reminding us to treat others with empathy and understanding.
Beyond being a beloved character, Hello Kitty has consistently engaged in social initiatives that promote positive change. In 1994, she was appointed as a goodwill ambassador for the Japan Committee for UNICEF. More recently, Hello Kitty has partnered with the United Nations to release a series of videos titled “#HelloGlobalGoals,” raising awareness about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The reason for Hello Kitty’s enduring global appeal is best explained by a famous message from “the strawberry king” featured in Sanrio’s monthly magazine, “Strawberry News” (February 2018): “Kitty-chan doesn’t have a mouth drawn on her face. Why is that? She has eyes, ears, and a nose, but no mouth… there’s a reason for that. It’s actually a message that says kindness and consideration aren’t just expressed through words (speech) but through actions! Kitty-chan subtly teaches us that it’s essential to reach out and help those in need, putting ourselves in their shoes.”
Hello Kitty’s unwavering love and genuine desire for connection act as a bridge between people worldwide. This is, perhaps, the key to her enduring popularity. “Kitty always wants to get along with everyone and is always challenging herself to do new things! I’d be so happy if everyone in the world smiled and a circle of friends grew wider.”
As an iconic figure, Hello Kitty has also had a profound influence on youth culture, thanks to her diverse range of merchandise. Throughout the years, Hello Kitty has collaborated with numerous brands, creating limited edition collections and special series that resonate with fans. One memorable example is the “Sun-Kissed Kitty” from the 1990s, a popular representation of Hello Kitty embracing the trendy “gyaru” culture with tanned skin, colorful clothing, and vibrant accessories.
Hello Kitty’s ability to adapt and embrace trends reflects her playful spirit and desire to connect with her fans: “I like to imitate things that everyone enjoys doing. It always makes my heart race to challenge myself with new things. Thanks to that, I meet new friends and see everyone smiling. So, I always feel like I’m glad I tried it! When I tried out the gyaru fashion, I was worried if it would suit me, but I was so happy that I could match with everyone!”
The theme of Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary, “Let’s become friends with the future,” captures her unwavering commitment to being a constant presence in people’s lives. “Kitty hopes to always be by everyone’s side, someone they can talk to about anything. And to make the future even happier for everyone in the world, Kitty wants to continue to challenge herself with lots of new things!”
Hello Kitty, born on November 1st in the suburbs of London, is known as Kitty White. She stands five apples tall and weighs three apples. She’s a bright and kind girl who enjoys music and English. Her favorite food is apple pie made by her mother, and she loves baking cookies and playing the piano. Her dream is to become a pianist or a poet.
To celebrate Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary, the “Hello Kitty Exhibition – When I Change, Kitty Changes” will be held at the Tokyo National Museum (Hyokeikan Building) from November 1st, 2023, to February 24th, 2025.
For inquiries, please contact Enker at 03-6812-9897. Photos: Ittetsu Matsuoka Styling: doublet Text: Mina Oba Editors: Yaka Matsumoto, Rieko Shibazaki
