{"id":120850,"date":"2024-11-01T13:55:44","date_gmt":"2024-11-01T06:55:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/?p=120850"},"modified":"2024-11-01T13:55:44","modified_gmt":"2024-11-01T06:55:44","slug":"how-japans-youngest-ceo-transformed-hello-kitty","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/?p=120850","title":{"rendered":"How Japan&#8217;s youngest CEO transformed Hello Kitty"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\r\n     data-ad-layout-key=\"-fb+5w+4e-db+86\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"7910942971\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"\">\n<figure>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"sc-18fde0d6-0 ejjhCR\">\n<div data-testid=\"hero-image\" class=\"sc-a34861b-1 jxzoZC\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/bbcx\/grey-placeholder.png\" class=\"sc-a34861b-0 cOpVbP hide-when-no-script\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/0d47\/live\/98d41590-86c5-11ef-94ad-0126cc7462ad.jpg.webp 240w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/0d47\/live\/98d41590-86c5-11ef-94ad-0126cc7462ad.jpg.webp 320w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/0d47\/live\/98d41590-86c5-11ef-94ad-0126cc7462ad.jpg.webp 480w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/640\/cpsprodpb\/0d47\/live\/98d41590-86c5-11ef-94ad-0126cc7462ad.jpg.webp 640w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/0d47\/live\/98d41590-86c5-11ef-94ad-0126cc7462ad.jpg.webp 800w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/1024\/cpsprodpb\/0d47\/live\/98d41590-86c5-11ef-94ad-0126cc7462ad.jpg.webp 1024w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/1536\/cpsprodpb\/0d47\/live\/98d41590-86c5-11ef-94ad-0126cc7462ad.jpg.webp 1536w\" src=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/0d47\/live\/98d41590-86c5-11ef-94ad-0126cc7462ad.jpg.webp\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Getty Images Hello Kitty turns 50.\" class=\"sc-a34861b-0 efFcac\"\/><span class=\"sc-a34861b-2 fxQYxK\">Getty Images<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><figcaption class=\"sc-8353772e-0 cvNhQw\">Hello Kitty was created on 1 November, 1974<!-- --><\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"sc-18fde0d6-0 dlWCEZ\">\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">Hello Kitty, arguably Japan&#8217;s best loved creation, is celebrating her 50th anniversary. <!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">But all has not always been well at Sanrio, the Japanese company behind the character. The business has been on a spectacular journey of financial peaks and valleys.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">Hello Kitty has been ranked the second-highest grossing media franchise in the world behind Pok\u00e9mon, and ahead of the likes of Mickey Mouse and Star Wars.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">Underscoring her global fame, Britain&#8217;s King Charles wished her a happy birthday during the state visit to the UK by Japan&#8217;s Emperor and Empress in June.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">In recent years though Sanrio had been struggling to make money, as interest in Hello Kitty waned.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">Two previous surges in Sanrio sales, in 1999 and 2014, were both driven by the character&#8217;s popularity. But these jumps in demand for the firm&#8217;s products were not sustainable, says Yasuki Yoshioka of investment company SMBC Nikko.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">&#8220;In the past, its performance had many ups and downs, as if it was on a rollercoaster ride,&#8221; Mr Yoshioka<!-- --><b id=\"\" class=\"sc-7dcfb11b-0 kVRnKf\"> <!-- --><\/b>says.<!-- --><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<figure>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"sc-18fde0d6-0 jFCfG\">\n<div data-testid=\"image\" class=\"sc-a34861b-1 jxzoZC\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/bbcx\/grey-placeholder.png\" class=\"sc-a34861b-0 cOpVbP hide-when-no-script\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/2fff\/live\/350dc4b0-9503-11ef-b2c0-6f945c1daff5.jpg.webp 240w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/2fff\/live\/350dc4b0-9503-11ef-b2c0-6f945c1daff5.jpg.webp 320w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/2fff\/live\/350dc4b0-9503-11ef-b2c0-6f945c1daff5.jpg.webp 480w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/640\/cpsprodpb\/2fff\/live\/350dc4b0-9503-11ef-b2c0-6f945c1daff5.jpg.webp 640w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/2fff\/live\/350dc4b0-9503-11ef-b2c0-6f945c1daff5.jpg.webp 800w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/1024\/cpsprodpb\/2fff\/live\/350dc4b0-9503-11ef-b2c0-6f945c1daff5.jpg.webp 1024w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/1536\/cpsprodpb\/2fff\/live\/350dc4b0-9503-11ef-b2c0-6f945c1daff5.jpg.webp 1536w\" src=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/2fff\/live\/350dc4b0-9503-11ef-b2c0-6f945c1daff5.jpg.webp\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Sanrio Tomokuni Tsuji took over the top job at Sanrio in 2020.\" class=\"sc-a34861b-0 efFcac\"\/><span class=\"sc-a34861b-2 fxQYxK\">Sanrio<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><figcaption class=\"sc-8353772e-0 cvNhQw\">Tomokuni Tsuji took over the top job at Sanrio four years ago<!-- --><\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"sc-18fde0d6-0 dlWCEZ\">\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">Then, in 2020, <!