Resonance Media

May 15, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JAPAN HOUSE LOS ANGELES ANNOUNCES US DEBUT OF
YOSHIKI’S PERSONAL “yoshikitty” DOLLS
AT “YES, KAWAII IS ART -EXPRESS YOURSELF-” EXHIBITION

“yoshikitty” is First Sanrio Character Based on Real Person,
Modeled After JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles Advisor and International Music Icon

JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles and international music icon YOSHIKI jointly present “yoshikitty” dolls during the “Yes, KAWAII is Art -EXPRESS YOURSELF-” exhibition currently open in Hollywood. The limited-time display from May 16 to August 31, 2024, marks the U.S. debut of the first Sanrio character to be modeled after a real person – YOSHIKI.

YOSHIKI, who recently became the first Japanese artist to receive the globally recognized hand and footprints at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, was appointed an official advisor to JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles in 2023 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and has been connected to the cultural project since performing at the grand opening in 2018.
JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles invited YOSHIKI to display his personal “yoshikitty” dolls as his global achievements embody the exhibition’s concept, where “King of Kawaii” Sebastian Masuda highlights the evolution of Japanese kawaii culture into a global phenomenon encompassing fashion, art, technology, and even social behavior. The appearance of “yoshikitty” is accompanied by special video commentary by Hello Kitty designer, Yuko Yamaguchi.

The rare dolls, dressed in outfits inspired by YOSHIKI’s classic stage performances, have never officially been presented before in the U.S. The unique character is currently competing in the global Sanrio Character Ranking for the 10th consecutive year. In regional voting, “yoshikitty” has been ranked #1 in Brazil, China, France, Germany, and Thailand.

“YOSHIKI continues to serve as a bridge between Japan and the world with this latest collaboration,” said Yuko Kaifu, president, JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles. “We’re delighted to have ‘yoshikitty’ make a rare appearance at our current exhibition, which brings together Sebastian Masuda’s multiple artworks while introducing his personal story of sharing kawaii with the world. The multimedia presentation gives a deep dive look at the origins of the colorful kawaii style, beyond its perception as a fashion look or trend.”

Yes, KAWAII is Art -EXPRESS YOURSELF-
Location: JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles Gallery, Level 2
Dates: Now through Sunday, November 3, 2024
Admission: Free

Walk-ins are welcome as space allows and the gallery is open daily from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Mon. – Fri.) and 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Sat. – Sun.). For more information, visit the JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles website and social channels: Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and LinkedIn.

ABOUT YOSHIKI
YOSHIKI is a classically-trained pianist, rock drummer, and has been named “one of the most influential musicians and composers in Japanese history”. Led by YOSHIKI, his band X JAPAN has sold over 30 million albums and singles and sold out the 55,000-seat Tokyo Dome a record-breaking 18 times. In 2023, YOSHIKI made his directorial debut with the documentary YOSHIKI: Under the Sky. Yoshiki is the first Japanese artist to be honored with a hand and footprint ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. In 2024, his high-fashion brand MAISON YOSHIKI PARIS opened Milan Fashion Week, and he was recently awarded with Variety magazine’s prestigious International Achievement in Music.

Website: https://www.yoshiki.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoshikiofficial/
yoshikitty Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoshikitty_official

ABOUT JAPAN HOUSE
JAPAN HOUSE is an innovative, worldwide project with three hubs – London, Los Angeles, and São Paulo – conceived by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. It seeks to nurture a deeper understanding and appreciation of Japan in the international community. Occupying two floors at Ovation Hollywood, JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles offers a place of new discovery that transcends physical and conceptual boundaries creating experiences that reflect the best of Japan through its spaces and diverse programs.

Location: 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028
Website: www.japanhousela.com

* “yoshikitty” is stylized in all lowercase.
Photo courtesy of YOSHIKI

Hello Kitty designer Yuko Yamaguchi explains the creation of yoshikitty in a new video on YouTube.

– The video interview (subtitled in English) was previously only available as a Blu-ray extra on the documentary film We Are X.
– Yamaguchi also shares insights on fashion, the creative process, and her relationship with YOSHIKI – leader of the rock bands X JAPAN and THE LAST ROCKSTARS.
– yoshikitty is the first Sanrio character to be modeled after a real person.

