Hello Kitty, a character that has transcended its origins to become a global cultural and economic phenomenon, was born out of the creative vision of Sanrio, a Japanese company founded by Shintaro Tsuji in 1960. Initially focused on producing accessories, Sanrio discovered the power of 'kawaii' or cuteness in boosting product appeal, leading to the creation of Hello Kitty in 1974 by designer Yuko Shimizu (Pixartprinting). This simple yet endearing character, a white cat with a red bow and no mouth, was strategically given a British background to resonate with the Japanese fascination with foreign cultures, particularly Britain (Wikipedia).
Hello Kitty's design, characterized by its simplicity and lack of a mouth, allows for universal emotional projection, making it relatable across cultures and generations.
