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List of Hello Kitty animated series
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| Hello Kitty | |
Hello Kitty in a kimono from Hello Kitty Animation Theater vol.1 | |
| ハローキティ (Harō Kiti) | |
|---|---|
| Created by | Yuko Shimizu Sanrio |
| Original video animation | |
| Hello Kitty and Friends | |
| Directed by | Yasuo Ishikawa Masami Hata Fumio Kurokawa |
| Produced by | Takaharu Yoshikawa |
| Music by | Senji Nanba |
| Studio | Grouper Production |
| Licensed by | Kaleidoscope Entertainment, Inc. Family Home Entertainment |
| Released | 1989 – 1998 |
| Runtime | 1 |
| Episodes | 80 |
| Original video animation | |
| Hello Kitty's Paradise | |
| Directed by | Hideaki Oba |
| Produced by | Yuki Saito |
| Written by | Keiko Kimoto |
| Music by | Eri Takeda |
| Studio | Imagica Multi-Access Company |
| Licensed by | |
| Released | March 25, 1999 – October 22, 1999 |
| Runtime | 8–9 minutes (each) |
| Episodes | 32 |
| Original video animation | |
| Growing Up With Hello Kitty | |
| Directed by | Hiroshi Iwata |
| Produced by | Yasuhito Ito Yuki Saito |
| Written by | Chinatsu Hojo |
| Music by | Eri Takeda |
| Studio | Group TAC |
| Released | March 1, 2001 – March 17, 2001 |
| Runtime | 8–9 minutes (each) |
| Episodes | 16 |
| Original video animation | |
| Hello Kitty's Animation Theater | |
| Directed by | Yoshio Kuroda |
| Written by | Chinatsu Houjou Miho Maruo So Toyama Yumi Kageyama |
| Music by | Eri Takeda |
| Studio | Group TAC |
| Released | July 20, 2001 – December 21, 2001 |
| Runtime | 25 minutes (each) |
| Episodes | 13 |
| Original video animation | |
| Hello Kitty's Stump Village | |
| Directed by | Han-Jung-Suk Soo-Hyun Kim |
| Produced by | Chris Eum Luke Han |
| Written by | Ju-Young-Ahn |
| Studio | Studio Tomorrow SOVIK Venture Capital |
| Licensed by | |
| Released | May 5, 2005 – October 27, 2005 |
| Episodes | 26 |
| Anime television series | |
| Hello Kitty: Ringo no Mori no Fantasy | |
| Studio | Asahi Production |
| Original network | TV Tokyo |
| Original run | April 4, 2006 – September 19, 2006 |
| Episodes | 13 |
There are several different Hello Kitty animated series, featuring the cartoon character Hello Kitty, from the Japanese company Sanrio.
Hello Kitty's Furry Tale Theater (1987)
[edit]Hello Kitty's Furry Tale Theater is a Japanese-American animated series co-produced by DIC Enterprises and animated by Toei Animation. The series featured Hello Kitty and her friends retelling their own versions of popular fairy tales and stories. Each of the 13 half-hour episodes consisted of two 11-minute cartoons, and they first aired on CBS from September 19 to December 12, 1987.
Hello Kitty and Friends (1989–1998)
[edit]SANRIO Animation Series, also known as Sanrio World Masterpiece Cinema Series (サンリオ世界名作映画館シリーズ, Sanrio sekai meisaku eigakan shirīzu), is a series of 80 Japanese OVAs produced between 1989 and 1998,[1] and animated by Gropuer Production. 30 of these OVAs (and two Sanrio Anime Festival films) were dubbed in English under the title Hello Kitty and Friends and aired on YTV in Canada. The series featured Hello Kitty and other characters, such as Keroppi, Pochacco, and Pekkle. Episodes were also broadcast on Toon Disney (United States), ZDF and Super RTL (Germany), Boomerang, DeA Kids and Ka-Boom (Italy), Canal de las Estrellas (Mexico), and ABS-CBN (Philippines, under the "Sanrio World of Animation" banner).
