Support the fact-based journalism you rely on with a donation to Marketplace today. Give Now!

Hello Kitty turns 50

Nov 1, 2024
Hello Kitty, the famous Japanese character, turns 50 today. She's earned billions for Sanrio, which created Hello Kitty and other cute characters. But it hasn't always been smooth sailing for the business.
The character is beloved by millions worldwide and has been the face of its parent company, Sanrio, for half a century.
John Keeble/Getty Images

How Japan's superfans taught the world to love pop culture

Jun 17, 2020
Author Matt Alt describes how Japan's pop culture, and its superfans, shaped sensibilities the world over.
A shop in New York celebrates Hello Kitty's 45th birthday in 2019. Japanese pop culture is known far and wide.
Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images