The Origins of Sanrio: Sanrio is a Japanese company that was founded in 1960 by Shintaro Tsuji. Originally called Yamano Shoten, the company started by selling silk products and small gift items. Shintaro Tsuji wanted to create cute and charming designs that would make people smile, believing that small gifts could build happiness and friendship. In 1973, the company officially changed its name to Sanrio, combining the words “San” (meaning “three”) and “Rio” (from “rivers”), symbolizing the company’s mission to connect people and spread joy across the world.
Rise to Fame: Sanrio first became famous for creating small, cute character goods. The company produced a wide range of stationery, accessories, and gifts featuring these adorable characters. The biggest breakthrough came in 1974 with the introduction of Hello Kitty, created by designer Yuko Shimizu. Hello Kitty, a cheerful little white cat with a red bow, quickly became a global sensation. Her simple design and universal themes of friendship and kindness allowed her to appeal to people of all ages, and she became the face of the Sanrio brand.
Expanding the Sanrio Universe: Following Hello Kitty’s success, Sanrio expanded by creating hundreds of other characters, each with their own unique personalities and backstories. Some of the most popular include My Melody (1975), Keroppi (1987), Cinnamoroll (2001), and Pompompurin (1996). The company also began producing TV shows, video games, theme parks, and collaborations with other brands, further growing its global presence. Today, Sanrio is not just a character goods company—it’s a cultural phenomenon known for spreading “kawaii” (cuteness) around the world. Its characters continue to teach values like friendship, kindness, and positivity while remaining beloved icons in pop culture.