Since 1974, Hello Kitty, commissioned by Sanrio to help boost sales of merchandise like vinyl coin purses, has grown into a cultural behemoth. It’s now the second-highest-grossing media franchise bested only by fellow Japanese phenomenon Pokémon.
For 45 years, the mouthless-not-a-cat has driven sales to the tune of over $80 billion for all sorts of items, some obvious—toys, apparel, school supplies, and others less so. By some estimates, Hello Kitty, whose actual name is Kitty White, and her friends can be found on over 50,000 items sold in about 130 countries.
You can also find the kawaii-on-steroids characters featured on all sorts of unofficial items. You know, like firearms.

















