Hello Kitty Turns 40!

Hello Kitty (ハローキティ Harō Kiti), one of Japan’s trademark characters in the country’s kawaii (“cute” culture), turns 40 this year! Today, the Hello Kitty trademark is a $5-billion-a-year global phenomenon.It’s no surprise, since many different kinds of merchandise sold all around the world bear the popular brand. She is also one of the featured stars of Puroland, the Sanrio theme p ark in Japan

Hello Kitty was introduced by Shintaro Tsuji, the founder of Sanrio Co., Ltd. The company designs, licenses, and produces products focusing on Japan’s kawaii pop culture. Tsuji noticed an increase in sales in rubber sandals that had flowers painted on them. He hired a cartoonist to design cute characters for his merchandise. Yuko Shimizu then created Hello Kitty, and she was added to the lineup of Sanrio characters in 1974. She first appeared in Japan in vinyl coin purses. Hello Kitty made her debut appearance in the U.S. in 1976.

Japan is also known for its delicious fruits and the notorious square melon. Just when we think the Japanese have mastered the art of creating the perfect fruit, to commemorate Hello Kitty’s 40th year, Furano Melon in Hokkaido comes out with a melon that has the face of Hello Kitty etched onto its exterior rind. The tasty treat is called Furano Hello Kitty Melon (40th Anniversary Edition). Japan’s most popular cat is not only gracing lots of merchandise, from cakes to underwear, but the fresh fruit scene as well. The Furano Hello Kitty Melon (40th Anniversary Edition) comes in a special 40th Anniversary box featuring the popular kitty. Each melon weighs roughly 1.8 kilos, and the Furano Melon company will continue to accept orders until the end of July or until supply runs out. Only 400 limited edition melons will be made available for purchase for 5,000 yen each. For a popular character like Hello Kitty, turning 40 is as exciting as ever!