Hello Kitty (Classic)

Hello Kitty was originally created by Yuko Shimizu for the Japanese company Sanrio in 1974, debuting on a vinyl coin purse. The character was designed to embody the Japanese concept of kawaii, or cuteness, characterized by her simple, iconic aesthetic, lack of a mouth, and consistent red bow. Her design intentionally invites people to project their own emotions onto her, contributing to her longevity as a global pop culture phenomenon that transcends language barriers.

The Funko Pop! iteration of the character, released as part of the Sanrio series in 2013, translates this minimalist design into the brand's signature vinyl figure format. As number 28 in the Pop! line, the figure remains faithful to the classic Sanrio aesthetic while incorporating the distinctive large, square head and button eyes typical of Funko's stylistic choices. It was received as a bridge between the niche world of designer toys and the mass-market appeal of the Hello Kitty brand.