Yuko Shimizu

is a Japanese designer who created Hello Kitty.

Early life and education Shimizu was born in Kyoto, Japan, on November 1, 1946. She attended Musashino Art University, and joined Sanrio after graduation.

Career

Hello Kitty In 1974, Shimizu made the original design for Hello Kitty, whose fictional birthdate is November 1, the same as Shimizu's. Hello Kitty is Sanrio's most successful and best known character. Shimizu based her name on Alice's black 'Kitty' from Through the Looking-Glass. Hello Kitty was designed to be a kawaii (cute) symbol to be used on merchandise. In 1975, the design made her debut in Japan with her image on a coin purse.

At Sanrio In 1973, Shimizu designed the first original Sanrio character, Coro Chan, a bear. Before designing Hello Kitty Shimizu also did designs of fruits for Sanrio. Other characters designed by Shimizu for Sanrio include , a rabbit and mice, and , a girl wearing a kimono, all from 1974.

After Sanrio Shimizu left Sanrio in 1976 to get married. She has been working as a freelance designer ever since. She did not make a lot of money from Hello Kitty.

The other characters she has created include Angel Cat Sugar and Rebecca Bonbon. She has also published some picture books.