My Hello Kitty - Former Sanrio staff share their memories of the 50-year-old world's beloved cat

Hello Kitty is a popular Japanese character that celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. We spoke to former Sanrio staff members Naoko Madokoro, who lives in Japan, and Nobuko Barnfield, who lives in Sydney.

Former Sanrio staff Naoko Madokoro with Hello Kitty producst she designed. Sydneysider Nobuko Burnfield used to work for Sanrio as an animator (upper right). Hello Kitty's first product released in 1975 (lower right). Credit: Naoko Madokoro/Sanrio/Nobuko Burnfield

Ms Madokoro worked for Sanrio for 40 years in product planning. Ms Barnfield was involved in the production of Hello Kitty films and commercials as an animator when she was working for the company.

Hello Kitty is widely loved in Japan and around the world. What makes it different from other Japanese characters? We asked them about their thoughts.

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