Q1: Jessica from the Philippines
When designing new looks for Hello Kitty, do you invent them by yourself, from your own inspiration? Or do you collaborate with a team, or some type f group of people who brainstorm and put them all together?

A1: Ms Yamaguchi Yuko
All by myself.

Q2: Alex Truong from the USA
Since Hello Kitty has been doing so well in merchandising from cartoons to toys and also the XBOX. What's next for Hello Kitty and the Sanrio Gang?

A2: Ms Yamaguchi Yuko
Well, Hello Kitty follows and adopts changes over time-to-time. Although I have not decided on the future plans yet but I am open to all ideas.

Q3: Marissa from the USA
Did you ever design any other character(s) other than Hello Kitty?

A3: Ms Yamaguchi Yuko
I have also designed many other characters including Pinkncorisu, Brunch & Lunch, Charmmy Kitty and Ayankey.

Q4: Katie P from the USA
I've noticed the Hello Kitty designs in Japan are for fans of all ages, but in North America Hello Kitty designs are more targeted towards a younger audience. Will this change?

A4: Ms Yamaguchi Yuko
Since 1970s', many American singers, artists and celebrities have supported Hello Kitty. Nowadays there are plenty of cute merchandises suitable for all ages.

Q5: Mary Sanchez from the USA
Is there a reason why Hello Kitty is promoted more than her sister Mimi? And why there isn't as much Mimi merchandise in comparison to Hello Kitty's?

A5: Ms Yamaguchi Yuko
Hello Kitty is the leading character of her family. Mimi is part of Hello Kitty's family; she also acts like parents and friends. We also had produced some Mimi's products for her fans.

Q6: Karissma from the USA
I admire your work very much! I would like to ask for your advice. How would you advise to people like me who want to follow in your footsteps?

A6: Ms Yamaguchi Yuko
To pay close attention to all things around you. To understand more things in different aspects will diversify your interests and desires to learn new things.

Q7: Lina Correa from Colombia
Hello Kitty is a worldwide icon. Why do you think she became a celebrity and role model?

A7: Ms Yamaguchi Yuko
Because Hello Kitty's fans pass on their passion of love to their children. This continues through different generations. Also Hello Kitty herself evolves and adapts to time accordingly.

Q8: Ronisha from the USA
How did the name Hello Kitty come about? Does she have a name in each language?

A8: Ms Yamaguchi Yuko
Well...her name came from the story of Alice in Wonderland. There was a white cat which was named Kitty inside the story. (Pointing at her handbag with Alice in Wonderland image)

Q9: Brynna from the USA
Where do you get your inspirations from when designing Hello Kitty, her friends, and family?

A9: Ms Yamaguchi Yuko
After Hello Kitty was born on the 1974, I thought she would need family and friends, like many of us do. I did not want her to be lonely and so I designed other characters, such as her family and friends. f.

Q10: Barbara (sevastra000) from France
What was your first source of inspiration to create Hello Kitty's character?

A10: Ms Yamaguchi Yuko
I wanted to create a character that related to our lives. That is why her character is very sweet, kind and friendly to everyone. The only difference is I wanted her to be better in every aspect, in which she can be a role model to her fans. As a result, Hello Kitty's fans can have a positive personal development such as their characters and lifestyles.

Q11: Celeste Junnor from Glasgow, Scotland
I love Hello Kitty!!! What is your favorite Hello Kitty item that you have designed?

A11: Ms Yamaguchi Yuko
Her pinky kilt series! Look at my bag. I have ten of them!

Q12: Maria Soares from Portugal
In which manner do you think Hello Kitty as a international star should have more social responsibilities.

A12: Ms Yamaguchi Yuko
Let me think… Hello Kitty never thought of such difficult things! But as a woman, she would support women to stand for women's rights. She is actively promoting the Pink Ribbon Campaign.

Q13: Fan from Hong Kong
How did you approach to re-design Hello Kitty in the '80s?

A13: Ms Yamaguchi Yuko
At the time, Hello Kitty did not have much of a fan base. In fact, only few people knew about her. We showed some mock designs to people in outlets and beg for their feedbacks. Through this investigation we found out what the market wanted, so I have re-deigned Hello Kitty.

Q14: Fan from Hong Kong
What do you think is behind Hello Kitty's continued popularity?

A14: Ms Yamaguchi Yuko
Probably it's the fact that Kitty changes with the times and always looks fresh. People therefore feel close to her.

Q15: Fan from Hong Kong
Who decided that Hello Kitty would not have a mouth and why?

A15: Ms Yamaguchi Yuko
Hello Kitty has a mouth, but we did not draw it. If we have drawn her mouth, it would be so easy to read her emotions. We felt it would be better to keep people in mystery, so you could guess and create her feelings on your own.