Hello Kitty is a superstar.  Since her birth in 1974, her product line has developed under licensing arrangements and is now worth more than $1 billion in annual sales.  Her popularity also attracted many celebrities such as as Mariah Carey who assimilated Hello Kitty into her fashion collection.  Recently, she was named the ambassador of Japanese tourism in China and Hong Kong (check out our previous blog entry “Hello Kitty, the ambassador“).  So, who is manly enough to date a celebrity like Hello Kitty?  Little do people know she is off the market, possibly involved in a love triangle, or even married.  So who’s the lucky guy?  “Waddup Cat?”  No.  His name is, “Dear Daniel.”

Dear Daniel was introduced as a Sanrio Character in 1999.  Dear Daniel (real name: “Daniel Starr“) was born on May 3 in London.  His hobbies include taking pictures of animals, and he hopes to be professional photographer in the future.  He is very sensitive and naive and is very self-conscious, especially with regard to his outward appearance – the ultra spiky hair is supposedly his trademark.  Additionally, he is also rumored to be a great dancer.

Daniel and Kitty have known each since childhood (kittyhood?).  They shared many interests, but their relationship was never easy.  Daniel had to travel the world with his father who is a professional photographer.  It is rumored that during Daniel‘s stay in Africa, Kitty started developing feelings for Tippy, a strong and kind-hearted bear who constantly competes with Daniel for Kitty’s affection.  One day Kitty’s seemingly unfocused personal life was lifted away with the announcement of her plans to marry Daniel.  However, Kitty’s loyal fans believe the marriage was merely a PR stunt to boost Daniel‘s sinking popularity.

Here’s a music video dedicated to Hello Kitty and Dear Daniel.

unrelated info:

Hello Kitty has a twin sister named “Mimi.”  They look alike, but Mimi is more shy and wears a yellow ribbon on her RIGHT ear as opposed to Kitty wearing hers on the LEFT ear.

SOURCE: Official Japanese SANRIO

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