Episodes (available outside Japan)
[edit]- Hello Kitty - Cinderella (22 July 1989)
- Keroppi - The Big Adventure (27 September 1989)
- Keroppi - Find the Pink Mushroom (1990)
- Hello Kitty - The Sleeping Princess (20 July 1991)
- Hello Kitty - The Circus Comes to Town (21 July 1992)
- Hello Kitty - The Day the Big Clock Stopped (21 July 1992)
- Keroppi - Let's Play Baseball (21 July 1992)
- Hello Kitty - Mom Loves Me After All (21 August 1992)
- Hello Kitty - The Magic Apple (21 September 1992)
- Hello Kitty - Santa's Missing Hat (1 November 1992)
- Keroppi - The Christmas Eve Gift - Santa and His Reindeer Kuppi (1 November 1992)
- Pekkle - The Great Swimming Race (21 March 1993)
- Pekkle - Find the Secret Treasure (21 April 1993)
- Hello Kitty - The Wonderful Sisters (21 May 1993)
- Keroppi - The Adventures of the Coward Prince (21 May 1993)
- Hello Kitty - Snow White (21 July 1993)
- Hello Kitty - Heidi (21 August 1993)
- Keroppi - The Adventures of Gulliver (21 August 1993)
- Pekkle - Aladdin and His Magic Lamp (21 September 1993)
- Pochacco - Exciting Birthday (21 October 1993)
- Pekkle - The Adventures of Sinbad (21 October 1993)
- Hello Kitty - Alice in Wonderland (21 November 1993)
- Keroppi - The Frog's Secret House (21 November 1993)
- Pochacco - The Excitement at the Carrot Patch (21 November 1993)
- Hello Kitty - The Dream Thief (21 December 1993)
- Keroppi - Robin Hood (21 January 1994)
- Hello Kitty - The Prince in his Dream Castle (12 February 1994)
- Keroppi - Let's Be Friends (21 February 1994)
- Keroppi - Our Treasure (21 March 1994)
- Patty and Jimmy - You're a Superstar (21 March 1994)
Cast
[edit]- Karen Bernstein - Hello Kitty
- Mary Long - Mimmy
- Jill Frappier - Fifi, Keroppi
- Tracey Hoyt - Keroleen
- Jeff Lumby - Ganta/Junk
- Elva Mai Hoover - Noberun/Newton, Den Den
- Nadine Rabinovitch - Teru Teru/Ruby
- Julie Lemieux - Jody, Kyorosuke/Soak
- Susan Roman - Pekkle
- Paulina Gillis - Thomas, Tracy, Pochacco
- Addison Bell
- Tony Daniels
- Paul De La Rosa - Papa
- Elizabeth Hanna - Mama
- Jonathan Potts
- Ron Rubin
- John Stocker
- Chris Wiggins - Narrator
Hello Kitty's Paradise (1999)
[edit]Kitty's Paradise (Japanese: キティズパラダイス, Hepburn: Kitizu Paradaisu; lit. Kitty's Paradise) is an animated series featuring the adventures of Hello Kitty and her twin sister Mimmy that officially ran from January 5, 1999, to March 29, 2011. The show was the longest-running weekly children's program in TV Tokyo's history, and aired on Tuesday mornings at 7:30 AM JST throughout its 12-year run. Following the series finale, it was immediately replaced by Pretty Rhythm Aurora Dream in its timeslot on April 9, 2011.
Animated shorts were released on video with the Kitty's Paradise brand between March 25[2] and October 22, 1999.[3] Saban Entertainment adapted these shorts into a TV series in the U.S. titled Hello Kitty's Paradise.[4] This show ran on the Fox Family Channel[5] from March 4[6] to September 16, 2000.[7] ADV Films licensed the home video rights to this series[8] and initially released it on VHS and DVD between November 26, 2002[9] and March 25, 2003.
Episodes
[edit]Episodes from Pretty Kitty
- A Blooming Good Morning (あさがおさいた)
- A Storybook Adventure (おはなしをつくろう)
- Kitty's Clean Cuisine (ごはんはたのしく!)
- A Day Out with Dad (おみせやさんなにやさん?)
- Underground Kitty (つちのなかはどうなってるの)
- Watch the Birdie (キティとミミィとことりさん)
- Minding Manners (フォークどうする?)
- Streetwise (まちへおでかけ)
Episodes from Fun With Friends
- The Magic Bags (ふしぎなふくろ)
- The Dust Monster (ほこりオバケがでてきたぞ)
- Put On a Happy Place (かざってみよう)
- The Train to Grandma's House (でんしゃでおでかけ)
- Paper Play (かみでつくろう)
- Sizing Things Up (ちょっとといっぱい)
- The Broken Robot (こわれたロボット)
- What's in Store (これっていくつ?)
Episodes from Share And Care
- Shadow Play (かげであそぼう)
- Happy Birthday Papa (パパにおてがみ)
- The Great Kitty Car Race (つみきののりもの)
- Adventures in Groceryland (おつかいできる?)
- A Trip to Rainbow Park (なにいろがいいかな)
- Birthday Party Time (おたんじょうびにおよばれ)
- Making Cookies (クッキーをつくろう)
- Great Shapes! (いろんなかたち)
Episodes from Learn With Love
- A Stitch in Time Saves Nine Lives! (とけいのなかは・・・)
- The Big and Small of It (おおきい?ちいさい?)
- A Puzzling Day (かたちであそぼ)
- A Fair Share (はんぶんこしよう)
- Can You Count Them? (かぞえられる?)
