Sanrio

Sanrio Co., Ltd. is a Japanese company that designs, licenses, and sells character-based merchandise and media. It is best known for Hello Kitty, a stylized cat introduced in 1974 that became the company's flagship character and a worldwide symbol of kawaii culture. Sanrio’s catalog includes numerous other characters such as My Melody, Keroppi, Badtz-Maru, Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, and Gudetama. Through licensing agreements, Sanrio produces a wide range of goods, including stationery, plush toys, apparel, accessories, and homeware, and partners with manufacturers and retailers around the world.

Founded in 1960 by Shintaro Tsuji in Tokyo, Sanrio began as a small gift-item company and gradually expanded into character licensing and brand management. Over the decades, the company built a global network of licensees and retail operations, with official Sanrio stores and branded experiences in multiple countries.

Sanrio’s characters have appeared in animated television series, video games, and collaborations with fashion, entertainment, and consumer brands, contributing to the international diffusion of kawaii aesthetics. The company continues to develop new characters and intellectual property, balancing nostalgia for classic icons with new franchises to engage younger audiences, while maintaining a focus on licensed product lines and media aligned with its flagship characters.