Hello Kitty Celebrates 50 Years of Popularity

Hello Kitty, the iconic character created by Sanrio, celebrates her 50th anniversary on November 1, continuing to generate millions for her creators. Despite being characterized as a 'little girl from London' rather than a cat, her simple design has proven to be an enduring money-spinner. A California woman, Helen, has amassed an extensive collection of Hello Kitty merchandise, prompting her husband to build her a special 'she-shed' to store it. The character has evolved from a vinyl coin purse into a global phenomenon, collaborating with high-end brands like Adidas and Balenciaga. Future projects include a Warner Bros movie and a new theme park set to open in Hainan, China. Sanrio's market cap has exceeded one trillion yen ($6.8 billion) under the leadership of CEO Tomokuni Tsuji, reflecting the character's lasting appeal.