- Everything Has Its Place (あそんだあとはもとのばしょ)
- Once Upon A Kitty (キティとミミィのえほん)
- A Nice Little Walk in the City (どうろのルール)
Cast
[edit]- Melissa Fahn - Hello Kitty
- Laura Summer - Mimmy
- Jennifer Darling - Mama
- Tony Pope - Papa
- Barbara Goodson - Moley
- Sally/Birdie
- Hally/Flirdie
- Sandy Fox - Tracey
Growing Up With Hello Kitty (2001)
[edit]Together with Hello Kitty (Japanese: ハローキティといっしょ, Hepburn: Harōkiti to Issho) is a series of OVAs by Sanrio featuring Hello Kitty and her twin sister Mimmy as they learn life lessons. The first 16-episode series was released on video between August 21, 1994[10] and October 21, 1998,[11] while the second 16-episode series was released on video between March 1[12] and March 17, 2001.[13] AnimEigo released the second series on DVD in 2012 in North America as Growing Up With Hello Kitty, with an English dub by Coastal Studios.[14] Each disc contains six episodes focusing on issues such as learning how to talk on the phone, cleaning up a messy room and playing nicely. The production has been generally well-reviewed, with viewers pleased by both the quality of the production as well as the educational content.
Segments
[edit]- Going to The Bathroom (トイレにいけるよ)
- Changing Our Clothes (ひとりできがえ)
- Eating Nicely (きちんとしょくじ)
- I Can Share With Friends (がまんできるよ)
- Sleeping By Ourselves (ひとりでおやすみ)
- Saying I'm Sorry (ごめんねいえる)
- Cleaning Up My Mess (おかたづけできる)
- Replying Properly (きちんとおへんじ)
- Talking On the Phone (でんわでおはなし)
- Let's Play Together (なかよくあそぼう)
- It's Fun to Help (たのしいおてつだい)
- Eating Our Vegetables (なんでもたべよう)
- Undubbed
- Traffic Safety (こうつうあんぜん)
- Let's Brush (はみがきしようね)
- Energetic Greeting (げんきにあいさつ)
- I Like Bathing (だいすきおふろ)
Hello Kitty's Animation Theater (2001)
[edit]Sanrio Anime World Masterpiece Theater (サンリオアニメ世界名作劇場, Sanrio Anime Sekai Meisaku Gekijō) is a 13-episode anime series produced by Sanrio and animated by Group TAC. Each episode features two stories (a 16-minute and an 8-minute story), totalling 26 stories. The episodes aired on TV from April 3 to December 25, 2001[15] and they were released simultaneously on home video from July 20[16] to December 21, 2001.[17] It was licensed by ADV Films and released on home video as Hello Kitty's Animation Theater between February 1 and July 12, 2005.
Episodes
[edit]- Hello Kitty in "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" / Badtz-Maru in "The Shepherd Boy and the Wolf"
- Pochacco in "Jack and the Beanstalk" / Hello Kitty & Mimmy in "The Story of King Midas"
- Hello Kitty & Dear Daniel in "Hansel & Gretel" / My Melody in "Little Red Riding Hood"
- Hello Kitty in "The Bamboo Princess" / Hangyodon in "The Emperor's New Clothes"
- Hello Kitty in "Sleeping Beauty" / Badtz-Maru in "The Ants and the Grasshopper"
- Hello Kitty in "The Wild Swans" / Monkichi in "Mercury and the Workmen"
- Hello Kitty in "The Nutcracker" / Corocorokuririn in "The Country Mouse and the Town Mouse"
- Hello Kitty in "Momotaro" / Pompompurin in "The Tortoise and the Hare"
- Hello Kitty in "Cinderella" / Pekkle in "Drakestail"
- Keroppi in "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp" / Hello Kitty in "The Little Match Girl"
- Hello Kitty in "Puss in Boots" / Pekkle in "The Ugly Duckling"
- Hello Kitty in "Thumbelina" / Pompompurin in "The North Wind and the Sun"
- Hello Kitty & Dear Daniel in "The Snow Queen" / Hello Kitty, Mimmy, & Dear Daniel in "The Three Little Pigs"
Hello Kitty's Stump Village (2005)
[edit]Hello Kitty's Stump Village is a South Korean-Japanese clay-animated series co-produced in 2005 by Sanrio, SOVIK Venture Capital, and Studio Tomorrow. It was acquired for North American distribution by Geneon and released on DVD with an English dub by Bang Zoom! Entertainment between October 31, 2006, and September 4, 2007.[18] In Japan, the series was released on DVD on April 25, 2007 by Tohokushinsha Film.[19] It later premiered on Cartoon Network in the country on May 3, 2008.[20] In South Korea, the series debuted on Champ on October 1, 2007.[21]
Unlike other series, there is no dialogue in this one. Instead, the narrator tells the events of the episodes.
- Seesaw Nutcracker
- Veggie Sunglasses
- Goodie Town
- Heart Shaped Fruit
- Friends Again
- Strange Penguin
- Shadow Show
- Hoop-a-Doop
- Domino Game
- Please Come Back
- Air Balloon
- Little Twin Stars
- Kiwi Cars
- Magical Bowling
- Grape Juice
- Mask Party
- Don't Be Picky
- Candy Tree
- Stump Theater
- Circus
- Puppet Show
- Scarecrow
- Wheat Field
- Windmill
- Trick or Treat
- Keroppi the Frog
Hello Kitty: Ringo no Mori (2006–2008)
[edit]Hello Kitty: Ringo no Mori was an anime series divided into three seasons. The seasons are: Hello Kitty: Ringo no Mori no Fantasy (ハローキティ りんごの森のファンタジー), Hello Kitty: Ringo no Mori no Mystery ( ハローキティ りんごの森のミステリー) and Hello Kitty: Ringo no Mori to Parallel Town (ハローキティ りんごの森とパラレルタウン). The anime was an Asahi Production.
