As Hi there Kitty turns 50, meet the Aussie superfan who spent a home deposit on her assortment

Key Factors

Hi there Kitty is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary on 1 November.
The Japanese popular culture icon has attracted followers of all ages the world over.
It is turn out to be an emblem of Japanese ‘kawaii’ (cute) tradition and gentle energy, an anthropologist says.

Victoria Kyriakopoulos was 9 years outdated when Hi there Kitty entered her life.

Now, 24 years later, she’s the proud proprietor of a large memorabilia assortment comprising hundreds of collectible figurines, gadgets of clothes and different merchandise.

“I attempt to not preserve monitor (of the the gathering’s value), nevertheless it’s most likely sufficient for a home deposit,” she informed SBS Japanese.

Victoria’s assortment of Hi there Kitty memorabilia numbers within the hundreds. Credit score: SBS

Created by Japanese firm Sanrio in 1974, the anthropomorphised white cat with a signature bow has since turn out to be a world popular culture icon.

The model’s internet value is estimated to be over $120 billion.

Initially marketed in the direction of preteen ladies in Japan, Hi there Kitty at this time captivates followers of all ages as an emblem of Japanese kawaii (cute) tradition.

Kyriakopoulos was born in Adelaide however first met Hi there Kitty within the Philippines, her mom’s nation, and was immediately spellbound.

“All the pieces was cute, all the things was pink,” she mentioned.

Whereas Victoria first thought her obsession can be only a part, the character continued to appeal her nicely into maturity.

My motive for liking Hi there Kitty has advanced, identical to Hi there Kitty has.

Victoria Kyriakopoulos

“The factor that basically excites me about Hi there Kitty goes abroad and discovering gadgets. I like to search out gadgets that I wouldn’t usually discover in Australia,” she mentioned.

Humble beginnings

Hi there Kitty first appeared on a coin purse in 1974.

Since these humble beginnings, she has appeared on almost each sort of merchandise conceivable, from stationery and clothes to snacks and electronics.

Hi there Kitty first appeared on a coin purse in 1974. Credit score: SBS

Her likeness has additionally been emblazoned on the aspect of buses and shinkansen (Japan’s well-known bullet trains).

“You may by no means purchase the entire assortment of Hi there Kitty, she is all over the place. And that’s the a part of the fun for me,” Kyriakopoulos mentioned.

The Melbourne-based journey author is counting the times until 1 November, when Hi there Kitty formally turns 50.

She might be flying to Japan for the official birthday celebration at Sanrio Puroland, a theme park dedicated to Hi there Kity and different Sanrio characters.

“For her (Hi there Kitty) to final 50 years, it’s unbelievable,” she mentioned.

‘Borderless enchantment’

Nobuko Burnfield, a Sydney-based former animator for Sanrio, attributed Hi there Kitty’s success to the “innocence and ease” of her design.

Former Sanrio workers member Naoko Madokoro with Hi there Kitty merchandise she designed (left), and former Sanrio animator Nobuko Burnfield (proper). Credit score: Naoko Madokoro/Nobuko Burnfield

“Hi there Kitty has a borderless enchantment — everybody can consider her as their very own cat, and she or he has a manner of coming into folks’s hearts. When Hi there Kitty knocks on the door, anybody will gladly let her in,” she defined.

Naoko Madokoro, one other former Sanrio workers member who lives in Japan, added that as a result of Hi there Kitty was designed and not using a mouth, folks simply empathise along with her.

“Once we really feel glad, Kitty shares in that pleasure, and after we’re unhappy, she comforts us. She’s all the time there, offering a way of companionship,” she mentioned.

Hi there Kitty has advanced over time. Credit score: PR Instances/Sanrio

“Kitty is a personality that simply permits for emotional connection and continues to evolve, adapting to altering occasions and views.”

An icon of ‘Cool Japan’

Dr Christine Yano is a professor of anthropology on the College of Hawaii and the writer of Pink Globalisation: Hi there Kitty’s Trek throughout the Pacific.

She mentioned she is “surprised” by the quantity of media play Hi there Kitty has acquired over time.

“That is one thing past what Sanrio created … Whether or not you name it nostalgia, or gentle energy for Japan, I’m surprised and stunned,” she mentioned.

In line with Yano, Hi there Kitty emerged amid the rise of ‘woman tradition’ as a shopper phenomenon.

“(That is) a world that Sanrio developed and exploited,” she mentioned.

Dr Christine Yano is the writer of Pink Globalisation: Hi there Kitty’s Trek throughout the Pacific. Credit score: Dr Christine Yano

The Japanese authorities additionally performed a task in Hi there Kitty’s success by integrating the character into its ‘Cool Japan’ initiative.

For instance, she cited the appointment of Sanrio’s icon because the ‘Ambassador of Tourism’ to Taiwan and Korea in 2008.

“This fiftieth anniversary may be very important, not only for the longevity of the product, however (for) one thing this product is touching in folks,” she mentioned.

At a time of unrest and uncertainty, “it speaks to sure sorts of want, even after 50 years.”

“These wants have modified (over time) however there appears to be all the time a sort of spot for one thing like Hi there Kitty. As the general public has advanced, Hi there Kitty has advanced, Japan and Sanrio have advanced.”

For Victoria, the anniversary is a “as soon as in a lifetime alternative” for connecting with others who share the identical ardour.

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