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Sunday, 14 February 2016

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Hello Kitty

A few years ago, 'Hello Kitty' was a world-wide marvel, a prodigy and something extraordinary.

Dave Marchi, spokesman for the Japanese Company said that 'Hello Kitty' was created by Sanrio in 1974. He said "obviously she looks like a cat. Some people want to think of her and describe her as a cat, but we in Sanrio always refer to her as a little girl."

There was a world-wide feeling of curiosity and surprise when 'Hello Kitty' was presented. It stirred excitement among children.

To children it was a representation or likeness of some imaginary person they could perceive but couldn't understand. 'Hello Kitty' was just an embodiment, which didn't have a supportive story or endorsement and not even a mouth. 'Hello Kitty' rose to fame after the 'pop culture' period when a certain artistic style of the late 1960s was a fad - a temporary style much appreciated in 'commercial art.'

I remember the image of 'Hello Kitty' on plenty of things like pencil purses to lunch boxes, adhesive strips and an ornamental picture on cards.

Children loved to have kitty design school labels, bookmarks and memory pads, T-shirts featured Kitty's face with her button-like eyes and a pink bow just beneath one cute little ear. In a full picture she was given a dainty buttoned-up pinafore.

Unpredictable things such as motor-oil, air purifiers, kitchen gadgets, mechanical toys and even surf-boards displayed the lovable Hello Kitty image. Designs of her were also on school-bags and some high-heel shoes of black leather had imprints of her face on a background of little bows that Kitty wore.

'Hello Kitty' was sometimes compared to Mickey Mouse who was timid, cautious and vague even though he was dressed in shorts, shirt and gloves.

In accordance with the company's website, 'Hello Kitty' is really Kitty white who lives in London with her twin-sister Mimmy and their diminutive pet-cat who takes pleasure in playing the piano and likes to cat cookies.

Those who grew up with Kitty refer to her as a familiar and affectionate reminder of childhood. That is the nostalgic factor attributed to Kitty.

Christine Yano, the Japanese author of the book 'Hello Kitty's Trek Across the Pacific' told an interview that Kitty is part of the Japanese culture of cuteness or 'Kawaii'. "It is something created that contributes to a certain cause producing a result."

Another longing for this beloved thing was when 'Hello Kitty' turned forty because children who grew up with her held recollections and remembrances.

In Los Angeles a festival "Hello Kitty Com" was held in honour of her birthday in which Lady Gaga wore a plush Kitty embroidered dress and a little bow on her brow.

In New York, large coloured Kitty balloons were strung up and Macy's Super Shopping Centre celebrated with a party.

Collectibles remind us of that which is dear to us but 'Hello Kitty' has the invaluable possibility to 'be so many other things children treasure.'

by Caryl Nugara

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