*yoshikitty is stylized in all lowercase

April 11, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

YOSHIKITTY SELECTED TO COMPETE AGAINST HELLO KITTY IN GLOBAL SANRIO CHARACTER RANKING FOR NINTH STRAIGHT YEAR

yoshikitty has been selected to compete against Hello Kitty in Sanrio’s global voting competition for the ninth straight year. yoshikitty is the first Sanrio character to be modeled after a real person, YOSHIKI – leader of the rock bands X JAPAN and THE LAST ROCKSTARS.

Voting runs from April 11 at 11:00am JST through May 26 at 5:00pm JST. Fans can support their favorite character by voting every day from all their devices and through purchases at Sanrio stores in Japan.
https://ranking.sanrio.co.jp/en/characters/yoshikitty/

yoshikitty has been nominated in the Sanrio Character Ranking every year since 2015 and was voted more popular worldwide than Hello Kitty in 2018 among over 450 different characters. In regional voting, yoshikitty has been ranked #1 in Brazil, China, France, Germany, and Thailand.

YOSHIKI said, “I’m so moved by how strongly yoshikitty has been embraced by fans all over the world. I hope yoshikitty can keep inspiring others.”

Hello Kitty designer Yuko Yamaguchi – who also designed yoshikitty – explains the true story of yoshikitty’s origin in a new YouTube video from the Blu-ray release of We Are X, the award-winning documentary film about YOSHIKI and his band X Japan.

WATCH: Hello Kitty Designer Yuko Yamaguchi Reveals the True Story of yoshikitty

WATCH: yoshikitty at Evening/Breakfast with YOSHIKI 2023

YOSHIKI will visit Sanrio Puroland with yoshikitty on April 11 at 9:00pm JST for a special broadcast of Yoshiki Channel, which can be viewed worldwide on YouTube:
https://youtube.com/live/0ZUvrGOxDck

Sanrio is the world’s largest entertainment company focusing exclusively on “kawaii” (cute) merchandise from Japanese popular culture. With over 450 popular characters, Sanrio’s global media and retail network includes theme parks, stores, television, film, and mobile games.

38th Annual Sanrio Character Ranking
Voting period: April 11 (Tue.) to May 26 (Fri.)
*Start: 11:00 on April 11 (Tue.)
*End: 17:00 on May 26 (Fri.)

Announcements:
*1st Day results (1st to 10th place): April 13 (Thu.) 13:00
*”Sanrio+” member-only announcement (1st to 20th place): April 28 (Fri.) appx. 12:00
*Interim announcement (1st to 20th place): May 11 (Thu.) 13:00
*Results announcement (1st to 90th place) June 11 (Sun.) TBD

All times JST; subject to change.

YOSHIKI Official Website: https://www.yoshiki.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoshikiofficial/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/yoshiki

yoshikitty Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoshikitty_official
yoshikitty Twitter: https://twitter.com/yoshikitty
yoshikitty Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YoshikittyOfficial

April 8, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 8, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

X Japan Leader YOSHIKI Reveals Fan-Favorite Hello Kitty Style Icon ‘yoshikitty’ to Compete in Worldwide Sanrio Character Ranking Contest

yoshikitty, the beloved collaboration between Hello Kitty and YOSHIKI – leader of the legendary band X JAPAN and one of the most influential composers in Japanese history – is nominated for the 8th straight year in the 37th Annual Sanrio Character Ranking contest, following years of unprecedented success.

Capturing the public’s heart, yoshikitty has dominated the fan voting each year since debuting in the international competition which nominates 80 of the top characters from among more than 450 Sanrio personalities. With YOSHIKI’s vast international fanbase, yoshikitty often leads the rankings, boasting an all-time high of third place worldwide. Last year, yoshikitty fought a fierce competition and claimed first place in Italy, Germany, France, and Thailand. yoshikitty has also been ranked first place in Brazil and second place in China in past years.

Over the last decade, yoshikitty has become associated with leading name brands and over 500 diverse products ranging from high fashion clothing, jewelry, postage stamps, and even a $10,000 solid gold figurine.

yoshikitty was introduced by the Sanrio brand in 2009 and takes cues from real-life muse and Japanese music icon YOSHIKI. In addition to selling over 50 million singles and albums combined with his band X Japan, YOSHIKI has headlined the world’s largest stages, including the Coachella Music Festival, London’s Wembley Arena, and Japan’s premier venue Tokyo Dome which he sold out a record-breaking 18 times. YOSHIKI has collaborated with Beatles producer Sir George Martin, Queen, Sarah Brightman, The Chainsmokers, Bono, will.i.am, and St. Vincent. No stranger to the Hello Kitty family, he composed the official Hello Kitty theme song and dedicated the anthem to his close friend Tsuji Kunihiko, the son of Sanrio founder Shintaro Kunihiko.

