Happy Birthday Hello Kitty

Today, November 1st, is Kitty Chan's, aka Hello Kitty's, Birthday. It celebrates the official birthday of one of Japan's most beloved characters. According to Sanrio, Kitty White, better known around the world as Hello Kitty, was born on 1 November 1974, making this date a fitting occasion for fans to celebrate the iconic character.

Designed by Sanrio, Hello Kitty is instantly recognisable by the red ribbon worn on her left ear. Although inspired by a cat, Sanrio's official profile describes her not as a cat but as a cheerful and kind little girl. Her character profile places her in the suburbs of London, England, and includes a number of playful details, such as being five apples tall, weighing three apples, and loving her mother's apple pie.

Since her debut in 1974, Hello Kitty has become a global cultural icon, appearing on everything from stationery and toys to aircraft, trains, and international collaborations. The character's enduring popularity has helped make Sanrio a household name worldwide. Hello Kitty's Birthday offers fans a chance to celebrate more than five decades of one of Japan's most successful pop-culture creations.