YOSHIKI to Compose Official Theme Song for Hello Kitty's 50th Anniversary

Jan 09, 2024 | News On Japan

TOKYO - Renowned musician of rock band X JAPAN has been chosen to compose the official global theme song for the popular Sanrio character Hello Kitty, in celebration of its 50th anniversary in 2024.

YOSHIKI and Hello Kitty have a history of collaborations, including the "yoshikitty" merchandise line. Hello Kitty has also made appearances on YOSHIKI's own program "YOSHIKI CHANNEL" and performed at YOSHIKI's annual dinner shows, fostering a close relationship over the years. In this milestone 50th anniversary year for Hello Kitty, YOSHIKI will contribute to the festivities with an official global theme song dedicated to his dear friend.

YOSHIKI expressed his honor in being part of such a significant anniversary: "Congratulations to Kitty-chan on your 50th anniversary. I am truly honored to be offered the opportunity to compose the official global theme song for such a wonderful anniversary year. Through our friendship, I've come to understand the many reasons why Kitty-chan is loved by people all over the world. She always brings smiles to everyone, and she has an inner strength that I admire. I intend to compose a song that will let more people know about the many wonderful aspects of Kitty-chan. Many people are currently facing sad and difficult times. With this song, I aim to lift the spirits of everyone who listens to it. Please look forward to it."

The 50th anniversary of Hello Kitty, which will be celebrated until December 31, 2024, is being branded as the "50th Anniversary Year," with the theme "Friend the Future. Let's become friends with the future." Various initiatives are planned to commemorate this landmark year.

Martinelli Breaks Japan Hearts as Brazil Win 2-1 in World Cup Thriller

Japan’s World Cup campaign ended in the cruelest possible fashion on June 29, as Gabriel Martinelli scored in the fifth minute of stoppage time to give Brazil a 2-1 victory over the Samurai Blue in their knockout match in Houston. Japan had led in the first half and were still level at 1-1 in the final moments, but Martinelli’s late strike sent Brazil into the Round of 16 and eliminated Japan from the tournament.

Strong Quakes Strike Japan 11 Times Since April

Strong earthquakes have continued to shake parts of Japan in recent weeks, with 11 temblors measuring lower 5 or above on the Japanese seismic intensity scale recorded across the country since April 2026.

First Train of the Day Derails at Kintetsu Kyoto Station

A Kintetsu Railway train derailed inside Kyoto Station on the morning of June 29, forcing partial suspensions on the Kintetsu Kyoto Line for the rest of the day and causing long delays that hit commuters, students and tourists.

Hikone Castle Stone Wall Collapses After Typhoon Deluge

A section of stone wall at Hikone Castle, one of Japan’s few surviving original Edo-period castles and a National Treasure whose main keep remains intact more than 400 years after its construction, collapsed after heavy rain caused by Typhoons No. 7 and No. 8, Hikone city officials said.

Japan Books Spot in World Cup Knockout Stage After Sweden Draw

Japan advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup after a 1-1 draw with Sweden on June 25, finishing second in Group F and setting up a Round of 32 clash with Brazil in Houston.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Entertainment NEWS

Akihiro Miwa, Stage Icon and Voice of Princess Mononoke, Dies at 91

Akihiro Miwa, the singer and actor whose career spanned chanson, theater, film, television and voice acting, died of old age on June 20 at the age of 91, her management office said.

Hiroji Miyamoto Marks 60th Birthday With Studio Performance

Hiroji Miyamoto, one of Japan’s leading rock singers, marked his 60th birthday with an appearance on News23, reflecting on a life spent in music and performing the program’s ending theme, "Close Your Eyes," in the studio.

GirlsFromAsia Review: 5 Features That Define the Platform Experience

When exploring an online dating platform for the first time, it helps to know which features actually shape the experience — and which ones are just window dressing.

Loneliness, peace and calm in Japan

Aesthetic calm and peace in japan.

Japan Expands Copyright to Include Background Music

Japan's parliament on June 17 enacted a revised copyright law that creates a new right allowing singers, musicians, and record companies to receive royalties when their recorded music is used as background music in commercial facilities such as cafes in Japan and overseas.