Ask Hello Kitty Designer Yuko Yamaguchi

You have been working with Hello Kitty for a while now and i just want to know how you keep your ideas for future projects fresh? And Why do you think Hello Kitty is so successful, she was even named a Japanese Ambassador recently.

Hi Yuko!

I am 28 and still a huge fan of Hello Kitty! What do you think has made her such an international icon?

Ennia

Hi Yamaguchi-san!

I have loved Hello Kitty since I was little and when I traveled to Japan, I was happy to see how much Hello Kitty was embraced as a national symbol, i.e. the ubiquitous Hello Kitty keychains depicting local landmarks and symbols in Japanese cities and prefectures.

How do you feel about Hello Kitty acting as one of Japan's ambassadors to the world? Do you think she represents Japan well?

How do you decide how Hello Kitty's image is used? I'm a big fan, but I'm sick of people making fun of Hello Kitty on guns, Hello Kitty on condoms, or on other items that seem to contradict her wholesome image. Is there an item that we will never see Hello Kitty on?

Hi,

I was wondering if there is going to be more Snowboarding products with the Hello Kitty branding. I would just love to buy a Hello Kitty snowboard and accessories!

Why did you kill Pochacco? He's my favorite!

Who did you base Hello Kitty off of?

After 28 years, what is your most favourite Hello Kity product?

How do you feel about the Imitation-Hello-Kitties? They're all over Chinatown!

People always ask about your inspiration for Hello Kitty, but what was the objective of creating such a character? Were you trying to make children happy, or were your intentions purely capitalist?

Will Hello Kitty ever get a mouth?

Hi I am a high school student in California and I have a friend who is obsessed with Hello Kitty things, putting it lightly. She even has a Hello Kitty sorbet making mug thing. Does Hello Kitty represent a part of your personality? And also, have you had kooky dreams with all the Sanrio characters before? Thank you!

Why do you think Hello Kitty has had such an enduring appeal?

Do you think Hello Kitty will be as popular in 2208 as she is now? Do you worry about passing on the design to someone else after your lifetime? How will she retain the same character?

Hello Kitty is practically a household name these days, but how did it become so? What brought it from a simple character you designed to the global icon it is today?

Are cats your favorite animals?

Do you ever reject an idea because it's too wild or weird for Hello Kitty?

What is the reason for your choosing of the name Hello Kitty? Weren't there any other names you considered? Is there some kind of symbolic meaning (to you) about that name or is it just based on a whim?

What has surprised you the most about the success of Hello Kitty over the years?

What prompted you to create such an icon? Did you intend to publicize it? In addition, the name Hello Kitty is quite ambiguous, how did you come to think of it?

^

After nearly 30 years working with Hello Kitty, she has obviously been a big part of your life - do you worry that you're running out of ideas? Have you thought about doing something else/retiring and what your life will be like with her no longer playing such a large role?

Why do you think Hello Kitty is appealing to people worldwide? Do you consider a worldwide (and not just Japanese) audice when creating these products?

Hi Ms. Yuko,

I love "Hello Kitty" very very much since when I was in High School, I passed it to my children, My collection is still intact in my cabinet during my high school in 1980's. I'm already in my 40's but still playing & collecting it. Can you please send me some picture of Hello Kitty as of today. Thanks.

Ghina