By Cara Sulieman
JAPAN’S most famous export is getting a Scottish makeover in celebration of her birthday.
Hello Kitty has been gracing lunchboxes across the world since her launch in 1974, and will be celebrating her 35th anniversary later this year.
And to celebrate, designers have come up with a special range of items clad in pink Hello Kitty tartan.
The choice harks back to the cute cat’s British heritage – she is said to live in suburban London.
Lochcarron of Scotland
A Scottish company was asked to design the tartan, which has been registered with the Tartan World Register.
Lochcarron of Scotland came up with the bright pink fabric at the request of Sanrio, who make the iconic toys.
A spokesman for the world-renowned designers said they were happy to promote Scottish culture abroad.
They said: “As a key member and representative of the Scottish Tartan industry, Lochcarron of Scotland were delighted to work closely with the Sanrio Corporation to design the “Hello Kitty Tartan”.
“This has been acknowledged by the Scottish Government, with the “Hello Kitty Tartan” now featuring on it’s official Register of Tartans.
“On this, the 35th Anniversary, Lochcarron of Scotland, are proud to be involved in this project and hope that the various products using the tartan will give pleasure and enjoyment to children and the many people around the world, for ever.”
Alex Salmond
And the Scottish Government welcomed the move, saying that it strengthens the links between the two countries.
First Minister Alex Salmond said: “Scotland’s links with Japan are strong and there is no better time than our year of Homecoming to celebrate them.
“Only today I was privileged to welcome to Scotland the great, great, great grandson of Thomas Glover – the Fraserburgh-born entrepreneur who was the first foreigner to be awarded one of Japan’s top honours, The Order of the Rising Sun.
“The new Hello Kitty tartan is another mark of Scotland’s strong bonds with Japan and will nurture those connections for a new generation. As Scotland celebrates its contributions to the world and global bonds of friendship and family – I’m confident that this new tartan will prove a popular success and bring Kitty closer to her cousin the Celtic Lion.”
International hit
The design will be gracing a variety of merchandise including handbags, a shawl, trinkets and a Kitty teddy bear from September ahead of the cat’s birthday on November 1.
Since the character was launched she has become a sensation, especially in Asia where she is a household institution.
But Hello Kitty is also an international hit, with over 500,000 products being sold in 70 countries around the globe.
Products featuring the cute cat include bags, clothes, fashion accessories and household goods.
The Hello Kitty fan can made toast with her face on it, have the feline emblazed on the car seats and even dress their own pet up in a Kitty outfit.
