Japanese character said to be second-highest grossing media franchise after Pokémon is also a TikTok superstar

She sports a signature red bow, her hobbies are travelling, reading and baking, and – despite celebrating her 50th birthday – stands at only five apples tall.

Called the “CEO of supercute”, Hello Kitty was created by Yuko Shimizu, a Japanese illustrator, half a century ago on Friday.