Yoshikitty (stylized in all lowercase as yoshikitty) is a Japanese toy and merchandise line created in 2009 as a joint venture between Sanrio and Japanese musician Yoshiki. The character was created by Hello Kitty designer Yuko Yamaguchi. The brand specializes in rock-themed and high fashion goods, and was voted more popular than Hello Kitty in the 2018 Sanrio Character Ranking. Yoshikitty is the first Sanrio character modeled after a real-life person.[1]
| Yoshikitty | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Created by | Yuko Yamaguchi |
| Years | 2009-present |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Theme park attraction(s) | Sanrio Puroland |
| Based on | Yoshiki |
| Official website | |
| https://yoshikitty.shop/ | |
History edit
In 2007, Sanrio designer Yuko Yamaguchi approached Yoshiki about writing an official theme song for Hello Kitty, which he premiered at Hello Kitty Con in Los Angeles in 2014.[2] As Yoshiki worked on the song, their conversations inspired Yamaguchi to create an original design merging the character and the musician into "Yoshikitty".[3]
Yoshikitty was revealed in May 2009 at X Japan's concert at Tokyo Dome. In August of the same year, large-scale Yoshikitty balloons were incorporated into the X Japan's stage production.[4] On October 2, 2009, Yoshikitty's second design was revealed at Hello Kitty's 35th Anniversary celebration in Los Angeles.[5]
The documentary film We Are X includes a Blu-ray special feature interview with Yamaguchi about her friendship with Yoshiki and the creation of Yoshikitty.[6] A life-size version of Yoshikitty regularly appears at the Sanrio Puroland theme park and on special television events to play piano or drums.[7]
Design edit
Yoshikitty's look is modeled closely after Yoshiki, and the character's main features are long blonde hair, purple eyeshadow, and black "rock star" attire.[8] Toys have also been released featuring Yoshikitty wearing Yoshiki's androgynous stage costumes, such as a red and white nurse outfit, a wedding dress, and a "Cinderella" outfit.
Merchandise edit
Yoshikitty has been the basis for over 500 products, including high fashion clothing, jewelry, and cosmetic items.[9] In 2019, a limited-edition 18k gold Yoshikitty figurine was released in collaboration with precious metal company Ginza Tanaka, with an estimated retail cost of US$10,000.[10]
International popularity edit
Yoshikitty has been nominated in the international Sanrio Character Ranking for nine straight years (since 2015). Yoshikitty was voted more popular than Hello Kitty in the 2018 Sanrio Character Ranking.[11][12]
In global voting, Yoshikitty has been ranked #1 in Brazil, China, France, Germany, and Thailand.[11][13][14][15]
References edit
- ^ "Who Is Yoshikitty, Hello Kitty's Edgy Look Alike?". www.vice.com. Retrieved 2023-03-19.
- ^ "Yoshiki Debuts Official Hello Kitty Theme Song at Hello Kitty Con". Yahoo Entertainment. Retrieved 2023-03-19.
- ^ Expo, Anime (2017-06-13). "We Are X: The X Japan Documentary Screening and Q&A with Yoshiki". Anime Expo. Retrieved 2023-03-19.
- ^ "X JAPAN WORLD TOUR Live in TOKYO ~Continues the Attack~". JaME. 2009-08-02. Retrieved 2023-03-19.
- ^ "YOSHIKI、ハローキティ誕生35周年記念パーティーで新yoshikittyお披露目". BARKS (in Japanese). Retrieved 2023-03-19.
- ^ We Are X, Magnolia Home Ent, 2017-04-25, retrieved 2023-03-19
- ^ "YOSHIKI、サンリオピューロランドからyoshikittyと生配信". BARKS (in Japanese). Retrieved 2023-03-19.
- ^ "Yoshikitty is back! This time in unicorn-colored accessories with the Pastel Moon Collection". SoraNews24 -Japan News-. 2022-05-20. Retrieved 2023-03-19.
- ^ "Yoshikitty – Inspired By Rock Star YOSHIKI – Will Compete With Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, And My Melody | POPJNEO". 2021-04-11. Retrieved 2023-03-19.
- ^ Sharma, Neha Tandon (2019-10-21). "YoshiKitty celebrates 10 years of cuteness with a solid gold figurine". Luxurylaunches. Retrieved 2023-03-19.
- ^ a b "FINAL RESULTS | The 33rd Sanrio Character Ranking Official Website". The 33rd Sanrio Character Ranking Official Website. Retrieved 2023-03-19.
- ^ "Move over Hello Kitty, Yoshikitty pounces ahead to top three in Sanrio ranking". JROCK NEWS. 2018-07-28. Retrieved 2023-03-19.
- ^ "2020 Sanrio Character Ranking Official Website". 2020 Sanrio Character Ranking Official Website. Retrieved 2023-03-19.
- ^ "Final Results｜2021 Sanrio Character Ranking Official Website". Final Results｜2021 Sanrio Character Ranking Official Website. Retrieved 2023-03-19.
- ^ "Overseas Results l Results Announcement | 2022 Sanrio Character Ranking Official Site". Final Results | 2022 Sanrio Character Ranking Official Site. Retrieved 2023-03-19.