Hello Kitty, the beloved symbol of Japanese ‘Kawaii’ pop culture, celebrates her 50th anniversary on November 1, marking five decades since her debut by creator Yuko Shimizu in 1974.

This bubble-headed, bow-wearing icon has inspired a wave of celebrations across Japan, including exciting museum exhibits, a spectacular theme park event, and a nationwide tour.

According to Statista, Hello Kitty ranks as the world’s second highest-grossing media franchise, just behind Pokémon, generating nearly $4 billion in annual sales and capturing hearts around the globe with her timeless charm and versatility.

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