This year, voting starts April 7th at 7PM PDT and goes through May 22nd at 9PM PDT. Fans are eligible to vote daily from all devices.

Result Announcement Schedule:
First update: April 12, 9PM (PDT)
Interim result 1: April 26, 8PM (PDT) *In Sanrio + app only
Interim result 2: May 11, 9PM (PDT)
Final result: June 12

Use all devices to vote online for yoshikitty here: https://ranking.sanrio.co.jp/en/characters/yoshikitty/

YOSHIKI Official Website: https://www.yoshiki.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoshikiofficial/

June 11, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The results of the prestigious “2021 Sanrio Character Ranking Contest” were announced on Tuesday, June 8th, and yoshikitty has again captured the hearts of anime fans globally, claiming the number one spot in four countries: Italy, Germany, France, and Thailand. Inspired by the leader of the biggest rock band in Japanese history, X Japan, yoshikitty not only has loyal anime fans, but also the passionate fan base of international icon Yoshiki backing them to the top.

(more…)

June 9, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

YOSHIKITTY DEFEATS HELLO KITTY TO WIN NO.1 IN FRANCE, GERMANY, AND BRAZIL, NO.2 IN CHINA
BELOVED CHARACTER REACHES THE TOP 10 FOR FIFTH STRAIGHT YEAR IN SANRIO CHARACTER RANKING

The final results of the 2020 Sanrio Character Ranking were announced on June 8, and Yoshikitty defeated Hello Kitty to win no.1 in France, Germany, and Brazil, and no.2 in China.

(more…)

April 15, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

YOSHIKI x HELLO KITTY COLLABORATION CHARACTER NOMINATED IN 34TH SANRIO CHARACTER RANKING

YOSHIKITTY CELEBRATES 10TH BIRTHDAY WITH NEW ILLUSTRATION BOOK AND OFFICIAL TIKTOK LAUNCH

Yoshikitty, the collaboration between Hello Kitty and YOSHIKI – composer, rock drummer, and leader of X JAPAN – is nominated once again in the 34th Annual Sanrio Character Ranking contest this year.

Yoshikitty has climbed higher each year since debuting in the competition four years ago – ranking 12th place in 2015, moving up to 7th place in 2016 and 2017, and breaking into the Top 3 in 2018, beating popular rivals such as the original Hello Kitty and My Melody. Yoshikitty also received the highest number of overseas votes, ranking Number 1 in the regional rankings in China, Italy, Germany, and France.

(more…)

July 1, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RMMS-Yoshikitty-Sanrio-Ranking-2018-Top-3-A

Yoshikitty’s worldwide popularity has taken a great leap forward by placing third in the 2018 Sanrio Character Awards, announced July 1st at Sanrio Puroland in Tokyo.

This year’s results mark the highest ranking ever for Yoshikitty, who has now placed in the top 10 for three years in a row. The popular character, based on X Japan leader YOSHIKI and created by Hello Kitty designer Yuko Yamaguchi, also achieved first placed in the regional rankings in China, Italy, Germany, and France.

(more…)

May 25, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RMMS-Yoshikitty-2018-Sanrio-ranking-Top3-A

Fueled by massive international fan support, Yoshikitty — the popular Sanrio character based on X JAPAN leader, YOSHIKI — is now in a close 3-way race for the top spot in Sanrio’s annual Character Ranking Contest.

In this week’s midway results announcement, Yoshikitty achieved #1 in the regional rankings in five countries (South Korea, China, Italy, Germany, and France), scoring #1 on Rakuten Ichiba’s official Sanrio shopping site “Sanrio Zone” and #3 overall worldwide. Only 20,000 total votes separate the top 3 characters, with the remainder of the 100 eligible characters trailing by large margins.

(more…)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 17, 2018

RMMS-Yoshikitty-Sanrio-Ranking-2018-drums-1

Yoshikitty — the popular Sanrio character based on X JAPAN’s leader, YOSHIKI — got off to one of her strongest starts ever in Sanrio’s annual Character Ranking Contest. In the initial results released after voting began May 10th, Yoshikitty ranked 4th on the very first day, while the original Hello Kitty ranked 3rd.

YOSHIKI aims to have the character rank first this year, with the help of powerful backup from fans across the globe who can vote daily to support the spiky-haired, headbanging rock star of Sanrio’s lineup.

https://sanriocharacterranking.com/en/characters/yoshikitty/

(more…)