Character · Consumer
Hello Kitty
Hello Kitty isn't a cartoon, she's a licensing machine: a mouthless mascot Sanrio rents to 50,000-plus manufacturers, turning cuteness into one of the highest-grossing franchises on Earth.
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· Ryan General
Labubu craze fuels China’s growing soft power
The runaway global success of Pop Mart’s Labubu collectibles is a symbol of China’s growing cultural influence in international markets. In the first half of 2025, Pop Mart reported revenue of 13.88 billion yuan ($1.93 billion), marking a 204% increase from the year before. Net…
· Bryan Ke
Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe coming to Los Angeles
Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe and merchandise store Sanrio Smile Shop are set to open at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Universal Citywalk on Friday. Dubbed the first of its kind in Los Angeles, Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe will offer adorable desserts like the Hello Kitty Mousse…
· Bryan Ke
King Charles references ‘Pokemon,’ ‘Hello Kitty’ during state banquet
King Charles made a surprising “Pokemon” reference while hosting a Japanese state banquet attended by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako on Tuesday. “I am only sorry to report that I haven’t had any better luck with more recent attempts at fishing – the Pokemon phrase ‘gotta…
· Bryan Ke
Hello Kitty is releasing a special Rubik’s Cube for her 50th anniversary
Sanrio has partnered with toy manufacturer MegaHouse to launch a special Rubik’s Cube in celebration of Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary this year. Key points:
· Bryan Ke
Thai village uses Doraemon plushy in prayer tradition for rainfall
Residents of a village in Thailand’s Nakhon Sawan province have revived their traditional rain-calling ritual using a Doraemon plush toy instead of a live cat, amid a prolonged dry spell and intense heat ravaging Thailand and Southeast Asia. Key points:
· Bryan Ke
More Hello Kitty Cafes coming to North America as character celebrates 50th anniversary
As Hello Kitty celebrates her 50th anniversary this year, parent company Sanrio is bringing a slew of programs and experiences for U.S. fans, including new Hello Kitty Cafe openings across North America. Breaking the news: Sanrio announced its plans in a press release Thursday…
· Michelle De Pacina
Hello Kitty voice actor announces departure from the character after 33 years
Megumi Hayashibara, the long-time voice actor for Hello Kitty, has announced her departure from the role. Goodbye, Kitty: Hayashibara’s announcement on Wednesday coincides with Hello Kitty’s official 50th birthday.
· Isa Peralta
Sanrio and Converse team up to release 4 All Star character colorways
Sanrio and Converse are teaming up once more on a special collaboration. What to expect: The new collaboration features Converse‘s iconic All Star sneaker in four colorways with different Sanrio characters.
· Isa Peralta
This is 2023’s most popular Sanrio character, according to worldwide poll
A recent popularity poll has revealed this year’s most-loved Sanrio character. About the poll: The poll for the 2023 Sanrio Character Awards, which was conducted from April 11 until May 26, saw over 450 characters battling it out for the top spot.
· Isa Peralta
Video: Hello Kitty covers ‘Sailor Moon’ theme song ‘Moonlight Densetsu’
Hello Kitty recently shared an official cover of the original “Sailor Moon” anime series’ opening theme song, “Moonlight Densetsu.” About the cover: On Friday, Sanrio’s official Hello Kitty Channel posted the adorable video.
· Bryan Ke
Kim Kardashian throws extravagant Hello Kitty-themed birthday party for daughter Chicago
Kim Kardashian recently threw a huge Hello Kitty-themed party for her 5-year-old daughter, Chicago. The event took place inside the 42-year-old reality TV star’s $60 million mansion in Hidden Hills, California, on Sunday.
· Celine Pun
See the long-awaited Nike x Hello Kitty sneakers set to drop just in time for summer
Sneakerheads are pumped for the new Nike x Hello Kitty Air Prestos sneakers collaboration. Those who missed out 18 years ago on the infamous first Nike x Hello Kitty sneakers collab — which is just about everyone — will have another chance to obtain a pair of Hello Kitty…
· Ryan General
‘She was ours’: How Hello Kitty went from being popular with Asian Americans in the ’70s to being a global icon
Her name is Kitty White. And she’s not a cat but a “happy girl with a heart of gold,” read the character’s official profile on Japanese company Sanrio. Hello Kitty may be one of the most recognizable and enduring cartoon characters in the world, but even for her most ardent…
· Bryan Ke
Japanese Luxury Bag for Carrying Watermelon is for Serious Fruit Lovers Only
Tsuchiya Kaban, a Japanese handbag maker, has created a luxury bag made from Italian luxury leather that specifically holds watermelons.
· Carl Samson
‘I’m Not Your Moodboard!’: Balenciaga Accused of Appropriating Vietnamese Designer’s Work
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to include a statement from Balenciaga to NextShark. An emerging Vietnamese fashion designer in Germany has accused Balenciaga of stealing, appropriating and profiting from her idea of female motorbike riders in Vietnam.
· Bryan Ke
Zojirushi X Hello Kitty Releases Insanely Popular Limited-Edition Rice Cooker and Thermos
Japanese appliance manufacturer Zojirushi and its U.S. branch Zojirushi America are releasing a limited-edition Hello Kitty rice cooker and stainless mug as part of the character’s 60th anniversary. The Zojirushi x Hello Kitty Automatic Rice Cooker & Warmer, which is exclusive…
· Bryan Ke
Hello Kitty’s 92-Year-Old Founder to Pass the Business to His Grandson
Hello Kitty founder Shintaro Tsuji is passing the torch to his 31-year-old grandson Tomokuni Tsuji as he steps down as CEO of Sanrio at the age of 92. Tsuji will retire from his position effective July 1, but will remain as Sanrio’s chairman, according to the statement released…
· Bryan Ke
Lana Condor Was Once Asked to ‘Be More Like Hello Kitty’ During Casting
Lana Condor, star of the Netflix sequel “To All The Boys: P.S. I Still Love You,” has revealed her experience with racism inside the casting room. The 22-year-old Vietnamese American actress told Teen Vogue that a casting person once asked her to “be more like Hello Kitty.”
· Ryan General
Hello Kitty Meals Are Coming to McDonald’s Singapore
McDonald’s Singapore has something special in store for Hello Kitty lovers. After recently treating customers with a collection of limited edition loungewear, the American fast-food chain is now launching an exclusive Hello Kitty carrier.
· Carl Samson
Balenciaga Just Released Hello Kitty Bags For Men
Balenciaga unveiled leather handbags sporting the iconic feline Hello Kitty at the recent Paris Fashion Week. Available in pink, white, and black, the bags feature the character’s ears, whiskers and signature red bow. The models presented the bags with a black satin-like…
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Hello Kitty connects to Sanrio, licensing, collabs, and global retail.
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Culture · character / licensing
Hello Kitty
Hello Kitty connects to Sanrio, the company behind the character and its licensing business.
Company · Japan · TYO:8136
Sanrio
Sanrio shows how character fandom becomes retail, licensing, collabs, parks, and global consumer demand.
Sanrio · Consumer · TYO:8136
Sanrio wants Hello Kitty to be more than merch.
If Hello Kitty already shows up in what you wear, gift, or collect, Sanrio now wants the same characters showing up in your next Switch play session too.
Explainer · Sanrio
Hello Kitty is not just something you buy anymore. Sanrio wants you to play inside the world.
Sanrio shows how character fandom becomes retail, licensing, collabs, parks, and global consumer demand.