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Jonathan Bell

Fender Hello Kitty Stratocaster marks 50 years of Sanrio’s finest cartoon cat

Fender Hello Kitty Kitty Sanrio Squier Japan Fender Japan
Fender Made in Japan Hello Kitty Stratocaster.

Fifty years ago in March 2025, the Japanese company Sanrio introduced Hello Kitty to the world. Designed by Yuko Shimizu, the familiar anthropomorphised cat character has transcended cult status and become an instantly recognised icon of contemporary Japan, a gateway drug to Kawaii culture, and a merchandising phenomenon.

Kitty is still owned by Sanrio, currently designed by Yuko Yamaguchi, and going strong. The avalanche of associated merch hasn’t let up, helping the character to a lifetime revenue haul of $84.5 billion by 2022, according to Forbes.

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