Hello Kitty, the globally recognized character, adorns everything from stationery to high fashion, even gracing unexpected items like bowling balls and motor oil. Her image is ubiquitous, a symbol of cuteness and Japanese pop culture. But despite her whiskered face and feline features, there’s a surprising truth that has recently resurfaced and captivated the internet: Hello Kitty is not a cat.
This revelation, initially brought to light by anthropologist Christine R. Yano, curator of the “Hello! Exploring the Supercute World of Hello Kitty” exhibition at the Japanese American National Museum, has challenged the long-held assumptions of millions of fans worldwide. For decades, Hello Kitty has been perceived as a cat, but Sanrio, the Japanese company behind her creation, has firmly stated otherwise. So, what exactly is Hello Kitty if not a cat? Let’s delve into the fascinating details behind this beloved icon’s true identity and explore why this distinction matters.
Sanrio Sets the Record Straight: Hello Kitty is a Girl
The clarification came when Christine R. Yano, while preparing descriptive texts for the Hello Kitty retrospective, referred to the character as a cat. Sanrio promptly corrected her, emphasizing that Hello Kitty is, in fact, a “cartoon character” and, more specifically, “a little girl.” This wasn’t a minor semantic point; it was a fundamental aspect of Hello Kitty’s design and backstory.
Hello Kitty merchandise featuring her iconic bow
Yano explained in an interview that Sanrio’s insistence on this point was unequivocal. Hello Kitty walks and sits upright like a human, and even has her own pet cat named Charmmy Kitty. This distinction is crucial to understanding the character’s intended persona. The “blankness” of her design, as Yano describes it, with her lack of a mouth, allows for a wide range of interpretations and emotional projections from her audience. This ambiguity is a key factor in her enduring appeal across diverse cultures and age groups.
Beyond Kawaii: The Cool Factor of a Blank Canvas
Hello Kitty transcends the typical “kawaii,” or cute, culture often associated with Japanese characters. While undeniably adorable, there’s a “cool factor” that elevates her beyond mere sweetness. Her adaptable design allows her to be reimagined in countless contexts, from punk rock merchandise to high art installations.
Tom Sachs' Hello Kitty sculpture, showcasing artistic interpretations of the character
Unlike overtly cute characters that might be perceived as saccharine, Hello Kitty possesses a versatile image. She can be innocent and playful, yet also edgy and fashionable. This versatility, combined with the initial “blankness” of her features, is what makes her relatable and appealing to a broad spectrum of fans, contributing to her sustained popularity for over four decades.
A British Girl from London: Unveiling Kitty White’s Backstory
Adding another layer to Hello Kitty’s identity is her detailed backstory. She isn’t just any little girl; she’s Kitty White, a British girl living just outside of London. Sanrio crafted a complete biography for her, including her birthday (Scorpio), her love for apple pie, and her family – parents George and Mary White, and twin sister Mimmy.
Hello Kitty and Mimmy, highlighting the twin sister often overlooked
This British identity was deliberately chosen in the 1970s, a time when Japanese culture was fascinated with the idealized image of Britain. It represented a romanticized notion of childhood and a peaceful, idyllic lifestyle. This carefully constructed persona resonated strongly with the Japanese market and contributed to Hello Kitty’s initial success.
A Special Connection with Asian Americans
Interestingly, Hello Kitty holds a unique significance for Asian Americans, particularly those who grew up in the United States during the 1970s. When she first arrived in the US, Hello Kitty was predominantly found in Asian communities like Chinatowns and Japantowns. For many Asian Americans, she became a symbol of their identity, a cultural touchstone that was “theirs” before she achieved mainstream popularity.
This historical context adds depth to the “Hello! Exploring the Supercute World of Hello Kitty” exhibition at the Japanese American National Museum. It’s not just a retrospective of a popular character; it’s a reconnection with a figure that holds a special place in the hearts of a specific community.
More Than Meets the Eye: The Enduring Mystery of Hello Kitty
So, Hello Kitty is not a cat, but a little girl, a cartoon character, a British icon, and a symbol of cultural identity for many. This revelation, while surprising to some, enriches our understanding of this beloved character. It underscores the deliberate choices behind her creation and the multifaceted appeal that has made her a global phenomenon. As Hello Kitty continues to evolve and capture the hearts of new generations, her true identity as a little girl adds another layer of intrigue to her already fascinating story. Perhaps, it is this very element of surprise and ongoing reinterpretation that ensures Hello Kitty’s timeless charm and enduring legacy.
