Hello Kitty is an iconic fictional character that embodies the artistic nature of kawaii culture. This popular pop culture icon was created and designed by Yuko Shimizu, a Japanese designer and illustrator. The character of Hello Kitty combines Japanese heritage and a range of social issues, including culture, sex, race and identity.
Hello Kitty influences creativity and cultivates the collaborations of other designers by combining the original character of Hello Kitty and their own individual style. Often Hello Kitty is identified by her iconic big red bow, representing human connections, that sits on top of her right ear.
The obsession for Hello Kitty has rapidly increased over the years, from being a kids collectors item to migrating into mainstream fashion and accessories.The seemingly innocent character could embody an array of emotions which could be interpreted by the eye of the beholder due to its mouthless appearance and expressionless features.
Hello Kitty is such a diverse character that could take many shapes and forms all depending on the creator. Throughout the years Hello Kitty has become a cultural phenomenon in Japan, her influence has extended to fashion, music, art and other popular culture. The term “kawaii” translates to cute and this would be an appropriate word to describe the character of Hello Kitty, as she is cute and joyful.
The influence of Hello Kitty has no bounds, all across the globe people have recreated this icon, adding their own designs to her character. Sanrio in which Hello Kitty along with other animated characters feature in has captured the heart of many individuals because of their symbol of friendship, this relationship has boosted the popularity of Hello Kitty further.
The universal relatability of this character has connected with many individuals of all audiences because of the ability to project your expressions onto this blank canvas of a character. The embodiment of Hello Kitty has represented the positive aspects of humanity: human connection, kindness, general welfare and acts of selfishness.
The inspiration behind Hello Kitty was from Shimizu’s childhood and the memory of a white kitten she previously owned, and that is how the world icon of Hello Kitty was born. Much to others’ agreements, Hello Kitty is not a cat, although she does share the same features of a cat there are defining features setting her apart, those being that she is stood upright. Hello Kitty’s name is actually Kitty White which comes with the backstory of her being born in England and is in fact an 8 year old girl.
I personally identify and love the character of Hello Kitty because of how diverse she is and the joy she brings through her cheery exterior. Hello Kitty has been a pillar of many childhood’s and will continue to influence the future generations.