Sanrio was founded in Japan in 1960 by Shintaro Tsuji, starting as a small company that sold gift items decorated with cute designs. In 1974, Hello Kitty was introduced, quickly becoming a global icon and setting the stage for Sanrio’s rise in popularity. Over the years, Sanrio has created many beloved characters such as My Melody, Little Twin Stars, Cinnamoroll, and Kuromi. Each character has its own unique personality and story, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide. Today, Sanrio continues to expand through merchandise, TV shows, movies, and theme parks, keeping the spirit of kawaii culture alive across generations.

Sanrio today is one of the most successful character-based companies in the world. From its beginnings as a small gift company in Japan, it has grown into a billion-dollar global brand. In 2025, Sanrio reported record-breaking revenue, with Hello Kitty alone valued at billions of dollars. The company has created over 450 characters, operates popular theme parks like Sanrio Puroland and Harmonyland, and continues to expand through fashion, media, merchandise, and international collaborations. With fans across generations and a strong global presence, Sanrio proves that the power of cuteness never fades.