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Hello Kitty Con is expected to draw some 25,000 fans over four days.
Long lines snaked through the sold-out event on Thursday at the Geffen Contemporary at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Conventioneers could pose for photos with Hello Kitty, get permanently inked with her image, hear lectures about her popularity and shop for exclusive products created for the mouthless cat character's 40th birthday, which falls on November 1.
"I grew up collecting Hello Kitty and being in love with her," said 30-year-old Grisel Esquivel, who was having a Hello Kitty face etched onto her wrist.
Chicago tattoo artist Mario Desa created about 100 Hello Kitty-inspired designs for ink-friendly fans.
Hello Kitty fans pose for photos in a giant tea cup at the Hello Kitty Con, the first-ever Hello Kitty fan convention (AAP)
Organisers expect that about 50 conventioneers a day will receive free tattoos from the five artists at HK Ink.
Frank Clow, a 51-year-old collector, spent hours waiting in line to get a Hello Kitty mermaid tattoo while his wife shopped for limited-edition collectibles.
"I like tattoos in general," he said, adding that he took the day off from work to come to the convention.
Though Hello Kitty is popular around the world, Sanrio spokesman Dave Marchi said the Los Angeles convention celebrating her 40th anniversary is "the only one happening anywhere in the world."
Scores of fans came in costume, wearing Hello Kitty dresses, cat ears and the character's signature red bow.
Photo possibilities abound: There are couture fashion creations inspired by Hello Kitty, an entire home outfitted in licensed products, and many vintage items, including the Hello Kitty coin purse issued in Japan in 1975 that launched her popularity.
Lady Gaga poses for photographers with a Lady Gaga version of Hello Kitty doll in December 2013 (AAP)
For its first US appearance, the tiny, original vinyl purse is displayed with all the pomp of the Hope diamond.
It sits atop a pile of blue velvet inside a glass case rimmed with red ropes, all alone in a room manned by security guards.
Lectures, panel discussions and hands-on craft workshops are offered throughout the convention, along with ample shopping opportunities.
Companies such as Sephora and Spam created special products for Hello Kitty Con, including a $US450 ($A486) crystal-encrusted makeup-brush set and Spam shaped like a Kitty face.
Hello Kitty helps generate $US8 billion a year for Sanrio, Marchi said.
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