, Columnist
Hello Kitty’s Looking Pretty at 50 (and Worth More Than Ever)
Sanrio’s most famous character has helped boost the firm’s shares 10-fold. And with Kitty’s eyes set next on conquering Hollywood, don’t bet against her.
Born to be a star.
Photographer: Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images North AmericaThis article is for subscribers only.
Hello Kitty is famously the height of just five apples. But these days, the more striking statistic is that she’s worth more than ¥1 trillion — or $6.5 billion.
Stock in Japan’s Sanrio Co. hit that milestone for the first time recently, just weeks before the company’s feline star turned 50. Kitty White was born on Nov. 1, 1974, when she first appeared on a vinyl coin purse that quickly helped her became a national sensation in Japan.