Hello Kitty and friends to connect with fans online and off: Sanrio exec

TOKYO -- Sanrio, the Japanese company behind Hello Kitty, aims to expand the licensing business through both digital and in-person channels, senior executive Seiichiro Matsumoto told Nikkei in a recent interview, as part of a push to boost brand recognition of its characters.

Sanrio's earnings have been underpinned by merchandise sales and theme parks at home as well as licensing operations, especially abroad. The company projects a second year of record group operating profit in the fiscal year ending March 2025, driven in part by the licensing business.