Why Hello Kitty Is So Popular

It is no wonder that Hello Kitty has become a cultural phenomenon. My blog on Hello Kitty directly pertains to this popular icon. I loved Hello Kitty since it first came to the U.S. in 1976. I was a child then, and from then on I have been a fan of Hello Kitty because it reminds me of the precious, endearing moments of my childhood. However, as I love Hello Kitty, I have always wondered is how did Hello Kitty remain popular for forty years? What is it that attracts many consumers, including myself, to continually buy Hello Kitty products?

Well, after a long time of research, I believe I have finally come to an answer.

1. Hello Kitty is cute.

Hello Kitty has maintained an image of purity, sweetness, and a childlike innocence. It is her cuteness, with her vibrant red bow that gives us a sense of warmth and happiness. It is appealed to young girls, while also giving young women the feel of being young again.

2. Hello Kitty brings back pleasant memories of childhood.

Women growing up with a cute character like Hello Kitty, bring back pleasant memories of their childhood. For them, Hello Kitty has endeared the hearts of many because they were attached to them when they were children. This is what Hello Kitty makes her relatable to women around the world..

3. Hello Kitty speaks from the heart.

It is common knowledge that Hello Kitty doesn't have a mouth. It is because she does not speak from the mouth, but from her heart. This gives us a sense of honesty and trust. It because of this sense of trust that people can project their emotions into their character. It is also shows us that she is universal because she is not bound to any particular language. So, people around the world can embrace her into their home because she can form their local identity.

4. Hello Kitty is simple.

With a simple image, Hello Kitty can represent anything to anyone. It is what the individual sees in Hello Kitty.

These are just a few reasons why Hello Kitty has become popular. There are many other reasons why Hello Kitty is popular but the bottom line is: Hello Kitty is popular globally because it represents the individual. Will Hello Kitty still become a global phenomenon in years to come? It is hard to say, but my personal opinion is that Hello Kitty has endured popularity for many years, and I have no reason to think why it will suddenly stop. I definitely know my obsession with Hello Kitty will never stop, and I'm sure that there will be millions out there who have endeared Hello Kitty to their hearts for life. Happy Hello Kitty reading! :)

Sources:

Belson, Ken, and Brian Bremner. Hello Kitty: The Remarkable Story of Sanrio and the Billion Dollar Feline Phenomenon. Singapore: Wiley, 2004. Print.

Brenoff, Ann. "Hello Kitty Grows Up: How Japan's Sanrio Has Expanded the Character's Empire." DailyFinance.com. Daily Finance, 19 Mar. 2010. Web. 11 Mar. 2014. <http://www.dailyfinance.com/2010/03/19/hello-kitty-grows-up-how-japans-sanrio-has-expanded-the-charac/>.

Cabey, Khareem L. "The Hello Kitty Story: How Hello Kitty Became So Popular." Caribbean Media Vision. Caribbean Media Vision, 01 Jan. 2012. Web. 11 Mar. 2014.<http://cmvlive.com/technology/the-hello-kitty-story-how-hello-kitty-became-so-popular>.

Kovarovic, S. (2011). "Hello Kitty: A Brand Made of Cuteness." Journal of Culture and Retail Image. Univeristy of Drexel Libraries. Retrieved from http://www.library.drexel.edu/publications/dsmr/kovarovic%20final.pdf.

Njuguna, Alianess Benney. "The Popularity of ‘Hello Kitty’ Trademark Is Due to Its Simplicity." InsideBusiness 360. InsideBusiness360, 21 Feb. 2014. Web. 11 Mar. 2014. <http://www.insidebusiness360.com/index.php/the-popularity-of-hello-kitty-trademark-is-due-to-its-simplicity-801/>.

Richey, Michael. "Facing Facts: The Secret Behind Hello Kitty’s Blank Face." Tofugu. N.p., 09 Dec. 2013. Web. 11 Mar. 2014. <http://www.tofugu.com/2013/12/09/facing-facts-the-secret-behind-hello-kittys-blank-face/>.

Turcyzn, Coury. "PopCult Magazine/Hello Kitty." PopCult Magazine/Hello Kitty. Pop Cult, 2013. Web. 11 Mar. 2014. <http://www.popcultmag.com/criticalmass/books/kitty/hellokitty2.html>.

Walker, Esther. "Top Cat: How 'Hello Kitty' Conquered the World." The Independent. Independent Digital News and Media, 21 May 2008. Web. 11 Mar. 2014. <http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/top-cat-how-hello-kitty-conquered-the-world-831522.html>.