The Impacts of Kitty Cat

Japanese is a place that created many famous manga characters all over the world such as: Pikachu, Naruto, Goku, Vegeta, Sailor Moon... And Kitty Cat ( Hello Kitty ) is one of these as well. Kitty Cat was created by Yuko Shimizu designer, Sanrio Company, Japan. It had first appearance in 1974, and 2 years later, it appeared first time in America in 1976. Kitty Cat is known as a white cat with a big head. Especially, Kitty doesn't have tail. However, Hello Kitty look like so cutely. In addition, Kitty Cat is also known with other name "Kawaii" ( mean : Cute ).


Hello Kitty is a highly recognizable character known throughout the world. A white kitten with
two small black eyes, an orange nose, no mouth and a pink bow on her left ear, Hello Kitty has
become a symbol of cuteness. In Japan, this cuteness is called “kawaii”, and it is part of the
culture (Bremner). In America, this cuteness is part of our obsession with youth. Hello Kitty is
not just a trend; after 36 years the little kitten is still appearing on a range of products ("Sanrio
Company," 2009). Hello Kitty appeals to the young and innocent, as well as women who are
attracted to the young and cute appeal.


Hello Kitty originated in Japan, where the citizens are one of the main consumers of the
products. Not only are the citizens avid customers, but their culture also embraces the character. “Kawaii” is composed of several different components that make up ‘cute’. Being very small, innocent, young, dependent, round, pastel in color and animal-like create the cuteness that is essential to the Japanese culture. “Kawaii” attracts people of all ages. The young are especially attracted to this, particularly the aspect of objects being very small. Hello Kitty is tiny, “the weight of three apples” to be exact, and also appears on very small products such as pens, band-aids, and miniature toys. These small items appeal to young Japanese girls because they can easily be carried anywhere and are easily held by small hands. The children relate this small, rounded character to being safe and nice, which makes for a comforting belonging in a mostly strict society.

Eventhough Kitty Cat was created in Japan, it is a popular character around the world. And America is a exception as well. Hello Kitty is liked by every aged groups. Especially is young people. In America, they had had a notion that the old person are often incompetent, unproductive and cranky for a long time. So they belived that Hello Kitty could make them getting younger. Women embrace the sensation of Hello Kitty to feel young again. Many women grew up with the cute character and she returns them to their younger life and brings back memories of childhood. Emily Funicello, 18, and collector of the brand for eight years states, “Since I started liking Hello Kitty at a young age I still have that same feeling when I see her products. There are Hello Kitty products for little kids all the way up to adults, so rather than growing out of her, people can continue to relate to her.” Hello Kitty can make women continue to feel youthful. Sanrio recognizes the desire from these women and in return has created products such as toasters, waffle irons, hair-dryers, purses and clothing.

Kitty Cat has really profound effects on people not only Japanese but also everybody all over the world. It has become an icon for not only young people but also for the millions of billions of women all over the world. So Hello Kitty is always a pride Japanese. Because  of this famousness, Sanrio company can earn billions of dollars every year. This may reflect the impacts of Kitty cat in the world.