Hello Kitty is a female white Japanese bobtail cat with a red bow that was designed by Japanese illustrator Yuko Shimizu and was added to the lineup of early Sanrio characters nearly forty years ago. Hello Kitty first appeared in the United States in 1976. According to Sanrio, Hello Kitty is a British character. Originally marketed for young girls, Hello Kitty's appeal has branched out and now envelopes adult consumers. She can be found on a variety of products, including school supplies, fashion accessories and, of course, now on GardenFun merchandise. Hello Kitty is also the main character at the two Japanese Sanrio theme parks, Harmonyland and the indoor Sanrio Puroland.