The Japanese media franchise, Hello Kitty, has generated billions of dollars over decades. With over 50,000 product lines sold in more than 130 countries, the Hello Kitty brand has transcended language and cultural barriers to reach its 50th birthday.
But what accounts for the enduring appeal?
Born in Adelaide, Ms Kyriakopoulos says she first met Hello Kitty as a young girl, in her mother’s birth country, the Philippines."I was nine years old, it was just before my tenth birthday, and I have family in the Philippines. I headed over for an extended break over my birthday and Christmas, and I was over there and I spotted Hello Kitty. And it was really fascinating to me, because it was something that I hadn’t seen before in Australia.
"Hello Kitty is adaptable and easily incorporates various trends, which allows her to evolve with the times and align with changing thoughts and perspectives.""When we feel happy, Kitty shares in that joy, and when we're sad, she comforts us. She’s always there, providing a sense of companionship. Kitty is a character that easily allows for emotional connection."Dr Christine Yano is a professor of anthropology at the University of Hawaii.
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