Hello Kitty’s origins trace back to a WWII survivor whose near-death experience inspired a global symbol of peace, kindness, ...

“I wanted Hello Kitty to become more energetic,” she said. “And since she was the face of Sanrio, and was born as a symbol of friendship, I wanted to make lots of friends for her.” ...

Hello Kitty made her commercial debut the next year, appearing on a line of vinyl coin purses alongside several other new characters. She proved, by far, to be the company’s most popular new design.