Hello Kitty Is Not a Cat and We’re Not OK

Hello Kitty Is Not a Cat and We're Not OK

As a dedicated fan of Hello Kitty for as long as I can remember, I was taken aback by the recent revelation that she is not actually a cat but rather a little girl from London. It feels like my childhood has been shattered! I always thought of her as a cute, quirky feline with a bow and no mouth. But now, I’ve learned that she walks and sits like a two-legged creature, and she even has a pet cat named Charmmy Kitty.


Goodbye, Kitty. 

During the excitement for Hello Kitty’s half-century anniversary on November 1st, followers of the beloved animated character discovered with surprise that her creator, Yuko Shimizu, had intended her to represent something other than a cat.

Jill Cook, Sanrio’s Retail Business Development Director, clarified on Today’s show on July 18 that Hello Kitty is not a feline creature. Instead, she is depicted as a young girl who grew up in London’s suburbs and has parents, as well as a twin sister named Mimmy, with whom she shares a close bond.

It’s understandable that some fans were perplexed by the latest revelation about Hello Kitty. Although she is commonly recognized as a cat with a red bow, her lack of a discernible mouth adds an element of mystery.

“So she looks like a cat with whiskers, ears, and the name ‘Kitty,’ but in reality, she’s human?” A TikTok user was taken aback by the clip from Today>.

Others felt like the fun fact completely changed their lives. 

“This fan has shared that they’ve loved Hello Kitty since they were young,” another person commented, “but I find it hard to believe, as they’re nearly 40 now.”

Back in 2014, during Hello Kitty’s 40th anniversary, there was a buzz about its species causing a stir once again – something that may come as a surprise to some.

At that point, anthropologist Christine R. Yano, known for her book “Pink Globalization: Hello Kitty’s Journey Through The Pacific,” was corrected forcefully by Sanrino as they prepared for a Hello Kitty exhibition at the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art. In the process of readying for this event, Yano’s understanding of the difference between the cat character and a little girl was challenged by Sanrino.

“She’s not a real-life character but rather a cartoon one. She appears as a small girl, yet she’s more than just a friend. She doesn’t behave like a cat, always moving on two legs. However, she does own a pet cat named Charmmy Kitty.”

Hello Kitty Is Not a Cat and We're Not OK

Simultaneously, some fans were taken aback to learn that Hello Kitty’s residence is in Britain. This beloved character, who debuted on a Japanese coin purse in 1974, was deliberately given a British upbringing and grew up in the outskirts of London.

In the 1970s, there was a strong fascination among the Japanese and Japanese women towards British culture, as expressed by Yano in an interview with the Los Angeles Times. This infatuation was rooted in the romanticized image of childhood and the idyllic lifestyle that Britain symbolized – much like a cozy white picket fence. Consequently, Hello Kitty was developed specifically to cater to these preferences.

Although fans may find it startling to discover that Hello Kitty has a hidden backstory, what might not come as a shock is the fact that she was designed to be beloved by all.

In simpler terms, Cook stated on “Today” that her friend’s main idea is about friendship, being kind, and welcoming everyone. This message resonates with people regardless of borders, languages, or cultures.

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2024-07-18 23:47