Cheerful pop culture icon Hello Kitty is kicking off a year of festivities in honor of her 50th anniversary. Since her debut in 1974, Hello Kitty has connected generations of people all over the world while sharing her positive message of friendship and kindness.
A cultural ambassador, Hello Kitty has influenced a variety of industries along the way, including fashion, beauty, food, music and design. The character helped introduce American audiences to a new aesthetic, opening doors for wider appreciation of Japanese pop culture and storytelling.
To celebrate this golden anniversary, Sanrio will host a range of programs throughout the year for Hello Kitty fans in the U.S., including an art exhibit in Los Angeles, original content on the Hello Kitty and Friends YouTube channel, exclusive collaborations, limited edition commemorative products, special appearances by Hello Kitty at major sporting events, new metaverse experiences on Roblox, celebrations in Hello Kitty Island Adventure on Apple Arcade, and more. Sanrio also announces several upcoming Hello Kitty Cafe openings across North America.
“An ambassador of friendship and kindness for the past 50 years, Hello Kitty has touched so many people globally and we want to share our appreciation for her fans by offering memorable Hello Kitty-inspired experiences — both IRL and digitally — all year long,” said Craig Takiguchi, Chief Operating Officer of Sanrio, Inc. “We look forward to commemorating this major milestone, while continuing to inspire people from around the world for the next 50 years with our vision of ‘One World, Connecting Smiles.’”
New content across YouTube, social media and in the digital gaming space will honor Hello Kitty’s milestone year. A new AR filter is available to fans on TikTok, featuring Hello Kitty dancing next to five popular landmarks in London, New York, Taiwan, Tokyo and Paris — each adorned with festive animations. Within Roblox, the My Hello Kitty Cafe experience will offer new interactive features each month for players to embrace the cheerful spirit of the beloved character, such as selecting from a range of Hello Kitty-inspired photo frames, dressing in Hello Kitty merchandise and accessories, and more super-cute surprises. Fans will also have the chance to explore a virtual Hello Kitty environment on ZEPETO, an immersive avatar-based social universe, featuring a variety of engaging activities celebrating the icon.
Sanrio is also extending the celebration by creating a virtual Puroland experience, which is an extension of the IRL theme park in Japan, taking place now through March 17. Fans can celebrate by exploring a variety of activities ranging from virtual parades to club events to performances by various artists. Access to the events varies and is available via VR headsets, gaming PCs, or YouTube streaming. Some events are free while others involve a paid component. All can be accessed through the event website for Sanrio Virtual Festival 2024.
Additionally, the Japan Society of Northern California (JSNC), which is committed to promoting understanding and friendship between the U.S. and Japan, has presented Hello Kitty with the Cultural Ambassador Award, recognizing her as an international symbol of peace and friendship.
Keep up with all of the anniversary fun, visit Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary site here, and follow @sanrio on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Pinterest, and @hellokitty on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Pinterest and subscribe to the Hello Kitty and Friends YouTube Channel.
