What is Hello Kitty?

Hello Kitty is a worldwide brand and merchandising phenomenon. The fictional character was first created in 1974 by the Japanese merchandising company Sanrio; it has since grown into several animated television series, over $1 billion per year in Hello Kitty-branded merchandise, and a full-fledged theme park located in Japan.

A picture of one of many Hello Kitty-branded toasters

Outside of Japan, Hello Kitty is probably best-known for the panoply of merchandise available online. Hello Kitty is available on wrist watches, dolls and plush toys, video games, silverware and dinner plates, furniture and lamps, drapes, bed sheets, Christmas ornaments, greeting cards, and just about any other line of products imaginable.