It's True - Hello Kitty Has a Boyfriend, But He Sparked a Controversy so Big That Sanrio Cancelled the Couple

For decades, Hello Kitty has stood as a symbol of cuteness, simplicity, and cultural staying power. First introduced by Sanrio in 1974, the character quickly grew from a stationery mascot to a global pop icon recognized by fans of all ages. Her carefully maintained image of being always cheery, endlessly marketable, and meticulously apolitical, has made her one of the most profitable characters in the world. But what many fans do not realize is that Hello Kitty was once paired with a boyfriend. And it did not go as planned.