Designed in 1974 by Yuko Shimizu (who is not believed to have made much money from her creation), Hello Kitty first appeared on a clear, vinyl coin purse – and has since grown into a merchandise ...

The design made its debut on a coin purse the next year and became an instant hit in Japan. As Hello Kitty's commercial success expanded beyond Asia, so did her personal profile. By the late 1970s ...

Created by Sanrio employee Yuko Shimizu in 1974, Hello Kitty did not – as many imagine – begin life as a cartoon. In fact, ...

In 1974, Hello Kitty's image debuted on a plastic coin purse and quickly gained worldwide popularity. Hello Kitty has also achieved significant commercial success. At one point, she was the ...