Hello Kitty turns 35!

Nov. 6, 2009 | By Alex Cohen | KPCC
Mercer 1665
Photo courtesy of Royal/T

Hello Kitty mermaid painting by Gary Baseman

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This fall marks the 35th birthday of one of Japan's beloved pop icons - Hello Kitty. The Royal/T Cafe in Culver City is throwing her a huge birthday bash complete with Hello Kitty-shaped food, Hello Kitty-themed household items and art work inspired by the tiny white feline.


Jamie Rivadeneira, who runs a store called Japan LA, is the curator of the exhibit. She says the timing is perfect because girls who grow up loving Hello Kitty are now adults with kids of their own.

One of the most incredible items in the Three Apples is an installation that looks like a hot air balloon. The balloon is a giant pink and white Hello Kitty head. Viewers can climb in and actually "fly" about six inches off the ground.

There is also a wide assortment of paintings inspired by the character -- Hello Kitty as the Mona Lisa, a Dia De Los Muertos-style sugar skull, even a black velvet Hello Kitty Elvis. And if all that art viewing makes you hungry, you can dine on Hello Kitty shaped grilled sandwiches, cookies and even pancakes.

Also on display are thousands of items, many from Japan, featuring the feline character. There are Hello Kitty-themed skateboards, electric guitars, rice cookers and coffee makers. Exhibit curator Jaime Rivadeneira especially likes a special Hello Kitty robot. Exhibit curator Jamie Rivadeneira says the robot can say 1000 things in Japanese and has cameras in its eyes so it can see you. "They made it for elderly people so they don’t get lonely," she says. "They can talk to it and it will move and it will say hello to you. I really want one of those!"


Photo courtesy of Royal/T


Hello Kitty painting by Buff Monster

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