General · 13 February 2026
Hello Kitty designer leaves job after 46 years
Yuko Yamaguchi is vacating her position as the lead designer for Hello Kitty after guiding the global franchise since 1980. Sanrio confirmed that a successor working under the pseudonym "Aya" has already started collaborating and will fully take charge by late 2026. The 70-year-old intends to remain with the firm to provide advice as the character prepares for a Warner Bros film in 2028.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs