This year marks Hello Kitty's 50th anniversary and Licca-chan’s 57th. These beloved icons have inspired smiles around the world for decades, and now they’ve come together for a very special interview. Although both are adored by fans of all ages, what exactly makes each of them unique, and what memories do they share of past collaborations? Licca-chan also reveals a recent surprise from Hello Kitty’s activities that amazed her!

Celebrating Hello Kitty’s Anniversary: Licca-Chan’s Thoughts on Their Journey Together

—Hello Kitty, congratulations on your anniversary!

[Hello Kitty] Thank you! It’s all thanks to the countless friends who have supported me and all the people who love Kitty! I feel so happy, remembering all the friends I’ve made around the world. Seeing everyone smile makes Kitty happy, too, and inspires me to keep trying new things to make even more friends smile. This year has been extra special! With the anniversary events and starting TikTok, I’ve been able to meet so many new friends and reconnect with old ones, more than ever before.

[Licca-chan] Congratulations, Kitty! I’ve always adored you! When I got invited to visit your house recently, I had the best time! Next time, come visit me, okay? My whole family—Papa, Mama, Grandpa, Grandma, my little sisters Miki and Maki, and the triplets Kako, Miku, and Gen, plus my puppy Purin-chan—all can’t wait to see you! Let’s stay close forever!

—Both of you have been around for a long time now. What do you think of each other?

[Hello Kitty] Licca-chan, you’re always so stylish, charming, and a joy to everyone around you. You’re someone I truly admire!

[Licca-chan] That makes me so happy! I’m a huge fan of Kitty! Watching you go after your dreams makes me want to keep going after mine too.

Appreciating Each Other’s Unique Charms

—What do you find most charming about each other?

[Hello Kitty] I love how you take on new challenges in everything from fashion to sports!

[Licca-chan] There’s so much I admire! One big thing is how many friends you have worldwide! You’re always so bright and kind, which is something I really love about you too.

[Hello Kitty] I think your social media posts are always so beautiful! They’re filled with photos and messages that make everyone happy, and I feel so inspired every time I see them.

[Licca-chan] Thank you! I follow all of your posts, too! You’re amazing with everything you do. Just hearing your wonderful news makes my day! Mama and I even made plans to go to the Hello Kitty Exhibition together. I can’t wait!

—It’s clear you’re both fans of each other! Kitty, you’ve constantly taken on new challenges over the years. Why is that?

[Hello Kitty] Because I want to connect with friends all over the world! I love thinking about what everyone’s interested in and wondering if it’s something Kitty can do too. I want to try it together with everyone, which is why I’ve taken on so many challenges.

[Licca-chan] Kitty, you’re incredible. I think it takes a lot of courage to start something new! I respect you so much for that. One thing that recently surprised me was your first pitch at Dodger Stadium! The Dodgers even went on to win the World Series! I knew you were going to LA, but when I saw you on TV throwing the first pitch, I was so amazed! The uniform looked adorable on you! I’m already practicing my throw for the day I get to throw a first pitch too! Hee hee!

Favorite Memories and Activities

—Both of you have done so much over the years. Are there any memories that stand out?

[Licca-chan] I have so many! But if I had to name a few, starting the “Licca-chan Phone” in 1968, where fans could talk to me, was unforgettable. And being appointed the “France Tourism Goodwill Ambassador” in 2017, where I could share the beauty of France with everyone through social media, was special too! Recently, I also made a new friend, Mio Imada!

—Kitty, you’ve transformed through so many collaborations. Are there any transformations that stand out?

[Hello Kitty] There are so many, but one of the most fun was dressing up as a bee! A friend suggested it, saying it would look cute on me, so I went for it and totally changed my look!

—You both continue to charm fans of all ages worldwide.

[Licca-chan] Calling them “fans” feels too formal! Since I started social media, I can connect with grown-ups now too, not just little kids. When I get comments or messages from people, some of whom even make clothes for me, I’m so touched. I even try not to blink in photos to give my best pose! Hee hee!

[Hello Kitty] That makes Kitty so happy! I hope to keep making friends with even more people and spreading smiles everywhere!

Embracing the Times

—How have you changed with the times?

[Hello Kitty] I always want to try things that my friends are interested in, but when I added a hibiscus flower and tried out a “kogal style” look, I was so happy to match with everyone! I even did a little skip!

[Licca-chan] I’d love to try that style with you, Kitty! I keep up with the seasons and trends too! In summer, I wear bright colors and sleeveless tops, while in winter, I go for fluffy textures or even kimono outings! Recently, I’ve started “supporting” my favorite things, and I love making ita bags for them! The only tricky part is storing all my clothes. With so many favorites, switching seasons can be a challenge. Plus, coordinating with my school backpack and slippers in the morning turns my outfit choices into a mini fashion show!

Latest Collaboration: A Stylish 50th Anniversary Look

—You’ve collaborated many times, and this year brings “Photogenic Licca in Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Style”!

[Licca-chan] I styled my whole look to celebrate Kitty’s anniversary! The ribbon motif on the dress and accessories is adorable, right? My favorite pieces are the patterned dress and Kitty-inspired headband! I even did my hair and makeup with Kitty in mind.

[Hello Kitty] You look absolutely adorable! I love how you used my ribbon motif in your outfit and even wore a headband to celebrate my anniversary. It made me so happy!

[Licca-chan] Hearing that makes me so happy! Kitty and I have done so many collaborations already, and there are lots of cute clothes from them!

—The photos from this interview turned out so lovely! What would each of you like to do next?

[Hello Kitty] I’d love to keep making new friends and getting closer with all of the friends who have been with me along the way. That would make Kitty so happy!

[Licca-chan] I love these photos, too! There’s so much I want to do, but I hope to continue my career and maybe even appear in a movie or drama one day! I’d be thrilled to spread even more cheer to everyone!

—We’re excited to see what’s next! Any words of encouragement for each other?

[Hello Kitty] Licca-chan, let’s keep spreading smiles together all around the world! I’m counting on you always!

[Licca-chan] Kitty, seeing all the things you accomplish gives me strength! I hope we can keep working and having fun together. I’m counting on you too!

—Lastly, do you have any messages for your fans?

[Hello Kitty] Everyone! Thank you for always supporting Kitty! Let’s stay friends forever!

[Licca-chan] Merci, everyone! There are challenges, but like how everyone encourages me, I want to bring smiles to the world! May good things come your way!

Source : ORICON NEWS