The Timeless Allure of Hello Kitty: Unpacking Sanrio's Cultural Icon Hello Kitty has been a ubiquitous presence in Japanese pop culture for decades.
Its significance extends far beyond the cute, cartoonish exterior that first caught on with children and adults alike.
History of Hello Kitty in Japan's Pop Culture Landscape The character was created by Sanrio's founder, Shintaro Tomita, in 1974 as "Kitty White.