Sanrio Launches Global Campaign to Share a Hug with Hello Kitty!

In celebration of beloved pop culture icon Hello Kitty's 40th anniversary, Sanrio has announced Share a Hug with Hello Kitty!, a global "hugathon" which will make its way to the United States starting on International Hug Day, January 21, 2014. The campaign started in Japan in late 2013 and focuses on bringing smiles to Hello Kitty fans of all ages around the world - a philosophy to which Hello Kitty has remained true over the past 40 years.

To promote the campaign, Hello Kitty will appear at special events around the world where she will give hugs to her fans and spread the message of fun and friendship. At every appearance, the hugs will be tallied and added to the Global Hug Report, which will be displayed on http://www.sanrio.com/global-hug-report/. Limited edition 40th anniversary commemorative products can be found on Sanrio.com and at select Sanrio boutique stores. Updates will also be available on Hello Kitty's social media platforms where fans will be encouraged to tag and share their posts using #HelloKittyHugs. This unique initiative is geared toward honoring and celebrating the ever-loyal and beloved Hello Kitty fans, while promoting the company philosophy of friendship, happiness and community.

The launch of the Share a Hug with Hello Kitty! campaign in the U.S. is the first of many special events and activities surrounding Hello Kitty's 40th anniversary. Further details on additional events and collaborations will follow later this year.

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About Sanrio
Sanrio is the global lifestyle brand best known for pop icon Hello Kitty, who is celebrating her 40th Anniversary this year. Home to many endearing characters including Chococat, My Melody, Badtz-Maru and Keroppi, Sanrio was founded on the 'small gift, big smile' philosophy - that a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages. Since 1960, this philosophy has served as the inspiration for the broad spectrum of unique products and experiences. Today, more than 50,000 Sanrio-branded items are available in over 70 countries and upwards of 15,000 U.S. retail locations including department, specialty, national chain stores and over 80 Sanrio boutiques. For more information please visit www.sanrio.com and www.facebook.com/hellokitty.

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Orsi Public Relations Dyann Hawkins/Sarah Danley (323)874-4073
dyann@orsipr.com/Sarah@orsipr.com