The curiosity and admiration surrounding Hello Kitty can be attributed to several reasons, right from its iconic design to its cultural appeal; the small animated cartoon is sure to evoke nostalgia among many of us.
Over the years, Hello Kitty has managed well to showcase its elements of Japanese Kawaii culture while at the same time gaining global popularity; its global phenomenon has led to people wanting to learn more about the character and its cultural context.
Read to know why the cartoon character from the 70s still fascinates many to this date!
Is Hello Kitty a Human or a Cat?
Hello Kitty is not a human but also not a cat. She is a cartoon character known as a โlittle girl,โ as she doesnโt possess any cat-like features. For instance, she walks on two legs and sits just like humans. For the unversed, Hello Kitty is a personification of the Japanese Bobtail cat, also known as Gijinka, who looks exactly like a cat but isnโt one!
Even though Hello Kitty is often referred to as a “cat,” her appearance is that of an anthropomorphic white cat with human-like features. According to official statements from Sanrio, the company that created Hello Kitty, she is not a cat but rather a “little girl.”
Sanrio has clarified that Hello Kitty is a fictional character with her own unique identity and backstory. Despite her feline appearance, she is portrayed as a young girl with a distinct personality, family, and interests. This playful blurring of the lines between human and animal characteristics contributes to her charm and relatability.
What Makes Hello Kitty So Popular?
One of the key factors contributing to Hello Kitty’s enduring success is Sanrio’s ingenious merchandising strategy. Over the years, Hello Kitty has appeared on various products, ranging from stationery and clothing to toys, household items, and even food products.
Her image is licensed to various companies, creating a massive market for Hello Kitty-themed merchandise that spans generations and cultures.
Kitty is characterized by her distinctive appearance, which includes her round face, large round eyes, and small button nose. She lacks a mouth, which allows people to project their emotions and thoughts onto her, making her easily relatable and universally appealing.
Her design emphasizes simplicity and cuteness, which are hallmarks of Japan’s kawaii (cute) culture.
Does Hello Kitty Have a TV Series?
Yes, Hello Kitty does have several TV series. One of the most well-known TV series featuring Hello Kitty is “Hello Kitty’s Furry Tale Theater,” which aired in the late 1980s. In this show, Hello Kitty and her friends acted out various fairy tales in a fun and imaginative way.
Other Hello Kitty TV shows and animated specials have also been released over the years. However, these may vary in art style, themes, and target audience, but Hello Kitty has indeed been a popular character in the world of animation and television.
The 2008 animated series โThe Adventures of Hello Kitty and her friendsโ had a total of 52 episodes, as Kitty and her friends in the series navigated their lives through love, friendships, and values.
What do you think about Hello Kittyโs mouth? Do you know any backstory about it? Have you watched any of the series of the popular Kitten?
Do you have invested in any of its famous merchandise? Let us know below!
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