Hello Kitty designer Yuko Yamaguchi made her final visit to Hong Kong this month, attending a signing at the Central Sanrio Gift Gate flagship store and appearing at the Hong Kong Comics and Animation Game Show 2026 (ACGHK 2026), Sanrio said.
Sanrio, in a statement and in event photos released to media, said Yuko Yamaguchi has led Hello Kitty design since 1980 and has refreshed the character through new looks and story elements for decades. Her career spans 46 years, Sanrio noted, and included creative work on characters such as Dear Daniel and Charmmy Kitty.
Hello Kitty designer Yuko Yamaguchi at the show
The public events drew large crowds at the convention center, where fans lined up for the signing and a short stage appearance. Organizers said the focus was on meeting the designer and the character together on stage, rather than on any product launch.
Also onstage were Hong Kong celebrities who are long-time fans, including actress Sisley Choi and pop personality Helen@IdG Sundae, along with Elva and Fiona of the soon-to-debut group IdG 2%. Sanrio provided high-resolution photos showing multiple moments of interaction between the designer, the character, and fans.
Fans and celebrities on site
Sisley Choi, who has publicly collected Hello Kitty items since childhood, received a personal signature from Yuko Yamaguchi at the event. Choi told reporters that Hello Kitty is more than a character to her, it is a companion through life and memory.
Helen@IdG Sundae said her mother introduced her to Hello Kitty, and the character became a shared memory across generations. Helen@IdG described meeting Yuko Yamaguchi as a meaningful moment, and she kept photos and the signed memento from the session.
A collector’s perspective
Sisley Choi showed reporters a selection from her collection, which she said includes more than 100 Hello Kitty items. She said Yuko Yamaguchi’s ongoing additions and collaborations have inspired her approach to performing different roles.
Sanrio said the character’s reach beyond stationery and gifts into fashion, art, collaborations, and exhibitions rests on its ability to change expression, wardrobe, and scenes for new eras while keeping the bow as a visual core.
Farewell and continuation
Sanrio described the visit as Yuko Yamaguchi’s last trip to Hong Kong in her capacity as the character’s lead designer, giving the signing added farewell resonance. Yuko Yamaguchi said she focuses less on revisiting old designs and more on preparing the next surprise for fans.
Sanrio has not detailed who will take over creative responsibilities after Yuko Yamaguchi steps back. For fans who attended the events in Central and at ACGHK 2026, the meetings turned a 46-year creative chapter into a live, shareable moment.
Photos and a short statement were provided by Sanrio and by the Hong Kong event organizers. For event details and official images, Sanrio’s press materials and the Hong Kong Comics and Animation Game Show 2026 media page were cited.