Yuko Yamaguchi, the designer who shaped Hello Kitty for 46 years, is stepping down. She took over in 1980, five years after Hello Kitty first launched. Under her watch, Hello Kitty grew from a local favorite in Japan to a worldwide star. Sanrio, the company behind Hello Kitty, said Yamaguchi has "passed the baton to the next generation" and thanked her for her long service. She will continue providing advice and support. Yamaguchi, now 70, helped build Hello Kitty into "a character loved by everyone," Sanrio added. Hello Kitty first appeared on a coin purse in 1980. The character quickly became part of the Japanese 'kawaii' culture, known for cuteness and girlish style. Hello Kitty is not truly a cat but described by Sanrio as "not quite a cat either." She is said to be a girl from London, with a twin sister named Mimmy and a boyfriend Dear Daniel. The character’s image can be found everywhere: on clothes, toys, cafes, a theme park in Japan, and even a plane. She has teamed up with big brands like Unicef, Nintendo, and Balenciaga. A Hello Kitty theme park will open soon in China. Fans also see her in the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade. Joining Sanrio is a new designer using the name "Aya" who has already been working with Yamaguchi. Aya will take full responsibility by the end of 2026. Excitingly, Hello Kitty will enter films with a Warner Bros movie set for release in 2028. Though she has appeared in many animations, Hello Kitty is famous for never having a mouth. Yamaguchi’s legacy is clear: she helped turn a simple character into one of the most popular and beloved icons worldwide.