Fujiya, a bakery founded in 1910 in the port city of Yokohama. Known for introducing shortcakes and holiday treats to Japan, Fujiya had already won hearts. But in 1951, amidst food shortages and rationing, they released something meant to soothe and sweeten the national mood: a soft, creamy candy simply called Milky.
And with Milky came its unforgettable face Peko-chan.
She looked about six years old, with round rosy cheeks, pigtails, and a cheeky tongue sticking out to the side in cartoonish delight. Her design was inspired, in part, by Western animation trends of the time but she was distinctly Japanese in spirit.
Hello Kitty was created in 1974 by the Japanese company Sanrio and designed by artist Yuko Shimizu. First appearing on a small vinyl coin purse, the character quickly gained popularity for her simple, endearing design and lack of a mouth intended to let people project their own feelings onto her.
• Tin Metal
• 8” Length, 3.5” Width, 6”Height
Fujiya, a bakery founded in 1910 in the port city of Yokohama. Known for introducing shortcakes and holiday treats to Japan, Fujiya had already won hearts. But in 1951, amidst food shortages and rationing, they released something meant to soothe and sweeten the national mood: a soft, creamy candy simply called Milky.
And with Milky came its unforgettable face Peko-chan.
She looked about six years old, with round rosy cheeks, pigtails, and a cheeky tongue sticking out to the side in cartoonish delight. Her design was inspired, in part, by Western animation trends of the time but she was distinctly Japanese in spirit.
Hello Kitty was created in 1974 by the Japanese company Sanrio and designed by artist Yuko Shimizu. First appearing on a small vinyl coin purse, the character quickly gained popularity for her simple, endearing design and lack of a mouth intended to let people project their own feelings onto her.
• Tin Metal
• 8” Length, 3.5” Width, 6”Height
