Hello Kitty, the beloved pop culture icon who inspires happiness around the world, is kicking off a year of festivities in honor of her 50th anniversary.
A cultural ambassador, Hello Kitty has transcended generations and borders for 50 years, influencing a variety of industries along the way, including fashion, beauty, food, music and design. A pioneer of Japanese culture, she also introduced American audiences to a new aesthetic, opening doors for wider appreciation of Japanese pop culture and storytelling in America, and paving the way for other brands to follow. Hello Kitty is a symbol of friendship, kindness, and inclusivity, and is a powerful source of comfort, nostalgia, and self-expression for her fans.
To celebrate, Sanrio®, the parent company of Hello Kitty, will host a range of programs throughout the year for her devoted fans in the U.S., including a supercute 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 is also excited to announce several upcoming Hello Kitty Cafe openings across North America.
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 decorative and 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. Superfans 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.
Additionally, the Japan Society of Northern California (JSNC), known for its commitment 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.