While this series was never released in English, it received several dubs in Spanish, Valencian, Italian, French, Portuguese, Chinese, Malay, and Arabic.
The Adventures of Hello Kitty & Friends (2008–2009)
[edit]The Adventures of Hello Kitty & Friends is a 3D CGI-animated series featuring Hello Kitty and other characters from the Japanese company Sanrio from 2008, co-developed by Sanrio's digital entertainment entity Sanrio Digital and Dream Cortex. It premiered on TVB Jade along with the reboot of The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends.
The World of Hello Kitty (2016–2019)
[edit]The World of Hello Kitty (Portuguese: O Mundo da Hello Kitty) is a 2D flash animated web series of shorts co-produced by Sanrio and the Brazilian animation studio Plot Kids. It started streaming on the Latin American Hello Kitty YouTube channels in 2016 and ended in 2019, lasting 4 seasons with 76 episodes and 19 video clips. The last season was themed to honor the character's 45th birthday. An English-dubbed version began streaming on the Southeast Asian Hello Kitty YouTube channels in April 2020.[22]
This animation has appearances of other Sanrio characters such as Keroppi, Badtz-Maru and Chococat (introduced in the second season), and also My Melody and Little Twin Stars (appearing only in the final season). In 2020, a special season with 6 episodes entitled Hello Kitty & Amigos: Chef Star was released.
Hello Kitty & Friends – Let's Learn Together (2017)
[edit]Hello Kitty & Friends – Let's Learn Together (Japanese: キティと一緒に学び、考えていく, Hepburn: Kiti to Issho ni Manabi, Kangaete Iku; lit. Learn and Think with Kitty) is a series of animated educational webshorts by Sanrio that began streaming in Japan on Hikari TV Channel on July 28, 2017.[23] A total of 21 seven-minute episodes were produced. The show was later released on DVD in Japan by Nippon Columbia.
On July 25, 2018, Sentai Filmworks acquired the rights to release the series in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.[24] An English dubbed version was then released on DVD in November 2018.[25]
The series is aimed at young kids and toddlers.
Hello Kitty Channel (2018)
[edit]In August 2018, Sanrio began streaming a CGI-animated web series on YouTube. It features Hello Kitty talking to the camera about her life in the style of vlogging YouTubers.[26][27]
Gundam vs Hello Kitty (2019)
[edit]In January 2019, a limited original net animation series in three episodes entitled Gundam vs Hello Kitty (Japanese: ガンダムvsハローキティ, Hepburn: Gandamu vs harōkiti; lit. Gundam vs Hello Kitty) was launched featuring a crossover between Hello Kitty with the classic 1979 anime series Mobile Suit Gundam.[28] The animation was part of a cross-promotion to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Gundam and the 45th anniversary of Hello Kitty. The episodes were made available on its own YouTube channel with animation made by Sunrise.
Hello Kitty Fun (2019–2021)
[edit]Hello Kitty Fun is another 2D flash animated web series of shorts, also exclusive from Hello Kitty's Latin YouTube channels. The series was created as a replacement for The World of Hello Kitty, however, different from the previous one, this series uses a hand-drawn art style, and it has no dialogue. Besides Hello Kitty, no other character has appeared in this series. The series is a production made between Sanrio and the Brazilian animation studio Split Studio.
On the English channel, the series is presented under the name Sweet Moments with Hello Kitty.
Hello Kitty and Friends Supercute Adventures (2020–present)
[edit]Hello Kitty and Friends Supercute Adventures is an official, free 2020 animated web series published weekly to the official Hello Kitty and Friends YouTube. The first episode aired on Monday, October 26, at 3 pm PST with an all-star cast of Hello Kitty, Keroppi, Badtz-Maru, My Melody, Pompompurin, and Kuromi. In season 2, Chococat and Cinnamoroll joined the main cast, while in season 4, Pochacco joined the cast.[29]
Hello Kitty: Super Style! (2022–2024)
[edit]Hello Kitty: Super Style! is a CGI animated show which began streaming on Amazon Kids+ in December 2022.[30] The first season has 52 episodes. The series is a French and Italian co-production. The theme song is performed by Carly Rae Jepsen.[30]
References
[edit]- ^ "Sanrio - Companies". MyAnimeList.net. Retrieved 2023-04-21.
- ^ "ハローキティ 知育シリーズ~あさがおさいた/キティとミミィとことりさん". tower.jp. Retrieved 2022-10-31.
