Hello Kitty, the beloved icon, is famously known for her mouthless face. The reason behind Hello Kitty's lack of a mouth is a secret that adds to her charm.
This unique feature symbolizes emotions beyond words, making her relatable to everyone.
But why does Hello Kitty not have a mouth? Let's find out!
Why Doesn’t Hello Kitty Have A Mouth?
Hello Kitty doesn't have a mouth to allow people to project their own feelings and emotions onto the character, according to Sanrio [1], the company behind Hello Kitty.
Hello Kitty, the iconic character created by Sanrio, is known for her simple yet endearing design. One of the most noticeable aspects of her appearance is her lack of a mouth.
This design choice has intrigued fans around the world, sparking various theories and legends about its significance. The decision not to give Hello Kitty a mouth was deliberate.
This design encourages fans to relate to Hello Kitty on a personal level, making her emotions more versatile and open to interpretation.
Cultural & Psychological Reasons
Japanese Aesthetic and Cultural Values
The concept of kawaii [2], often translated as "cute," is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. It's a complex aesthetic that blends childlike innocence, playfulness, and a sense of wonder.
Hello Kitty, the iconic character, is a quintessential embodiment of kawaii.
- Simplicity: Hello Kitty's design is remarkably simple. A round white face with big, black eyes, a red bow, and no mouth. This simplicity is a core principle of kawaii, where less is often more.
- Ambiguity: Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Hello Kitty's design is the absence of a mouth. This deliberate omission creates an air of mystery and invites viewers to project their own emotions onto the character.
Psychological Interpretation
Hello Kitty's blank canvas invites viewers to become active participants in storytelling. By omitting a mouth, Sanrio created a void that individuals fill with their own emotions and experiences.
This psychological projection fosters a deep personal connection, as people see Hello Kitty as a reflection of their inner world.
Myths & Urban Legends
Hello Kitty is a popular cartoon character created by the Japanese company Sanrio. One of the most intriguing aspects of Hello Kitty is the fact that she does not have a mouth.
Many theories have been suggested to explain this, including the belief that the creator wanted her to represent happiness without needing to speak.
Some fans have even speculated that Hello Kitty is a symbol of mouth cancer, as she is a product of a woman whose daughter was diagnosed with the disease.
In order to save her daughter, the Chinese worshipper decided that she would have to create a cartoon character that would have to create character that brings love and happiness to young girls without the evil that a mouth can mean.
So, she begin to draw a pen on paper to create something adorable and name it Hello Kitty.
Since Hello Kitty doesn't have a mouth, some people believe that she is a devil. However, the truth is much less sinister. The artist who created Hello Kitty, Yuko Shimizu, simply wanted her character to look happy all the time.
In order to do this, she decided that Hello Kitty should not have a mouth to say anything sad. Instead, Hello Kitty is always smiling to bring happiness to everyone else.
FAQs
Why does Hello Kitty look like a cat if she's not a cat?
Hello Kitty is often mistaken for a cat due to her cat-like appearance. However, she's actually a little girl. The design choice was to create a cute, approachable character, and cat-like features fit this image.
Which Sanrio characters have no mouth?
While Hello Kitty is the most famous mouthless character, there are other Sanrio characters without mouths. This design choice often adds to their mysterious and cute appeal.
Is Hello Kitty a human or a cat?
Hello Kitty is a human girl. She's often depicted as a student and has friends and family. Despite her cat-like appearance, she doesn't have cat characteristics like walking on four legs.
Final Thoughts
Hello Kitty, a simple design born from a complex world. Whose true creator is unknown, yet everyone knows her. Nothing more than a white canvas, yet anyone can project their heart onto her. She is the child of a terminally ill mother, an attempt to bring joy into a world of pain.
Thus, the ambiguous character was born. A simple red bow, black eyes, and a yellow nose, yet she has become a global phenomenon. Yuko Shimizu's 1974 desk item has transcended into a merchandising empire.
Hello Kitty is more than a character; she's a blank canvas for the world's imagination. Now, head over to Toynk's Hello Kitty merch collection to bring the story of this beloved icon to life!
References:
- https://hellokitty.fandom.com/wiki/Sanrio
- https://www.futurelearn.com/info/courses/intro-to-japanese-subculture/0/steps/23571
