Yuko and her fellow illustrators had a simple brief centred around the word 'kawaii', meaning cute. (Photo: A replica of the first ever Hello Kitty product. Credit: Getty Images) Her design – a ...

Yuko Yamaguchi, who has held the role since ... caretaking instinct aroused by “kawaii” isn't without power. “We take care of our siblings, our babies, our pets, because we are in control.

Yuko Yamaguchi, who has held the role since ... caretaking instinct aroused by “kawaii” isn't without power. “We take care of our siblings, our babies, our pets, because we are in control.

Designed by Yuko Shimizu, the familiar anthropomorphised cat character has transcended cult status and become an instantly recognised icon of contemporary Japan, a gateway drug to Kawaii culture, and ...