Hello Kitty is the most famous character created by the Japanese entertainment company Sanrio Co., Ltd.. Sanrio specializes in the design, licensing, and manufacture of products focusing on the kawaii (“cute”) segment of Japanese popular culture.

Sanrio Company Profile

Philosophy:
The company was founded on the “small gift, big smile” philosophy, believing a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages, guided by the vision of “One World, Connecting Smiles”.

Business Model:
Unlike most franchises that originate from media like movies or games, Sanrio’s characters are primarily created as designs for merchandise. This strategy relies heavily on product sales at physical stores and extensive licensing deals to generate exposure and revenue. Hello Kitty alone has featured on over 50,000 different products, from stationery and clothing to home appliances and jewelry.

Operations:
Beyond merchandise, Sanrio’s operations include:
– Planning and sale of social communication gifts, greeting cards, and publications.
– Copyright licensing and digital content distribution.
– Planning and operation of theme parks, such as Sanrio Puroland and Harmonyland in Japan.
– Film production, live performances, and restaurant operations.

Global Reach:
Established in 1960 by Shintaro Tsuji, Sanrio operates across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and other regions, with products sold in over 130 countries.

Sanrio owns the rights to a large portfolio of over 450 characters, including My Melody, Little Twin Stars, Pompompurin, Cinnamoroll, and Kuromi, but Hello Kitty remains its most iconic and highest-grossing character.