-- --><a target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-asia-53029110\" class=\"sc-c9299ecf-0 bZUiKB\" rel=\"noopener\">Tomokuni Tsuji inherited the role as Sanrio&#8217;s boss<!-- --><\/a>.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">He is the grandson of the firm&#8217;s founder, Shintaro Tsuji, and was just 31 at the time, making him the youngest chief executive of a listed Japanese company.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">His grandfather then became Sanrio&#8217;s chairman.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">Under the younger Mr Tsuji&#8217;s leadership, Sanrio changed its marketing strategy of its stable of other characters.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">&#8220;It is not about lowering Hello Kitty&#8217;s popularity but it is about boosting others&#8217; recognition,&#8221; he says.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">This resulted in Hello Kitty losing the position of Sanrio&#8217;s most popular character. <!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">According to a poll of customers, that spot is now held by Cinnamoroll &#8211; a blue-eyed white puppy with pink cheeks, long ears and a tail that looks like a Cinnamon roll.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">Sanrio is also no longer just about cute characters. <!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">If Hello Kitty is Japan&#8217;s ambassador of cute, then angry red panda Aggressive Retsuko &#8211; or Aggretsuko &#8211; <!-- --><a target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-asia-38606355\" class=\"sc-c9299ecf-0 bZUiKB\" rel=\"noopener\">channels the frustrations of an ordinary working woman<!-- --><\/a>.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">The character, which is popular among Gen Zers, first appeared in a cartoon series on Japan&#8217;s TBS Television before it became a global hit on Netflix.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">Another unconventional character is Gudetama, or &#8220;lazy egg&#8221;, who is living with depression and fires out cold one-liners that reflect dark realities of life.<!-- --><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<figure>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"sc-18fde0d6-0 jFCfG\">\n<div data-testid=\"image\" class=\"sc-a34861b-1 jxzoZC\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/bbcx\/grey-placeholder.png\" class=\"sc-a34861b-0 cOpVbP hide-when-no-script\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/679d\/live\/54924f90-9503-11ef-b2c0-6f945c1daff5.jpg.webp 240w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/679d\/live\/54924f90-9503-11ef-b2c0-6f945c1daff5.jpg.webp 320w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/679d\/live\/54924f90-9503-11ef-b2c0-6f945c1daff5.jpg.webp 480w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/640\/cpsprodpb\/679d\/live\/54924f90-9503-11ef-b2c0-6f945c1daff5.jpg.webp 640w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/679d\/live\/54924f90-9503-11ef-b2c0-6f945c1daff5.jpg.webp 800w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/1024\/cpsprodpb\/679d\/live\/54924f90-9503-11ef-b2c0-6f945c1daff5.jpg.webp 1024w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/1536\/cpsprodpb\/679d\/live\/54924f90-9503-11ef-b2c0-6f945c1daff5.jpg.webp 1536w\" src=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/679d\/live\/54924f90-9503-11ef-b2c0-6f945c1daff5.jpg.webp\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Sanrio Sanrio characters.\" class=\"sc-a34861b-0 efFcac\"\/><span class=\"sc-a34861b-2 fxQYxK\">Sanrio<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><figcaption class=\"sc-8353772e-0 cvNhQw\">Sanrio is also no longer just about cute characters<!-- --><\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"sc-18fde0d6-0 dlWCEZ\">\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">As well as diversifying its characters, Sanrio boosted its overseas marketing and is now tackling counterfeits more rigorously.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">&#8220;We are now using artificial intelligence to detect fake products and to make removal requests,&#8221; says Mr Tsuji.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">For its marketing strategy, collaborations with major brands &#8211; including Starbucks, Crocs and the LA Dodgers baseball team &#8211; have been key, he added.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">&#8220;In addition to our own promotion, by collaborating with global brands, we are trying to have our characters in the market throughout the year without many breaks.&#8221;<!-- --><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<figure>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"sc-18fde0d6-0 jFCfG\">\n<div data-testid=\"image\" class=\"sc-a34861b-1 jxzoZC\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/bbcx\/grey-placeholder.png\" class=\"sc-a34861b-0 cOpVbP hide-when-no-script\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/e1d6\/live\/b0d202b0-7400-11ef-a3b7-b33008c79206.jpg.webp 240w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/e1d6\/live\/b0d202b0-7400-11ef-a3b7-b33008c79206.jpg.webp 320w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/e1d6\/live\/b0d202b0-7400-11ef-a3b7-b33008c79206.jpg.webp 480w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/640\/cpsprodpb\/e1d6\/live\/b0d202b0-7400-11ef-a3b7-b33008c79206.jpg.webp 640w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/e1d6\/live\/b0d202b0-7400-11ef-a3b7-b33008c79206.jpg.webp 800w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/1024\/cpsprodpb\/e1d6\/live\/b0d202b0-7400-11ef-a3b7-b33008c79206.jpg.webp 1024w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/1536\/cpsprodpb\/e1d6\/live\/b0d202b0-7400-11ef-a3b7-b33008c79206.jpg.webp 1536w\" src=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/e1d6\/live\/b0d202b0-7400-11ef-a3b7-b33008c79206.jpg.webp\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Getty Images Hello Kitty throws out the first pitch before the MLB game between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers.\" class=\"sc-a34861b-0 efFcac\"\/><span class=\"sc-a34861b-2 fxQYxK\">Getty Images<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><figcaption class=\"sc-8353772e-0 cvNhQw\">Hello Kitty collaborated with the LA Dodgers, home to Japanese baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani<!-- --><\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"sc-18fde0d6-0 dlWCEZ\">\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">In a society that puts so much emphasis on seniority, Mr Tsuji&#8217;s surname was crucial to his ability to make major changes at Sanrio.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">Almost a quarter of listed companies in Japan, like car makers Toyota and Suzuki and camera firm Canon, <!-- --><a target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/magazine-19505088\" class=\"sc-c9299ecf-0 bZUiKB\" rel=\"noopener\">are managed by members of the family that founded them<!-- --><\/a>.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">The reason is cultural, according to Professor Hokuto Dazai of Nagoya University of Commerce and Business.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">In Japan, home to the world&#8217;s oldest continuous monarchy, &#8220;there is strong recognition of families and family businesses,&#8221; he says.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">The master-servant relationship from the samurai period has transitioned into the relationship between founding families and their employees, and &#8220;historically commoners never fought over the top job&#8221;.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">&#8220;It is also because Japan has a smaller pool of professional executives to choose from,&#8221; says Professor Dazai. <!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">&#8220;Firms tend to look for their next boss internally, including founding family members.&#8221;<!-- --><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<figure>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"sc-18fde0d6-0 jFCfG\">\n<div data-testid=\"image\" class=\"sc-a34861b-1 jxzoZC\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/bbcx\/grey-placeholder.png\" class=\"sc-a34861b-0 cOpVbP hide-when-no-script\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/c09b\/live\/6517b3e0-7407-11ef-a3b7-b33008c79206.jpg.webp 240w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/c09b\/live\/6517b3e0-7407-11ef-a3b7-b33008c79206.jpg.webp 320w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/c09b\/live\/6517b3e0-7407-11ef-a3b7-b33008c79206.jpg.webp 480w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/640\/cpsprodpb\/c09b\/live\/6517b3e0-7407-11ef-a3b7-b33008c79206.jpg.webp 640w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/c09b\/live\/6517b3e0-7407-11ef-a3b7-b33008c79206.jpg.webp 800w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/1024\/cpsprodpb\/c09b\/live\/6517b3e0-7407-11ef-a3b7-b33008c79206.jpg.webp 1024w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/1536\/cpsprodpb\/c09b\/live\/6517b3e0-7407-11ef-a3b7-b33008c79206.jpg.webp 1536w\" src=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/c09b\/live\/6517b3e0-7407-11ef-a3b7-b33008c79206.jpg.webp\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Getty Images King Charles talks with Emperor Naruhito of Japan during the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace.\" class=\"sc-a34861b-0 efFcac\"\/><span class=\"sc-a34861b-2 fxQYxK\">Getty Images<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><figcaption class=\"sc-8353772e-0 cvNhQw\">King Charles wished Hello Kitty a happy birthday during the Japanese Emperor&#8217;s state visit<!-- --><\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"sc-18fde0d6-0 dlWCEZ\">\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">Still, &#8220;it would be a lie if I said there was no pushback&#8221; from other managers and employees<!-- --><b id=\"\" class=\"sc-7dcfb11b-0 kVRnKf\"> <!-- --><\/b>in the company, Mr Tsuji says.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">He also says he clashed with his grandfather over how to run the company. <!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">&#8220;But one day I realised that I was being arrogant, trying to convince someone 60 years senior,&#8221; he says.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">&#8220;After about a year, my grandfather told me to run the company as I see fit &#8211; that he will leave it up to me.&#8221;<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">The new boss&#8217;s revamp of the business has been paying off so far.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">Within two years of the younger Tsuji becoming chief executive, Sanrio was profitable again, in what analyst<!-- --><b id=\"\" class=\"sc-7dcfb11b-0 kVRnKf\"> <!