"Characters must have certain qualities, like an oversized round face, short limbs and plump body," says economist Takuro Morinaga, an expert of popular culture. Innovative design and clever marketing also helped expand her fan base around the world, says Christine Yano, anthropologist and author of Pink Globalization: Hello Kitty's company, Sanrio Co., which specializes in designing and making a wide range of products in the booming "cute" business, created her as a character 40 years ago. According to Sanrio, her real name is Kitty White, born Nov.