- ^ "ハローキティ 右脳開発シリーズ~かざってみよう/かみでつくろう". tower.jp. Retrieved 2022-10-31.
- ^ Erickson, Hal (2005). Television Cartoon Shows: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, 1949 Through 2003 (2nd ed.). McFarland & Co. pp. 402–403. ISBN 978-1476665993.
- ^ "FOX FAMILY CHANNEL 2000-'01 FALL LINEUP". Animation Blast. 2000-03-19. Archived from the original on 2001-05-05. Retrieved 2022-10-22.
- ^ "Saturday Morning (7:00)". The Daily Gazette. 2000-02-27. Retrieved 2022-10-22.
- ^ "Saturday Morning (7:00)". The Daily Gazette. 2000-09-10. Retrieved 2022-10-22.
- ^ "Hello Kitty Press Release". Anime News Network. 2002-09-20. Retrieved 2022-10-22.
- ^ "Hello Kitty Release Date". Anime News Network. 2002-10-03. Retrieved 2022-10-22.
- ^ "ハローキティといっしょ/がまんだ がまん". tower.jp. Retrieved 2022-10-31.
- ^ "ハローキティといっしょ きちんとおしょくじ/きちんとおかたづけ". tower.jp. Retrieved 2022-10-31.
- ^ "ハローキティといっしょ なんでもたべよう/ひとりでおやすみ". tower.jp. Retrieved 2022-10-31.
- ^ "ハローキティといっしょ だいすきおふろ/ひとりできがえ". tower.jp. Retrieved 2022-10-31.
- ^ Loo, Egan (January 6, 2012). "AnimEigo Adds Growing Up With Hello Kitty Anime". Anime News Network. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
- ^ "サンリオ名作アニメ劇場". Sanrio. Archived from the original on 2002-02-12. Retrieved 2022-10-23.
- ^ "本・ビデオ". Sanrio. Archived from the original on 2001-08-05. Retrieved 2022-10-23.
- ^ "サンリオアニメ世界名作劇場ビデオ". Sanrio. Archived from the original on 2002-02-16. Retrieved 2022-10-23.
- ^ Macdonald, Christopher (July 2, 2006). "Geneon Anime Licenses". Anime News Network. Retrieved July 15, 2020.
- ^ "ハローキティのスタンプヴィレッジ". Tohokushinsha Film (in Japanese). Retrieved July 15, 2020.
- ^ "カートウーン ネットワーク 08年5月目玉番組情報" (PDF). Cartoon Network (Press release) (in Japanese). Tokyo. May 10, 2008. Retrieved July 15, 2020.
- ^ "챔프 10월 신작 안내". Champ (in Korean). September 22, 2007. Retrieved July 15, 2020.
- ^ "The World of Hello Kitty". Sanrio. YouTube. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
- ^ "ハローキティとあそぼう!まなぼう!知育アニメDVDが発売決定". Nippon Columbia (Press release) (in Japanese). PR Times. August 24, 2017. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
- ^ Ressler, Karen (July 25, 2018). "Sentai Filmworks Launches 'Kids' Label With New Hello Kitty Series". Anime News Network. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
- ^ "SENTAI FILMWORKS OFFICIAL NOVEMBER SLATE". Sentai Filmworks. July 26, 2018. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
- ^ Chapman, Paul (30 August 2018). "Hello Kitty Makes Her Virtual Youtuber Debut". Crunchyroll.com.
- ^ Lee, Dami (30 August 2018). "Hello Kitty has no mouth, and she must vlog". The Verge.
- ^ "The Gundam 40th vs Hello Kitty 45th Anniversary Crossover Spawns Cool Anime and Model Kit". 16 January 2020.
- ^ "Hello Kitty and Friends". YouTube.
- ^ a b "Hello Kitty: Super Style! 3D Animated Series Premieres on December 7". Anime News Network. Retrieved 8 December 2022.
