Breaking News English

creators of one of world's most widely-recognised cartoon characters have set record straight. Japanese toymaker Sanrio have declared that its iconic creation Hello Kitty is not cat. The bombshell came to light following publicity for upcoming exhibition on character at Japanese American National Museum. The curator of exhibition, anthropologist Christine R Yano, said she received mail from Sanrio correcting her script for show. Ms Yano confirmed that: "Hello Kitty is not cat. She is little girl. She is friend….She's never depicted on all fours. She walks and sits like two-legged creature." The Sanrio website states Kitty is " bright little girl with heart of gold."

Hello Kitty has taken world by storm since its introduction in 1974. It has become ubiquitous worldwide, adorning everything from chopsticks to airplanes. Japanese carmaker Daihatsu even sold specially branded Hello Kitty car. It had Kitty-emblazoned upholstery, speedometer with character's face etched into glass and Kitty-shaped gear stick. creators designed character's face to epitomise cuteness. Sanrio account for her lack of mouth, saying she doesn't have one because she speaks with her heart. Social media has been abuzz with revelation that Kitty is girl. Rapper Mike Shinoda tweeted: "This is worse than finding out Pluto is not planet."