Tokyo, Oct 30 (EFE).- The iconic Japanese character Hello Kitty will turn 50 on Friday and to celebrate, the Tokyo National Museum opened an exhibition this Wednesday that reflects the evolution over the last five decades of the universe that surrounds this cat with human appearance.
The origin of the world-famous Hello Kitty dates back to 1974, when the Japanese Yuko Shimizu included her in the design of a vinyl purse for the Sanrio company, ‘Le Petit Purse’, inspired by the cat from the book ‘Through the Looking Glass’. and what Alice found there’, by Lewis Carroll.
The small purse was the first in a long list of Hello Kitty merchandising products that range from more conventional varieties, such as stuffed animals, keychains, stickers or mugs, to the more original ones, such as hair dryers, televisions or spices, displayed at the Tokyo National Museum.
The exhibition, called ‘When I Change, Kitty Changes’, compiles the largest range of Hello Kitty items ever on display and aims to show how the character has adapted to the cultural changes that have taken place over the past 50 years.
Despite not having a very developed backstory, its success is global and is due to the fact that it has been part of people’s lives, especially their childhoods.
Precisely this aspect is what several artists have wanted to recreate for the commemorative exhibition in the Japanese capital, with paintings that show young people listening to music with cat-shaped helmets or tasting cakes that simulate their faces, among other scenes, with the idea to convey that Kitty “does what her fans do.”
The exhibition also features products from the famous character’s collaborations with multiple and varied brands, including Nike, New Era, Beams and McDonald’s, and Hello Kitty varieties for different prefectures in Japan.
According to its creators, Hello Kitty “weighs three apples and is five apples tall”, was born and lives in the suburbs of London, along with her twin sister Mimmy, her parents and her pet Charmmy Kitty, and is considered the first product of the popular Japanese ‘kawaii’ trend, which means ‘cute’ in the native language.
Shimizu originally created the character seated, looking to the right and with a dark blue overalls and a red bow on her head that characterizes her, but until reaching her third and current official designer, the Japanese Yuko Yamaguchi, her figure has adopted multiple poses and clothing.
Hello Kitty is the most famous character of the Sanrio company, which also developed the well-known Coro Chan, My Melody, Kuromi, Cinnamoroll, Keroppi or Pompompurin, although her original name is Kitty White.
It does not have a mouth because it aims to convey that “kindness and compassion should not only be spoken, but also shown with attitudes,” according to Sanrio, which has also revealed other relevant personal details of the cat, such as the size of its head is proportional to the of the rest of your body or that your blood group is A.
She is different from her twin sister because of the color of the bow that they both wear on their heads – Hello Kitty’s is red and Mimmy’s is yellow – and her parents are called George and Mary.
Although it is known throughout the world, its presence in Japan is highly notable and ranges from accessories such as bags and backpacks visible on the streets of Tokyo to the “shinkansen” (Japanese bullet trains) decorated with its design or the Tokyo theme park Sanrio. Puroland, focused on this and other characters of the firm.
In this same year of its anniversary, the Taiwanese airline EVA Airways also began to “dress” the planes on its Taipei-Chicago (United States) route with Hello Kitty.
The exhibition ‘When I change, Kitty changes’ can be seen in Tokyo from this Friday, November 1, the day she turns 50, until February 24, 2025, and then it will move to Okinawa (southern Japan), until May 11.
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**Interview with Yuko Shimizu: Celebrating 50 Years of Hello Kitty**
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, Yuko! Thank you for joining us today. As the original creator of Hello Kitty, how does it feel to see your character turn 50 and to have this amazing exhibition at the Tokyo National Museum?
**Yuko Shimizu:** Thank you for having me! It’s truly a remarkable moment to see Hello Kitty celebrated in such a significant way. I never imagined that a simple design I created in 1974 would resonate with so many people and evolve over the years.
**Interviewer:** The exhibition titled “When I Change, Kitty Changes” showcases Hello Kitty’s remarkable adaptability through the decades. Can you explain what inspired that concept?
**Yuko Shimizu:** The concept came from the idea that Hello Kitty is not just a character but a reflection of cultural changes. Over the years, she has adapted to various styles and trends, just like her fans. The exhibition displays not only the range of merchandise but also how she has “grown” with her audience.
**Interviewer:** Hello Kitty has inspired countless products, from traditional stuffed animals to more unique collaborations with brands like Nike and McDonald’s. What do you think is the secret behind her universal appeal?
**Yuko Shimizu:** I believe her appeal lies in her simplicity and cuteness—the ‘kawaii’ aspect of Japanese culture. She’s relatable because she embodies childhood nostalgia. There’s also the absence of a complex backstory that allows everyone to draw their interpretations and connections with her.
**Interviewer:** Can you tell us a bit about the artistic contributions to the exhibition? What role do you think art plays in Hello Kitty’s legacy?
**Yuko Shimizu:** The artistic contributions are wonderful! They encapsulate how different generations perceive Hello Kitty. Artists have depicted her in various modern contexts, highlighting how she integrates into daily life, whether it’s through music or food. Art is crucial to her legacy as it shows that she is not just a character but a cultural icon.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, how do you envision the future of Hello Kitty? Will she continue to evolve with changing times?
**Yuko Shimizu:** Absolutely! I believe Hello Kitty will keep evolving. As society changes, she will adapt to new themes and trends, while still maintaining her core identity. The key is to remain relevant while staying true to the essence of what makes her special.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Yuko! Your insights about Hello Kitty’s journey and popularity are inspiring. We look forward to seeing how she continues to touch lives in the future.
**Yuko Shimizu:** Thank you! It’s my pleasure to share her story, and I am excited for what lies ahead.