External links
[edit]- Hello Kitty and Friends at IMDb
- Hello Kitty's Paradise at IMDb
- Hello Kitty's Animation Theater at IMDb
- List of Hello Kitty animated series (anime) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia
List of Hello Kitty animated series
View on GrokipediaBackground
Production history
Sanrio entered the animation landscape in the 1980s by partnering with international studios to expand Hello Kitty's reach beyond merchandise, beginning with the co-production of Hello Kitty's Furry Tale Theater in 1987 alongside DIC Enterprises and Toei Animation for Western broadcast on CBS. This marked the character's debut in animated television, targeting global audiences through American distributors while Sanrio maintained creative oversight from Japan.[8] Concurrently, Sanrio cultivated domestic partnerships, such as with TV Tokyo, which later aired series like Hello Kitty's Paradise starting in 1999 to engage Japanese viewers.[9] Key production milestones included the 1987 premiere as the franchise's animation cornerstone, followed by a pivot in the 2000s toward educational programming, exemplified by the OVAs Growing Up with Hello Kitty (1994–1998), which emphasized social and behavioral learning for young audiences.[10][11] The 2010s ushered in a digital surge, with web-based shorts proliferating on platforms like YouTube via Hello Kitty and Friends Supercute Adventures from 2020 and Amazon Kids+' Hello Kitty: Super Style! (2022), produced by Watch Next Media, Monello Productions, and Maga Animation Studio in collaboration with Sanrio, adapting to streaming demands for bite-sized content.[12][13] Production evolved amid challenges, including outsourcing animation to cost-effective Korean studios like Studio Tomorrow for mid-2000s projects such as Hello Kitty: Stump Village in 2005, reflecting broader industry trends in Asia-Pacific collaboration.[14] Post-2010, emphasis shifted to short-form streaming episodes produced by international partners, prioritizing global accessibility over traditional TV formats. In 2025, Sanrio announced a crossover series with Moonbug Entertainment featuring Hello Kitty and CoComelon, alongside the stop-motion My Melody & Kuromi on Netflix (July 2025, featuring Sanrio characters including Hello Kitty), with Sanrio focusing on ongoing web content and international co-productions like the upcoming Warner Bros. Pictures Animation feature slated for July 21, 2028, sustained by revenues from worldwide merchandising.[15][16][17]Animation styles and recurring themes
The animation styles in Hello Kitty animated series have evolved significantly, reflecting technological advancements and the character's enduring appeal within Sanrio's portfolio. Early productions from the 1980s and 1990s predominantly employed traditional 2D hand-drawn techniques, characterized by soft pastel colors, detailed line work, and whimsical character designs that emphasized Hello Kitty's simple, mouthless silhouette to convey emotions through expressions and actions.[18] This approach was evident in series adapting fairy tales, where fluid animations brought static illustrations to life with a gentle, storybook-like quality. By the 2000s, a transition to digital 2D animation and Flash-based production became dominant, allowing for smoother movements, vibrant palettes, and cost-effective creation suitable for shorter formats; for instance, claymation stop-motion appeared in unique entries like Stump Village, using tactile clay figures to create a textured, earthy world that contrasted with the typical cel animation.[14] Modern iterations, particularly web-optimized shorts from the 2010s onward, feature streamlined digital 2D with minimalistic backgrounds, bold colors, and exaggerated proportions to facilitate quick consumption on platforms like YouTube, as seen in Supercute Adventures, which mirrors official Sanrio artwork for a seamless, illustrative feel.[19] Additionally, experimental shifts include 3D CGI in series like Super Style!, introducing depth and dynamic camera work while preserving the character's iconic flat design.[20] Recurring themes across these series center on wholesome, child-oriented narratives that promote positive social values, with friendship as a cornerstone—often depicted through collaborative problem-solving among Hello Kitty and her companions like My Melody or Badtz-Maru.[18] Everyday adventures in familiar settings, such as cafes or villages, serve as backdrops for moral lessons on topics like sharing, empathy, and perseverance, reinforcing Sanrio's educational intent for young audiences.[21] Hello Kitty's role as a silent protagonist is a consistent storytelling device, relying on non-verbal cues, gestures, and interactions with voiced friends to drive plots, which underscores themes of understanding without words and inclusivity.[22] These elements draw from kawaii culture's emphasis on cuteness and innocence, where oversized heads and simplified features evoke youthful vulnerability, enhancing global appeal by evoking comfort and relatability.[23] Variations in style and theme provide diversity while maintaining core consistency; for example, fairy tale adaptations incorporate fantastical elements with ornate 2D visuals to retell classics like Cinderella, blending whimsy with subtle lessons on kindness.[18] Educational segments in early 2000s productions integrate direct moral instruction through structured vignettes, using clean digital lines for clarity.[18] The adoption of chibi-style designs in 2010s series amplified kawaii influences, shrinking bodies and enlarging heads for heightened adorability, which supported fast-paced, adventure-driven stories in crossover specials featuring Sanrio ensembles.[18] Production partnerships, such as South Korean-Japanese collaborations, enabled stylistic experiments like stop-motion, enriching the franchise's visual lexicon without altering its thematic focus on gentle, uplifting tales.[14]Pre-2000 series
Hello Kitty's Furry Tale Theater (1987)
