• Company Name: Sanrio Co., Ltd.

• Founded: August 10, 1960

• Founder: Shintaro Tsuji

• Headquarters: Tokyo

• Industry: Entertainment, Character Licensing, Consumer Goods, Retail

• Current CEO: Tomokuni Tsuji

• Corporate Philosophy: _Minna Nakayoku_ (“Getting Along Together”)

• Vision: _One World, Connecting Smiles_ [2]

Sanrio began in 1960 under the name Yamanashi Silk Center, founded by Shintaro Tsuji. The company originally sold silk products and household goods. Tsuji believed that adding attractive, cheerful designs to everyday items would make them more meaningful and encourage people to exchange gifts.

During the late 1960s and early 1970s, the company expanded into stationery, greeting cards, accessories, and gift items featuring original illustrations. In 1973, it officially adopted the name Sanrio.

The company’s biggest breakthrough came in 1974 with the creation of Hello Kitty, who first appeared on a vinyl coin purse in 1975. The character quickly became a cultural icon and established Sanrio as a global leader in character branding. [3]

The name Sanrio comes from the Spanish words:

• San = Saint

• Rio = River

According to founder Shintaro Tsuji, the name symbolizes the hope of creating a peaceful culture where people can live together in harmony, much like civilizations that historically flourished along rivers. [4]

Unlike many entertainment companies that focus solely on storytelling, Sanrio was built around the idea that small gifts can strengthen human relationships.

Its philosophy, “Minna Nakayoku” (“Getting Along Together”), encourages kindness, friendship, respect, and emotional connection. This message is reflected in its characters, products, stores, and entertainment experiences. [5]

Sanrio operates primarily as an intellectual property (IP) company.

Its business includes:

• Character creation

• Licensing to manufacturers

• Retail stores

• Theme parks

• Publishing

• Animation

• Mobile games

• Collaborations with fashion, food, cosmetics, technology, and luxury brands

• Digital entertainment

Rather than manufacturing every product itself, Sanrio licenses its characters to thousands of partner companies worldwide. Licensing has become one of its largest revenue sources. [6]

Sanrio has created over 450 characters throughout its history. [7]

Some of the best known include:

Hello Kitty is Sanrio’s flagship character and one of the most valuable fictional brands in the world.

Some interesting facts:

• Created by illustrator Yuko Shimizu

• Debuted in 1974

• Full name: Kitty White

• Birthday: November 1

• Lives in suburban London

• Has a twin sister named Mimmy

• Officially portrayed as a little girl rather than an actual cat, despite her cat-like appearance. [8]

Sanrio characters appear on a wide variety of merchandise, including:

• Stationery

• Plush toys

• Clothing

• Bags

• Jewelry

• School supplies

• Kitchenware

• Cosmetics

• Home décor

• Electronics

• Video games

• Collectibles

The company also collaborates with major global brands across fashion, technology, food, and luxury goods.

Sanrio owns and operates themed attractions in Japan, including:

• Sanrio Puroland

• Harmonyland

These parks feature attractions, live shows, character meet-and-greets, restaurants, and seasonal events centered on Sanrio’s characters.

Today, Sanrio’s characters are licensed in more than 130 countries and regions. The company operates through regional subsidiaries and licensing partners across Asia, Europe, North America, South America, and Oceania. [9]

Sanrio has played a major role in popularizing Japan’s kawaii culture around the world. Its characters have become symbols of friendship, nostalgia, self-expression, and positivity, appealing to children and adults alike. Through collaborations with artists, fashion designers, sports teams, and global brands, Sanrio has remained influential for decades.

• Sanrio has created more than 450 characters since its founding. [10]

• Hello Kitty first appeared on a small vinyl coin purse.

• Sanrio’s original business centered on gift giving as a way to build relationships.

• The company motto, “Minna Nakayoku,” means “Getting Along Together.”

• Sanrio continues to expand beyond merchandise into games, animation, digital experiences, and other entertainment initiatives. [11]

1. Corporate Website | Sanrio Company, Ltd.

2. Company History | Sanrio Company, Ltd.

3. Company Profile | Sanrio Company, Ltd.

4. At 50, Hello Kitty is as ‘kawaii’ and lucrative as ever

5. Message from the Founder | Sanrio

6. About Sanrio

7. From sumo to football: Hello Kitty aims for world domination

8. The Secret to Hello Kitty’s Half-Century of Success

9. About Sanrio | Sanrio Company, Ltd.

10. Corporate Website | Sanrio Company, Ltd.

11. 企業情報サイト | 株式会社サンリオ