Exactly 40 years ago today, on November 1, a very special mascot character was born. The cat with an adorable oversized head, named Hello Kitty, has since been an excellent ambassador for the Japanese “Kawaii” culture, and as we all know, has come to be loved around the world. And in honor of what can arguably be called Japan’s most famous export ever, we wanted to wish Hello Kitty a heartfelt Happy Birthday on this special day. Plus, we even have a delightful little video from Sanrio to share with you that takes you through 40 years of Hello Kitty’s history!
As you may well be aware, we’ve featured Hello Kitty on our site countless times, and we never cease to be amazed at her popularity and versatility as well as her business acumen. For now, we’re just sincerely happy to be able to congratulate her for four decades of cuteness.
▼This is what Hello Kitty looked liked when she first appeared 40 years ago!
▼Since then, we’ve also seen her together with her family.
▼We’ve certainly seen her in various costumes and roles over the years, but this is one of the looks she went for in her 40th anniversary promotion.
▼And here’s the video from Sanrio showing Hello Kitty’s looks during her 40 year career.
So, once again from all of us at RocketNews24, a happy 40th birthday, Hello Kitty! And we love you regardless of whether you’re a cat or not!
Top Image: Sanrio Twitter account
Inset Images: YouTube (sanriojapan)
Hello Kitty works hard on her birthday — and expected to be busier than ever in the coming year!
Who’s afraid of the big Four-O? Not this Kitty!
Hello Kitty will deliver your messages as part of a special campaign…from space!
Happy Birthday, Hello Kitty!
Hello Kitty is now officially over the hill, but still adorable
Nike x One Piece collection brings Devil Fruits to sneakers and streetwear in Japan
Nephew of Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki serves up Totoro Shaved Ice in Tokyo
Nagoya’s famous Shinkansen platform noodle shop has other, better branches nearby
Winnie the Pooh cosplays as Yuzuru Hanyu for new plushie collaboration
Japan’s double-decker portable rice cooker/bento maker is better than ever with new version
Osaka Starbucks has one of the city’s coolest photo vantage points, but it’s going away soon
We recommend not buying one pack of Japan’s new convenience store corn soup-flavor fried chicken
Narita Airport Transit & Stay Program returns after six years with free tours and festival experiences
Data suggests increased bear sightings have led to a decrease in mountain climbers across Japan
Ohaw? Ruibe? Pocche? While traveling in Japan’s north, we try Ainu cuisine for the first time
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
Studio Ghibli unveils new interactive stationery dioramas that bring anime movies to life on your desk
Studio Ghibli composer Jo Hisaishi just set three Guinness Records
Anime fans can now wear a Seiko watch inspired by Japan’s One Piece Shinkansen
7-Eleven Japan brings back best-selling flat croissant that became a hit on social media
Foreign hiker on Mt. Fuji loses consciousness and dies, becoming climbing season’s second fatality
Universal Studios Japan partners with manga horror master Junji Ito’s Tomie
Japanese workers reveal their top five mysterious rules they wish would disappear【Survey】
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
Tokyo’s newest viral dessert is like a Japanese parfait inside a bread bun [Taste test]
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japanese vending machine sells freshly squeezed lemon juice with a futuristic light show
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Newest, final short in the Gundam vs. Hello Kitty Project has Amuro and Kitty join forces【Video】
McDonald’s Korea now serving up Hello Kitty in cute Sanrio costumes
“Hello Kitty Park” in China is set to open on New Year’s Day!
Puma teams up with Hello Kitty in Japan for limited edition sneakers and sportswear
Hello Kitty gets busy again — this time collaborating with an iconic manga character!
Soft and sweet — adorable Hello Kitty bread now available in western Japan for limited time!
The Surprising Truth Revealed! Now We Know Why Hello Kitty Has Been Working So Hard
Hello, cosmetics! Clinique teams up with Hello Kitty this summer for first-time collaboration
Turn into Hello Kitty with these adorable face masks!
Wait…Hello Kitty has a twin sister?!?!?
Hello Kitty now makes 90% of her money abroad
Sanrio 2015 mid-election polls show Hello Kitty losing to visual kei band by wide margin
Hello Kitty’s Retouch Design Series pumps up the 1970’s nostalgia
Hello Kitty isn’t a cat!? We called Sanrio to find out!
Gundam vs. Hello Kitty Project asks you to choose between Japan’s greatest pop culture icons