Hello Kitty's Furry Tale Theater is an American-Japanese co-produced animated anthology series featuring Sanrio characters in parodies of classic fairy tales and children's stories. Produced by DIC Enterprises, Sanrio, and MGM/UA Television, the series consists of 13 half-hour episodes, each containing two 11-minute segments for a total of 26 stories, which aired on CBS in the United States from September 19 to December 12, 1987.[24][2] The show targets Western audiences, with Hello Kitty serving as the cheerful director of a theater troupe that includes friends like Tuxedo Sam, My Melody, Chip, and antagonists Catnip and Grinder, all portrayed as anthropomorphic animals reenacting tales such as Cinderkitty (a version of Cinderella) and Snow White and the Seven Little Pigs.[25][26] The English-language voice cast includes Tara Charendoff (later known as Tara Strong) as Hello Kitty in one of her earliest major roles, Mairon Bennett as My Melody, Cree Summer as Catnip, Sean Roberge as Tuxedo Sam, and Greg Morton as Grinder, among others like Len Carlson as Papa Kitty.[27] The animation employs a traditional 2D style typical of mid-1980s Western cartoons, emphasizing vibrant colors and whimsical designs to adapt the source material. Episodes frame the parodies as theatrical performances, blending humor, songs, and moral lessons drawn from the originals. The series marked Sanrio's first major animated television venture aimed at North American audiences, helping introduce Hello Kitty and other characters to U.S. viewers beyond merchandise.[28] Home video releases included two VHS tapes from MGM Home Entertainment in 1998, each featuring four segments plus opening and closing songs, followed by five DVD volumes between 2003 and 2004 compiling the full series.[24] Its legacy endures as a pioneering effort in localizing Sanrio properties for Western television, influencing later adaptations by showcasing the characters' versatility in storytelling formats.[29]Hello Kitty and Friends (1989–1998)
Hello Kitty and Friends is a long-running anthology series of original video animations (OVAs) produced by Sanrio, featuring the titular character alongside other Sanrio mascots in episodic stories that blend everyday scenarios with fantastical elements. Released in Japan from 1989 to 1998, the series comprises 80 OVAs, each approximately 25-30 minutes long, focusing on themes such as holidays, school life, friendships, and moral lessons like kindness and perseverance.[30] These segments often adapt fairy tales or present original tales, with Hello Kitty and her twin sister Mimmy navigating challenges in settings ranging from their home to magical realms.[4] The production emphasized short, self-contained stories suitable for young audiences, drawing brief inspiration from fairy tale adaptations in prior Sanrio works while prioritizing moral education through character-driven narratives. Notable seasonal specials include "Hello Kitty - Cinderella" (1989), in which Hello Kitty assumes the role of the classic protagonist, enduring hardships with the help of animal friends before triumphing through goodness and a magical intervention, underscoring themes of hope and reward for virtue. Another example is "Hello Kitty - The Sleeping Princess" (1991), where Hello Kitty and Mimmy receive an invitation to Princess Sarah's birthday party, but the princess falls into a deep sleep after pricking her finger on a rose thorn, prompting them to embark on a quest to find a cure and wake her, highlighting themes of friendship and determination.[31] Internationally, 30 of the OVAs were selected, dubbed in English, and compiled into a television series that aired on Nickelodeon in the United States during the early 1990s, introducing Western audiences to Sanrio's whimsical world. This dubbed version maintained the episodic structure but adapted dialogues to emphasize educational morals, with additional airings and reruns on various Asian networks, such as in Singapore and the Philippines, extending its reach through the late 1990s. The series' focus on gentle storytelling and life lessons influenced subsequent Sanrio productions, including more structured educational animated series in the 2000s.[32] In the original Japanese version, Megumi Hayashibara provided the voice for Hello Kitty starting from 1990, bringing a soft, expressive tone to the character's innocent personality across most episodes (the 1989 "Cinderella" OVA was voiced by Mami Koyama). Other key Japanese voices included those for supporting characters like Keroppi and Pekkle, though specific credits for the full ensemble vary by OVA. The English dub featured Karen Bernstein as Hello Kitty, delivering a warm, childlike performance consistent with the character's design, alongside Julie Lemieux voicing roles such as Keroppi and various animal friends, and Jill Frappier as additional ensemble members like My Melody.[33][34]Hello Kitty's Paradise (1999)
Kitty's Paradise (キティズパラダイス) is an anime series produced by Sanrio and animated by Group TAC, which aired on TV Tokyo from January 5, 1999, to September 28, 1999, for its first season of 16 episodes. The series centers on Hello Kitty and her twin sister Mimmy in kindergarten, engaging in everyday adventures and imaginative play with friends and family, often exploring themes of friendship, learning, and family bonds through short, wholesome stories. It serves as a follow-up to earlier Hello Kitty OVAs, shifting to serialized kindergarten life narratives while maintaining educational morals about cooperation and kindness.[35][36] The series consists of short episodes, each approximately 10 minutes long, featuring Hello Kitty and her companions in scenarios blending real-life school activities with fantasy elements from their imaginations. Representative episodes include "A Blooming Good Morning" (Episode 1), where Hello Kitty starts her day with family routines and heads to kindergarten; "A Storybook Adventure" (Episode 2), in which the friends act out tales from books during playtime; and "Kitty's Clean Cuisine" (Episode 3), focusing on learning about healthy eating through a cooking activity. The first season covers similar motifs of daily learning and social interactions. The full episode list for the first season is available on official episode guides.