Tokyo a la Mode. Web Magazine for Japanese Fashion and Urban Culture

Hello Kitty Forever Cute, Creative, & Collectible

By Bobby /Feb 02, 2007
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Do you remember what your first Hello Kitty item was?  It was probably stationery of some kind, just like Anita Yasuda.  Anita is all grown up now, but she hasn’t stopped her love for Hello Kitty.

Last year she finished a book called “Hello Kitty Forever Cute, Creative, & Collectible” a must-have for every Hello Kitty fan.  The book shows you the variety of Hello Kitty goods out there, including some really cool one-of-a-kind items.  Read on for our interview with this Hello Kitty collector.

We all know Hello Kitty, please introduce yourself.
I am an avid collector, traveler, writer and Hello Kitty friend of course. While at school, I loved going into the local Sanrio Gift Gate to check out the latest Hello Kitty pencils, erasers, handkerchiefs and sweets. My penchant for Hello Kitty marshmallows made my dentist very happy!

What was your first Hello Kitty item?
A plastic ruler with Hello Kitty and all her friends along the top. It made math class fun. Unfortunately it didn’t always guarantee the correct answer.

What is an item that you want to have or desire the most?
I would love the Hello Kitty Airstream trailer designed especially for Hello Kitty’s 30th anniversary. What could be better than an old-style silver trailer with Hello Kitty in hot pink painted on the sides?

This Kitty-customized trailer sold on an online charity auction for $150,000.

Why do you think people don’t outgrow Hello Kitty?
There is always room in your life for a sweet, cute and of course creative friend. Fans understand that Hello Kitty’s image on ordinary household objects can turn a mundane task into one that brings a smile to their face.

About your book, how did you do the research?
For the book I met with lots of collectors, spoke with various company representatives who produce Hello Kitty goods and of course the Sanrio offices in Japan. The Kitty quotes and trivia took many hours of sifting through 30 years of merchandise and selecting some of her most famous slogans.  At this point, I feel that I could write a Hello Kitty Trivial Pursuit Game. Wouldn’t that be fun!

What’s the most interesting thing that you discovered?
The most interesting thing I discovered was Hello Kitty’s musical debut back in 1977. Her record was called ‘That Child Is Kitty’.

Why do you think the Japanese are so good at doing cute?
From the time your mother makes your first obento (school lunch) and the sandwiches have been cut to resemble flowers to your high school yearbook adorned with your favorite anime characters, cute is engrained in everything you see and do.

Did you see the Kitty EX. exhibition?  What was it like?
Of course. With over 100 amazing international artists all creating Hello Kitty inspired artwork and designer goods Kitty Ex was simply amazing.
(Kitty EX. was a 30th anniversary exhibition of Hello Kitty’s birth back in 2004)

Here’s an idea, let’s have a Hello Kitty convention in America.  What do you think?
Sign me up. Here’s to more Hello Kitty!

Find out more about “Hello Kitty Forever Cute, Creative, & Collectible” including how to buy the book on Anita Yasuda’s website.