Company History

1960

AugustAs the first step towards building the Social Communication Business, Shintaro Tsuji establishes Yamanashi Silk Center Co., Ltd. with 1 million yen in capital.

1962

Sanrio's first original character design, Strawberry, is produced.

1966

AugustPublished poetry collection entitled "Ai suru Uta (Beloved Songs)." Began planning/retail activities for publications.

1969

DecemberSanrio Greetings Co., Ltd. is established.

1971

DecemberThe first "Gift Gate" shop is opened in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo.

1973

AprilThe company is officially established under its new name, Sanrio Company Co., Ltd.Head office is moved to Gotanda, in Tokyo's Shinagawa Ward.

JuneThe first Sanrio Salon restaurant is opened in Gotanda TOC building, Tokyo.

OctoberSanrio Greetings Co., Ltd. is merged with Sanrio Co., Ltd. Film production activities commence.

1974

The characters Hello Kitty, Patty & Jimmy are created.

DecemberSanrio Film Corporation of America (currently Sanrio, Inc.) is established in Hollywood, California.
U.S. film production and distribution activities commence.

1975

MarchBegan sale of first Hello Kitty product (small purse).

AprilThe monthly print publication Strawberry News is launched.

AugustSanrio's first step into the commercial film industry comes with the release of the animated feature Little Jumbo.

The characters Little Twin Stars, and My Melody are created.

1976

AprilCharacter merchandise licensing activities begin.

MaySanrio, Inc. is established in San Jose, California.

AugustThe first U.S. Gift Gate store opens in Eastridge, California.
The first "Sanrio Festival" is held.

1977

NovemberThe merchandise control and computer divisions are enlarged and moved to Etchujima in Tokyo's Koto Ward.

1978

AprilThe movie Who Are the DeBolts? And Where Did They Get Nineteen Kids? wins an American academy award under the documentary feature category.

MaySanrio launches its fist 70mm animated feature, Winds of Change (a.k.a. Metamorphosis), in the U.S.

JulyThe feature length film Kitakitsune Monogatari (the Glacier fox) opens in domestic movie theaters.

1980

MayA branch office (currently, Sanrio G.m.b.H.) is opened in Hamburg, West Germany to coordinate development of the European market.

1982

AprilSanrio is listed on the second section of the Tokyo stock Exchange.

1984

JanuarySanrio's listing is moved to the first section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

1985

OctoberSanrio's first for-TV animated cartoon, Button Nose, is aired.

1987

JanuaryHead office moves from Gotanda to Osaki, also in Shinagawa Ward.
Established Sanrio Communication World Co., Ltd. (currently Sanrio Entertainment Co., Ltd.) as operating company for Sanrio Puroland.

1988

OctoberSanrio participates in the establishment of Harmonyland Co., Ltd. (currently Sanrio Entertainment Co., Ltd.), in Hijimachi, Oita Prefecture.

1989

SeptemberSanrio opens a second distribution center in Tachikawa City, Metropolitan Tokyo.

1990

AprilSanrio Far East Co.,Ltd. is established.

DecemberSanrio Puroland theme park opens in Tama City, Metropolitan Tokyo.

1991

AprilHarmonyland theme park opens in Hijimachi, Oita Prefecture.

1994

MayHello Kitty is appointed child goodwill envoy of UNICEF in Japan.

2000

AugustThe number of Sanrio shares in one round lot is reduced from 1,000 to 100.

2001

SeptemberSanrio's distribution centers are consolidated and relocated under one roof in Machida city, Metropolitan Tokyo.
The character Cinnamoroll is created.

2004

The character Sugarbunnies is created.

2008

MayHello Kitty appointed as the "tourism ambassador for Visit Japan Campaign in China and Hong Kong" by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Joint development of Jewelpet character.

2009

JulyEstablished Sanrio Entertainment Co., Ltd. for the amalgamated operation of theme parks.