[37] The Japanese voice cast includes Megumi Hayashibara as Hello Kitty, providing a cheerful and gentle tone suitable for the kindergarten-themed segments, and Miina Tominaga as Mimmy, Hello Kitty's twin sister, who often participates in group activities. Additional voices feature Sumi Shimamoto as Mama and an actor as Papa, with ensemble casts for friends like Keroppi. The English dub, handled by ADV Films, stars Melissa Fahn as Hello Kitty, Laura Summer as Mimmy, Jennifer Darling as Mama, and Tony Pope as Papa, adapting the content to maintain the series' playful educational vibe.[35][38] The series tied into Sanrio's merchandise line with themed kindergarten accessories and related media. Internationally, it received a limited release primarily in North America and Australia through ADV Films' DVD and VHS volumes, with dubbing rights expiring after initial runs; it saw minimal distribution elsewhere, focusing on markets with strong Sanrio presence, and no widespread streaming availability as of 2025.[35][36]2000s series
Growing Up With Hello Kitty (2001)
Growing Up With Hello Kitty is an educational original video animation (OVA) series produced by Sanrio, consisting of 32 short episodes released in Japan from 1994 to 2001 under the original title Hello Kitty to Issho. Directed by Hiroshi Iwata, the anthology features Hello Kitty and other Sanrio characters in simple, relatable scenarios designed to impart life lessons to young viewers. With the guidance of child education consultant Naomi Abe, the content emphasizes practical skills and social behaviors suitable for early childhood development.[11][10] The series targets preschoolers, using its 8-minute episodes to explore everyday challenges without a fixed recurring cast, allowing flexibility in character appearances across the anthology format. Episodes focus on themes such as healthy eating, sharing, cleaning, and personal hygiene, promoting positive habits through gentle storytelling and visual cues. For instance, one segment illustrates the benefits of consuming vegetables by showing Hello Kitty enjoying a balanced meal with her family, while another demonstrates the value of tidying up toys to maintain a pleasant living space. Additional categories include learning to help others, as in scenarios where characters assist friends in tasks, and basic self-care routines like proper bathroom use to build independence. These brief narratives avoid complex plots, prioritizing clear demonstrations of routines and consequences to aid comprehension.[11][39] The educational impact of the series lies in its role as an accessible tool for parents and caregivers, fostering moral and practical understanding in toddlers through non-didactic animation. By presenting relatable Sanrio characters in familiar settings, it encourages empathy and routine-building, contributing to early socialization without overt instruction. In the United States, AnimEigo released an English-dubbed version on DVD starting in 2012, with themed volumes such as Hello Kitty Eats Her Vegetables (covering nutrition and family meals) and Hello Kitty Learns to Share (focusing on cooperation and politeness), which were also available in double-feature editions for repeated viewing in home or educational environments. These releases extended the series' reach, making it a staple for preschool learning media.[40][41]Hello Kitty's Animation Theater (2001)
Hello Kitty's Animation Theater, known in Japanese as Sanrio Anime Sekai Meisaku Gekijō (サンリオアニメ世界名作劇場), is a Japanese animated television series produced by Sanrio in collaboration with animation studio Group TAC.[42] The series consists of 26 short episodes, each approximately 12 minutes long, structured as 13 paired segments that adapt classic fairy tales and folktales using Sanrio characters such as Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Badtz-Maru in lead roles.[42] Directed by Yoshio Kuroda, with character designs by artists including Hideyuki Funakoshi and music by Eri Takeda, it originally aired in Japan from April 3, 2001, to December 21, 2001, compiling and presenting remastered animated shorts produced by Sanrio during the 1980s and 1990s.[42] These segments draw from global literary sources, reimagining stories like those by the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen with a gentle, child-friendly tone characteristic of Sanrio's style.[43] The production emphasized archival material over new content, with limited original animation to connect the shorts into a cohesive broadcast format, targeting both young audiences and nostalgic viewers familiar with earlier Sanrio adaptations.[42] Broadcast initially in select international markets as early as 1987 (such as on Cadena Uno in Colombia from September 19 to December 12), the 2001 Japanese run on television channels repackaged these vignettes for domestic viewers, highlighting Sanrio's enduring approach to fairy tale reinterpretations.[42] Later releases included DVD compilations, such as volumes featuring paired stories like "Thumbelina" and others, which preserved the segments for home viewing.[44] Representative episodes showcase diverse Sanrio characters in iconic roles, focusing on themes of kindness, adventure, and moral lessons from classic tales. For instance:| Episode | Segment A | Segment B | Origin Tale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hello Kitty's Snow White | Badtz-Maru's The Boy Who Cried Wolf | Snow White / The Boy Who Cried Wolf |
| 3 | Hello Kitty & Dear Daniel's Hansel and Gretel | My Melody's Little Red Riding Hood | Hansel and Gretel / Little Red Riding Hood |
| 8 | Hello Kitty's Cinderella | Pekkle's The Ugly Duckling | Cinderella / The Ugly Duckling |
| 10 | Keroppi's Aladdin and the Magic Lamp | Hello Kitty's The Little Match Girl | Aladdin / The Little Match Girl |
| 13 | Hello Kitty's The Snow Queen | Hello Kitty's The Three Little Pigs | The Snow Queen / The Three Little Pigs |
