Sanrio, the Japanese powerhouse behind the global phenomenon Hello Kitty, began its journey in 1960 as a silk company. Founded by Shintaro Tsuji, it transitioned into selling rubber sandals with flowers painted on them. Tsuji noted the popularity of the cute design, leading him to focus on adorning merchandise with adorable characters.
In 1974, Sanrio introduced Hello Kitty, a simplistic, mouthless character that quickly took the world by storm. With her iconic red bow and round silhouette, Hello Kitty became a symbol of 'kawaii' (cute) culture, propelling Sanrio to international fame.
The company's philosophy of 'small gift, big smile' reflected in its products, from stationery and clothing to theme parks and TV series. The cute characters sparked joy and connected people globally, carving a niche in pop culture and fashion.
Apart from Hello Kitty, Sanrio created several popular characters, including My Melody and Badtz-Maru, each with a unique personality and charm. Today, Sanrio stands as a major player in the global market, with an impressive array of products and collaborations with international brands. Its enduring influence and charm continue to spread smiles worldwide, making every small gift from Sanrio a big smile for its recipients.