-- --><\/b>Mr Yoshioka calls &#8220;a beautiful V-shaped recovery&#8221;.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">Its share price has risen tenfold since 2020 and the company now has a stock market valuation of more than a trillion yen ($6.5bn; \u00a35bn).<!-- --><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<figure>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"sc-18fde0d6-0 jFCfG\">\n<div data-testid=\"image\" class=\"sc-a34861b-1 jxzoZC\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/bbcx\/grey-placeholder.png\" class=\"sc-a34861b-0 cOpVbP hide-when-no-script\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/2550\/live\/d97c7620-8164-11ef-a217-b780a227dde7.jpg.webp 240w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/2550\/live\/d97c7620-8164-11ef-a217-b780a227dde7.jpg.webp 320w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/2550\/live\/d97c7620-8164-11ef-a217-b780a227dde7.jpg.webp 480w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/640\/cpsprodpb\/2550\/live\/d97c7620-8164-11ef-a217-b780a227dde7.jpg.webp 640w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/2550\/live\/d97c7620-8164-11ef-a217-b780a227dde7.jpg.webp 800w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/1024\/cpsprodpb\/2550\/live\/d97c7620-8164-11ef-a217-b780a227dde7.jpg.webp 1024w,https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/1536\/cpsprodpb\/2550\/live\/d97c7620-8164-11ef-a217-b780a227dde7.jpg.webp 1536w\" src=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/2550\/live\/d97c7620-8164-11ef-a217-b780a227dde7.jpg.webp\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Getty Images A general view of the SANRIO gift gate store in Shanghai.\" class=\"sc-a34861b-0 efFcac\"\/><span class=\"sc-a34861b-2 fxQYxK\">Getty Images<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><figcaption class=\"sc-8353772e-0 cvNhQw\">Hello Kitty is no longer the most popular Sanrio character<!-- --><\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"sc-18fde0d6-0 dlWCEZ\">\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">Away from the boardroom and stock market, there was also an intriguing incident earlier this year.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">While Hello Kitty&#8217;s true identity is relatively well-known in Japan, some overseas fans were shocked by comments from a Sanrio executive in July.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">Speaking on US television, retail business development director Jill Koch told viewers that \u201cHello Kitty is not a cat\u201d and is in fact a British schoolgirl.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">Her comments sparked a flurry of social media posts, with fans expressing their shock and confusion about the revelation. <!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">&#8220;Hello Kitty is Hello Kitty and she can be whoever you want her to be &#8211; she can be your sister, your mother, it can be another you,&#8221; Mr Tsuji says.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">Pushed on whether he has<!-- --><b id=\"\" class=\"sc-7dcfb11b-0 kVRnKf\"> <!-- --><\/b>any idea why his grandfather decided not to make her Japanese, Mr Tsuji concludes: &#8220;London is an amazing city and it was the envy of many Japanese girls, so that may be one of the reasons they decided that she\u2019s from London.&#8221;<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\">It may not be the definitive answer her fans are looking for &#8211; but after all, Hello Kitty was created 14 years before the younger Tsuji was even born. Half a century since her creation, it is possible that the beloved character&#8217;s origin story will continue to be shrouded in mystery for years to come.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fYAfXe\"><i id=\"find-out-more-on\" class=\"sc-7dcfb11b-0 kKcaog\">Find out more on <!-- --><\/i><a target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/programmes\/w3ct5z2r\" class=\"sc-c9299ecf-0 bZUiKB\" rel=\"noopener\"><i id=\"business-daily-on-the-bbc-world-service\" class=\"sc-7dcfb11b-0 kKcaog\">Business Daily on the BBC World Service<!-- --><\/i><\/a><i id=\".-you-can-listen-again-via-the-world-service-website-or-download-the-bbc-sounds-app.\" class=\"sc-7dcfb11b-0 kKcaog\">. You can listen again via the World Service website or download the BBC Sounds app.<!-- --><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\r\n     data-ad-layout-key=\"-fb+5w+4e-db+86\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"7910942971\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1660802\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/articles\/c72pr8y2r9wo\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Getty Images Hello Kitty was created on 1 November, 1974 Hello Kitty, arguably Japan&#8217;s best loved creation, is celebrating her 50th anniversary. But all has not always been well at &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/?p=120850\" class=\"more-link\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-120850","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-entertainment","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/120850","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=120850"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/120850\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=120850"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=120850"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=120850"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}